Claire’s: where getting ready is half the fun
June 5, 2021
We make memories
Claire’s, an American retailer of accessories, jewelry, and toys, was founded in 1961. Based in Illinois, Chicago, the company’s products are geared toward tween and teen girls.
In 1973, Fashion Tress, the world’s largest retailer for fashion wigs, acquired Claire’s 25-store jewelry chain and began operating under the new name, Claire’s Accessories, Inc. In 1978 Claire’s Accessories began providing ear piercing services.
During the 1980s, Claire’s Accessories chain grew, with new stores opening across the United States. Topkapi, a Japanese chain of 16 stores, was acquired by Claire’s in 1989.
Throughout the 1990s, Claire’s Accessories continued to grow, acquiring Bow Bangles in 1995, a British chain with 71 stores in England, Wales, and Scotland; two American chains, Icing (85 stores) and Accessory Place (31 stores), in 1996;; and Bijoux One, a Swiss chain, in 1998.
In 1997, the business changed its name to Claire’s.
In 1999, Claire’s purchased Cleopatre, a 42-store Paris chain (along with the American chain), for $11 million cash.
Claire’s made its appearance on the Internet in 2001 with its on-line shopping site, claires.com.
In 2002, the company purchased the US-based clothing chain, Mr. Rags.
Claire’s business offices and distribution centre are located in a suburb of Illinois, Chicago, known as Hoffman Estates. All merchandise is routed through this centre.
Each Claire’s store average’s about 1,000 square feet. There is a Claire’s store in 96 percent of U.S. shopping malls. There’s really something for every age group at Claire’s, from babies, through tweens, teens and even moms. With a wide selection of earrings, necklaces, bracelets, purses, hair accessories, fashion accessories, stuffed animals, makeup, and licensed merchandise, it’s pretty much impossible to leave Claire’s without some special treasure.
Looking for some special accessories for a holiday? You can find it at Claire’s with its assortment of seasonal holiday items, such as for Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, 4th of July, Halloween, and Christmas.
Most Claire’s locations offer ear piercing. All Claire’s staff are fully trained in using the Studex gun.
Gloria Sauvé
Communications and Marketing