Accessories chain expands global footprint
Claire’s Stores has opened its first two stores in China, giving the leading retailer of jewelry and accessories a worldwide presence in 39 countries with nearly 3,500 locations.
The company said it opened stores in the DaNing Life Hub and Grand Gateway Mall in Shanghai and indicated that China represents a significant market opportunity for the Claire's brand.
"We are extremely excited to announce the opening of our first two China stores, and the establishment of our new China division in Shanghai," said Claire’s CEO Jim Fielding. "The China market opportunity is very large within our industry and we have put together an exceptional local management team led by our China managing director, Catherine Kang, to fully develop this very important, unique market."
The company said it spent more than two years preparing to enter China and it planned to bring the best of Clairie’s to the market.
"These first stores are possible because of the tremendous effort and support of our global divisions, as well as the strong partnership we have received from our local partners in China. We are looking forward to building a long-term, successful business in China with their support," Fielding said.
Claire's Stores is best known for its signature Claire’s and Icing stores that cater to young women, teens, tweens and girls ages 3 to 27 with low price accessories. The company operates 3,088 stores in North America and Europe and franchise or licenses another 381 stores in Japan, the Middle East, Turkey, Greece, Guatemala, Malta, Ukraine, Mexico, India, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Venezuela, and Panama.