News Briefs

Claire’s Stores is once again on the brink.

The tween and teen girls accessories chain is considering filing for bankruptcy for its U.S. operations, reported Bloomberg. Claire’s, which is struggling amid higher import costs from U.S. tariffs and a heavy debt burden, has a roughly $478 million term loan due in December 2026. The company has come under heavy competition from online budget retailers such as Temu and Shein. 

The retailer is working with Houlihan Lokey Inc. to shore up its finances while also exploring a potential sale of all or part of its operations, the report said.

According to its website, Claire’s operates more than 2,750 stores in 17 countries throughout North America and Europe and 190 Icing stores in North America. Claire’s products are also in thousands of in-store shops in retailers North America and Europe. It also has more than 300 franchised Claire’s stores, located primarily in the Middle East and South Africa. 

Claire’s filed for bankruptcy in March 2018 and emerged later that year under new owners Elliott Management Corp. and Monarch Alternative Capital, who were part of the creditor group that took control of the retailer after it filed. As part of its financial restructuring, Claire’s said it eliminated approximately $1.9 billion of debt from its balance sheet and gained access to $575 million in new capital. 

Starbucks Corp. wants its corporate employees to spend more time in the office. And it's not an option.

The coffee giant said the employees will have to work in the office a minimum of four days a week — Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday — starting in October. The new requirement (up from a previous one of three days) applies to workers in Starbucks’ Seattle and Toronto support centers as well as North America regional offices.  

In a letter to employees, Brian Niccol, the former Chipotle chief who took the reins at Starbucks in September 2024, said that the company was reestablishing its in-office culture because “we do our best work when we’re together. We share ideas more effectively, creatively solve hard problems, and move much faster.“

For workers who decide to “opt out” and leave the company instead of meet the new four-day requirement, Starbucks is offering a “one-time voluntary exit program with a cash payment. 

In addition, Starbucks, which in February asked all VP-plus leaders working remotely to begin relocating to Seattle or Toronto, is now extending the requirement to to all support center “people leaders” who will be expected to be based in Seattle or Toronto within 12 months. Also, hiring for future roles and lateral moves will require partners to be Seattle- or Toronto-based.  

In the letter, Nicole described the new return-to-office policy as part of its turnaround strategy.

[READ MORE: Starbucks' new strategy includes four-minute service, cozier cafes, simpler menu]

“We understand not everyone will agree with this approach,” Niccol wrote. “We’ve listened and thought carefully. But as a company built on human connection, and given the scale of the turnaround ahead, we believe this is the right path for Starbucks.” 

eBay is expanding its assortment of professionally graded collectibles.

In an email to Chain Store Age, eBay said it is unveiling its first-ever public sale of PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator)-graded comic books on its eBay Live livestream shopping platform at 9 p.m. ET Monday, July 14, 2025. PSA is a  trading card authentication and grading eBay has been strategically partnering with for about two years.  

Timed for the San Diego Comic-Con event (July 24-27), the auction will be hosted by top eBay comics seller Shawn Kirkham from Big Clutch Comics and include collectible titles from series including "Invincible," "The Walking Dead," and "Transformers."

 Collectibles represent an increasingly important product category for eBay. The e-tailer recently launched the "Evolving Shop," a limited-time curated shopping experience featuring Pokemon-themed rare trading cards and merchandise in honor of Pokemon’s 29th anniversary.

[READ MORE: ‘Pokemon Day’ returns to eBay – for three days]

eBay has also added the option to add PSA grading to trading card purchases by U.S. card buyers of all individual, raw, non-autographed cards priced $250 and above, with more than two images in the listing. In addition, the company offers a series of exclusive Funko products as part of a collaboration with the pop culture brand, and ran a limited-time promotion featuring collectible “Star Wars” merchandise and memorabilia in May 2024.

Founded in 1995 in San Jose, Calif., eBay enabled more than $73 billion of gross merchandise volume in 2023.

James Avery Artisan Jewelry is expanding its store footprint into new markets.

The family-owned, Texas-based jewelry brand has expanded into Arizona with the opening of two stores, with locations at Arrowhead Towne Center in Glendale and Chandler Fashion Center in Chandler. In addition, James Avery has entered Tennessee with a new store at West Town Mall in Knoxville.  

The company currently has 135 stores in six states, as well an e-commerce site. James Avery jewelry is also available at 245 Dillard's locations and Dillards.com and at 38 Von Maur locations and VonMaur.com, as well as select Army and Air Force Exchange Service locations.

“We continue to see strong growth outside of Texas on JamesAvery.com, which has helped us build meaningful connections with new customers," said Karina Dolgin, chief product and revenue officer. 

The brand, which designs and crafts 90% of its jewelry in Texas, offers finely crafted jewelry designs for men and women in sterling silver, 14K and 18K gold, bronze and gemstones. It is best known for its charm collections, with more than 600 charm designs in sterling silver, 14K gold and mixed metals.

Earlier this year, James Avery was selected as a 2025 “US Best Managed Company.” Sponsored by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal, the program recognizes outstanding U.S. private companies. The 2025 designees are U.S. private companies that have demonstrated excellence in strategic planning and execution, a commitment to their people, as well as maintaining financial performance and governance

“This distinction truly belongs to our associates," said John McCullough, CEO, James Avery Artisan Jewelry. "Their passion, creativity, and dedication to our purpose — to celebrate the goodness of life and help others find meaning and fulfillment — are what make this company so special.”

The country's largest hot dog franchise has officially kicked off its next major growth opportunity.

Wienerschnitzel has signed a seven-unit development deal in the Norfolk and Richmond, Va. markets. Coupled with a recent agreement to open locations inside Walmart stores and engagement with additional non-traditional growth channels, the East Coast deal further strengthens Wienerschnitzel's strategic development plans, the company said.

Veteran franchisee Leon Dickey is spearheading the expansion for the quick-serve brand in Virginia. Prior to joining Wienerschnitzel, Dickey owned and operated multiple McDonald's restaurants in the Tidewater market.

"This is a major milestone for Wienerschnitzel as we expand to the East Coast," said Ted Milburn, director of franchise development for Wienerschnitzel. "Entering Virginia with a seasoned, rock-solid operator who has a strong background in running successful restaurants gives us tremendous confidence in the future of this market. It's a big step in our national growth strategy and the beginning of exciting momentum beyond our traditional footprint."

There are 340 franchised Wienerschnitzel locations in operation throughout 13 states and more than 50 units in various stages of development across the United States. It is part of The Galardi Group, which is also the parent company and franchisor of Hamburger Stand and Tastee Freez.

Circle K is offering legal-age shoppers mobile cashback rebates on beer, wine and spirits, delivered almost instantly after purchase.

The convenience retailer, a subsidiary of Alimentation Couche-Tard, is leveraging the Swiftly alcohol cashback rebate app in more than 4,300 stores across 31 states. The platform automates state-by-state rebate compliance and streamlines the offer submission process for alcohol suppliers. 

This allows Circle K to onboard new campaigns more quickly and operate within the legal framework of each participating state. In addition, Circle K and its supplier partners utilize back-end reporting tools with analytics including redemption rates and product performance by region to support promotional planning and brand-retailer collaboration.

The program also streamlines the rebate experience for shoppers by eliminating traditional mail-in rebates and delivering digital cashback directly to them. Since its initial rollout in May, Circle K says the initiative has improved rebate redemptions and conversion rates in the alcohol category.

"Our customers are looking for convenience and savings, and this program delivers both," said Jeff Lohnes, director of adult beverage for U.S. at Circle K. "By partnering with Swiftly, we’re not only bringing exciting offers to our shoppers but also further enhancing customer loyalty."

Campaigns are supported by in-store signage, digital displays, and a dedicated in-app cashback experience, allowing brands to influence alcohol purchase decisions at the point of sale.

"Together with Circle K, we’re proving that compliant, digital alcohol promotions can be simple, seamless, and powerful," said Henry Kim, co-founder and CEO at Swiftly. "This program enhances the value exchange between brands, retailers, and shoppers — creating stronger loyalty and driving long-term revenue growth."

[READ MORE: Ibotta will provide Instacart customers third-party coupons]