Claire’s/Icing Accessories

Claire's Stores, Inc. is a prominent global retailer known for its jewelry, accessories, and ear piercing services, operating under the Claire's and Icing brands. Established in 1961 with a single store in Chicago, Claire's quickly expanded its reach, becoming a familiar presence in malls and shopping centers across North America and beyond. The company has gained a reputation for its expertise in ear piercing, having performed over 100 million piercings worldwide, and offers a wide range of affordable, trendy accessories primarily aimed at tweens, teens, and young women.

As of November 2025, Claire's boasts more than 2,300 company-owned stores across North America and Europe, alongside over 300 franchise locations in regions such as the Middle East, South America, and Asia. The Icing brand, which caters to an older demographic of young women, has a notable presence with more than 200 stores in the United States. Claire's has shown resilience in the face of a changing retail environment, successfully emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2018. Since then, the company has focused on enhancing its digital and omnichannel capabilities and expanding its international franchise network.

Headquartered in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, Claire's employs around 10,000 people globally and is privately owned by Elliott Management Corporation, which took over after the company's restructuring. With estimated annual revenues exceeding $1.3 billion, Claire's holds a significant market share in the accessories and ear piercing industry.

The company is actively expanding its footprint through new store openings, shop-in-shop partnerships with major retailers, and a strong e-commerce presence. Its real estate strategy prioritizes high-traffic malls, lifestyle centers, and international franchise growth, positioning Claire's as an attractive option for landlords seeking a reliable, traffic-driving specialty retailer.

With over six decades of history, Claire's continues to be a trusted destination for self-expression and affordable fashion, maintaining strong brand recognition and a loyal customer base across generations.