Claire’s sees European sales recovery
Strong June for accessories retailer
Claire’s has seen a recovery in its European sales, reporting like-for-like store growth in the ‘positive mid single digits’ during June.
The US based accessories retailer has been reporting same store sales declines in Europe, where most of its stores are in the UK and France, across most of the year.
Bonnie Schaefer, co-chairman and co-CEO of Claire’s Stores. said: “We are pleased that our efforts overseas have given rise to the reported improvement in comparable store sales. We have repeatedly stated that we are in the midst of a comprehensive overview of our international business and that numerous changes were being implemented.
“We do not expect to see the full impact of our actions until the second half of the fiscal year, but it is now clear that real progress is being made which we believe is both sustainable and transferable to each of the countries that make up the international division.”
In February, Roger Esdon formerly vice-president of the accessories retailer’s Canadian operation, was been appointed president and chief operating officer of Claire’s UK with a brief to revamp the European business.
The company reported today that comparable store sales for the five weeks to July 3 up by 11 per cent, with total sales up increased 16 per cent to $116,757,000.
Marla Schaefer, co-chairman and co-CEO of Claire’s Stores said: “The double digit performance of our North American business is continuing, with sales driven by jewellery and accessory selections that are providing customers with the looks they are seeking at attractive prices.”
[img r]clairesUSstore2.jpg[/img]”Jewellery continues to be a great seller across the board, with interest as strong as it has been all year. Summer accessories such as sunglasses, flip flops and temporary tattoos are also selling well.”
