Claire's was glitz 'heaven' for kids before Shein and TikTok came along

Claire's was glitz 'heaven' for kids before Shein and TikTok came along

Claire’s, a well-known accessories brand, has been a go-to spot for many young people over the years. Beth Searby, now 30, reminisces about her teenage years spent browsing through magnetic earrings, badges, and toe rings with her friends at Claire’s. The brand, which opened its first UK store in the mid-90s and quickly became a favorite among tweens, is now facing uncertainty as it appoints administrators in the UK and Ireland due to falling sales and increased competition.

For many like Ella Clancy, Claire’s was the ultimate destination for pocket money purchases of earrings, scrunchies, and Lip Smacker lip balms. The brand’s colorful, girly stores filled with knick-knacks like keyrings and stationery were a treasure trove for young shoppers looking for unique items. However, as young people’s shopping habits evolve, Claire’s has struggled to keep up with the fast-paced trends set by online giants like Shein.

While Claire’s has continued to hold a special place in the hearts of many, younger consumers are now turning to social media influencers and online brands for their trendy accessories. Shein, known for its quick turnaround of trendy items at affordable prices, has posed a challenge for traditional brick-and-mortar stores like Claire’s. With its focus on novelty products at non-novelty prices, Claire’s is finding it difficult to compete with the changing preferences of today’s young shoppers

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