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.

The Uniontown Mall Claire’s is set to close as part of the company’s second Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in seven years.

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.