It's not about the moneey

Claire's is a retailer of accessories and jewelry to girls and young women. Claire's has over 3,000 locations worldwide: their stores are in 95% of all U.S. shopping malls, and in 33 countries.^[1] Claire's has done more ear piercings than any other retailer, over 80 million in 25+ years.^[2]

Contents [hide] 1 Store types 2 Merchandise 3 History 4 See also 5 References 6 External links

[edit] Store types

A Claire's store in Alpena, Michigan

Claire's Stores operates under two brands:
The majority of stores are of the Claire's store concept, and it is the only concept that operates outside North America. These stores are aimed principally at teens and tweens, and have a kid's section. They average about 1,000 sq. feet, are typically located in malls, and carry the widest selection of merchandise among Claire's brands.^[3] Claire's merchandise is targeted at different age groups ranging from babies to young adults. Customers can find earrings, necklaces, bracelets, purses, hair accessories, and fashion accessories. Claire's stores are merchandised to accommodate these different ages, and fashion trends are manipulated to appeal to all ages.
The second brand is Icing. These stores are targeted towards young women aged 19–28. The merchandise has a higher price point, and is more mature. Most items are accessories and jewelry, but merchandise also includes items like candles, mineral-based cosmetics, and others. Icing typically does not offer licensed merchandise, giving the stores considerably less inventory, creating a less "over-stuffed" feel to customers.^[4]
Other variations of these stores exist, such as an Icing store on Halsted St. in Chicago with marble fixtures and a more "boutique" styling.

[edit] Merchandise

Claire's sells accessories such as costume jewelry, sterling silver and 14kt gold earrings, hypoallergenic earrings, hair accessories, purses, wallets, belts, socks, tights, legwarmers, sunglasses, and hats. Claire's also sells notebooks, pens, and stuffed animals. The stores offer a wide variety of styles in their products, ranging from punk, gothic, emo, and rock chick to pink, glittery, and flowery items. Claire's merchandise is targeted at the fashion forward teen, tween, and young adult. Claire's merchandise directly mimics higher end style trends.
Claire's also carries an assortment of holiday items such as Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, 4th of July, Halloween, and Christmas items.
Nearly all Claire's locations also offer ear piercing. Claire's does not pierce the cartilage of people under 13.
The store carries its own perfume line. Icing also has its own perfume line.

[edit] History

In 1961, Fashion Tress, Inc., the predecessor of present-day Claire's, was established by Rowland Schaefer. Fashion Tress was a manufacturer of wigs and accessories, and went public in over-the-counter trading.
The name was changed to FT Industries, Inc. in 1973, when Schaefer bought the company Claire's Boutiques, Inc., which had operated approximately 60 stores in the Chicago area.
During the early 1980s, Schaefer took the company in a new direction by divesting the manufacturing businesses and focusing the company on specialty retailing of women's fashion accessories.
In 1983, the company name was changed again to the current name, Claire's Stores, Inc. The company was later listed on the NYSE under the symbol CLE.
In 1996, Claire's launched its Icing brand
In 1999, Claire's acquired the 768-store "Afterthoughts" chain from Venator Group, Inc. and converted them to Icing stores.
On May 29, 2007, the company was acquired by private equity firm Apollo Management. Eugene Kahn was appointed CEO.
Since 2000, the company has diversified their merchandise. This has become increasingly noticeable in their electronics and bedroom line.^[5]