Claire's history dates back to 1961. After becoming a mall staple in the '90s, the retailer has fallen on hard times and announced US store closures.

Mall-based teen retailer Claire’s, known for helping to usher teens into a key rite of passage _ ear piercing _ but now struggling with a big debt load and changing consumer tastes, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

Claire's filed for bankruptcy in Delaware on Wednesday, marking the second time the jewelry accessories chain geared toward adolescents has entered Chapter 11 proceedings.