Claire's

Claire's has been a fixture in American malls since 1961, when Rowland Schaefer opened the first store in Latham, New York, naming it after his wife Claire. What started as a single boutique grew into a global chain of over 3,000 locations by the early 2010s, becoming the go-to spot for tweens and teens seeking affordable jewelry, hair accessories, and novelty items. The brand's signature offering, ear piercing, has been performed more than 100 million times in the last 25 years, making it the largest ear-piercing retailer in the world.

After a leveraged buyout by Apollo Global Management in 2007 for $3.1 billion, the company struggled under heavy debt and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2018. It emerged in October 2018 with about $1.9 billion in debt shed, now owned primarily by Elliott Management and Monarch Alternative Capital. As of 2023, Claire's operates roughly 2,000 stores across 37 countries, with headquarters in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, and has announced plans for a return to public markets via an IPO.

Claire's product range spans earrings, necklaces, bracelets, hair bows, makeup, plush toys, and pop-culture collaborations with Disney, Marvel, and Harry Potter. Prices rarely exceed $20, with many items under $5. The brand's playful pink-and-purple aesthetic and mall-based locations have made it a rite of passage for young shoppers, though it has faced controversies over jewelry safety and customer service. In 2024, Claire's launched a revamped website and mobile app with virtual try-on for earrings, and introduced interactive Claire's Studio concept stores in select markets.[edit]