Ames Watson will lead with a smaller but stronger footprint

COLUMBIA, Md., Sept. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ames Watson, a privately held investment firm with a track record in revitalizing iconic brands, announces it has acquired mall staple Claire's for $140 million. Ames Watson will modernize and revitalize Claire's by applying its proven playbook for reigniting beloved retailers.  

Claire's has been a nostalgic rite of passage since 1974, where generations have experienced their first piercings and jewelry purchases. As it did when acquiring Lids in 2019 and growing it into a billion-dollar business, for Claire's, Ames Watson will focus on exclusivity, customization, and cultural relevance.

"Claire's is one of those rare brands that defines a stage of life - old enough to buy your first lip gloss, but still young enough to believe it could change your world," said Lawrence Berger, Partner and Co-Founder at Ames Watson. "The passion for this brand has been overwhelming, and we're eager to include the community as we move forward."

With elevated piercing offerings, refreshed merchandise, marketing, and store concepts, the goal is to make every Claire's visit meaningful by creating experiences that cannot be replicated online and keeping the mall a destination for discovery and connection.

"Every turnaround we've done begins with people," said Tom Ripley, Partner and Co-Founder at Ames Watson. "Claire's has an incredibly passionate field team - many with 20 years or more in these stores - and their loyalty will be the foundation of this next chapter."

Ames Watson differentiates itself by investing its own capital, not investors', eliminating short-term performance pressures, and enabling a longer investment horizon. The firm works directly with store employees, merchants, and vendors to manage operations, instead of outsourcing. Ames Watson is committed to preserving Claire's heritage while positioning the company for sustained growth.

Advisors

Paul Hastings LLP is serving as legal counsel to Ames Watson and RCS Real Estate Advisors is serving as a real estate consultant.

About Ames Watson

Founded by Lawrence Berger and Tom Ripley in 2018, Ames Watson is a privately held holding company based in Columbia, Md., which purchases, transforms and partners with companies to create long-term value. Ames Watson has an annual revenue of over $2 billion. Brands owned or invested in by Ames Watson include Lids, LidsU, Champion, South Moon Under, Mitchell & Ness, Ebbets Field, Zygo, Hungry, and Margaux.

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SOURCE Ames Watson