Claire’s plans tech upgrades despite past financial setbacks

Core Insights - Claire's is undergoing a technology transformation to reduce costs and regain market presence after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the second time in seven years [3][4] - The company was acquired by private investment firm Ames Watson for $140 million, which aims to modernize and revitalize the brand [4] Group 1: Financial Challenges and Restructuring - Claire's filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in August, marking its second filing since 2018, due to difficulties in implementing its restructuring plan amid changing consumer buying habits [4] - The acquisition by Ames Watson is part of a strategy to modernize the chain and leverage the loyalty of its experienced field team [4][5] Group 2: Technology Upgrades and Cost Reductions - The company plans to upgrade its legacy systems in 2026, focusing on seamless data and application integrations and implementing a modern point-of-sale platform to enhance customer experiences [8] - Claire's achieved a reduction in Microsoft Azure cloud spending by over 48% year over year through automation and improved governance, alongside optimizing Microsoft 365 licensing [6][7] - The technology initiatives are seen as a growth engine for the company, with a focus on transformation and operational optimization [5][8]