Accessories retailer Claire’s has secured an exclusive licensing agreement with Centric Brands to expand into new categories and more than 7000 additional retail touch points.
As part of the partnership, Centric Brands will scale Claire’s presence to more than 7000 retail locations of its major retail partners, including Walmart, Kohl’s, and CVS, across the US and Canada.
Centric will also help develop an exclusive collection of trend-driven assortments across multiple categories, including cosmetics, jewelry, hair accessories, stationery, bags, and novelty items.
In addition, the company will spearhead expansion into additional retailers and categories across apparel, home, and sleepwear.
There will also be opportunities for Claire’s to leverage Centric’s relationships with entertainment studios and other IP holders, bringing co-branded licensed products to shop-in-shop and wholesale channels.
Founded in 1961, Claire’s sells accessories, jewelry, and toys, primarily aimed towards tween and teen girls, and young women.
The company sold its business operations in North America to private holding company Ames Watson last year for $140 million, as part of its Chapter 11 process. Up to 950 stores would continue to operate in the region – but in a streamlined format.
Ames Watson, which owns and invests in brands such as Lids, Unrivaled Teamwear and Mitchell & Ness, said the partnership with Centric represents a key milestone in its strategy to scale Claire’s beyond its core retail footprint and build a more diversified, multi-channel growth platform.
“By expanding our presence beyond our own stores, we’re able to meet consumers wherever they shop, while continuing to invest in the in-store experiences that define the brand, like ear piercing,” said Lawrence Berger, co-founder and partner at Ames Watson.
Alex Fogelson, EVP, division head at Centric Brands, added: “We have cherished our long-standing relationship with Claire’s, and we are thrilled to be taking our collaboration to the next level.
“This partnership will provide more opportunities for consumers to connect with the beloved Claire’s brand across even more retail touchpoints.”
