Fashion jewellery retailer Claire's filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States on Wednesday, its second bankruptcy filing after 2018, a court document showed, highlighting a slowdown in consumer spending, leading to lower sales.

The U.S.-based firm listed its estimated assets and liabilities each between $1 billion and $10 billion in a filing with the U.S. bankruptcy court in Delaware.

The retailer, backed by Elliott Management and Monarch Alternative Capital, operates more than 2,750 stores across 17 countries in North America and Europe, according to its website.

Founded in 1961 in Chicago, Claire's sells necklaces, bracelets and accessories including headphones and soft toys.

The company said it has 25,001-50,000 creditors, a court filing showed.

The jewellery retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2018, and filed to go public for the second time in late 2021 after its failed attempt to list in 2013.

Claire's formally withdrew its IPO plans for the second time in June 2023, according to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. - Reuters