Fast Company
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How an old meme is giving Claire’s some much-needed attention
Claire’s, a well-known accessory retailer, has become an internet meme, with social media users humorously suggesting it offers various medical and life-event procedures beyond ear piercings. Examples include getting an IUD bedazzled, delivering a baby, or even having a lobotomy performed there. This phenomenon originated on Tumblr with the phrase “I got my lobotomy at Claire’s,” which even inspired physical merchandise. The meme has recently resurfaced on Threads, with users creating increasingly elaborate and absurd scenarios, such as vasectomies with butterfly clips or abortions. Some jokes even incorporate other mall-era brands like Build-a-Bear for these fictional procedures. This unexpected online popularity comes after a challenging period for Claire’s, which included two Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings and numerous store closures. The brand has been actively working to attract younger generations with new strategies. While the meme is not a planned part of their marketing, Claire’s has embraced the viral moment. The company's Threads account, previously inactive, quickly joined the discourse, responding humorously to user posts. This engagement suggests that Claire’s is leveraging the spontaneous attention to maintain cultural relevance.