Accessories brand Claire’s is planning to make its expansion in Europe, as part of its plan to accelerate the company’s global growth. 

The brand’s European expansion has recently been fueled by an increase in stores in Italy. Claire’s’ first Italian store opened in Milan in November 2012, and the company now has more than 40 outlets in the country. 

This year, the company expects to open 50 new outlets across Europe, with 10 of them in Italy. These include stores in Venice, Rome, Florence, Milan, and Naples, with the most recent openings in early May and June in Rome, notably on one of the city’s most prestigious shopping streets, Via Del Corso.

Claire’s also plans to enhance its consumer products. The brand’s presence will expand from 2100 partner retail establishments to nearly 3000 sites, reaching a wider audience. Claire’s consumer products programme comprises stores throughout Europe, including Galeries Lafayette, as well as toy merchants Smyths, King Jouet, Maxi Kids, and Toys ‘R’ Us. 

The brand’s footprint has also expanded throughout the UK, including stores like Asda, Matalan, New Look, and Coop. The consumer products model debuted in Italy in November 2014, and the brand now has more than 350 points of presence with Blu Kids, Bimbo, and UPIM.

“The strategic combination of owned stores and consumer product partnerships allows us to celebrate and deliver our brand to consumers in even more locations where they shop,” said Ryan Vero, CEO of Claire’s.

This expansion comes only a few months after Claire’s flagship Paris store, built in cooperation with Claire’s creative director in residence Nicola Formichetti, opened in early March.