Claire's
Stores
Operates chain of
jewelry and accessory stores.
Headquarters:
3 SW 129th Avenue
Pembroke Pines, FL 33027
Employees: 7,560
Co-CEOs: Maria Schaefer and Bonnie Schaefer
Stock Symbol: CLE
Website:
http://www.clairestores.com
Career Site
Claire's Stores, Inc. is a leading international specialty retailer
offering value-priced costume jewelry, accessories and cosmetics
to fashion-aware teens and young adults through its two store
concepts: Claire's (North America and Europe) and Icing by Claire's.
At the end of January 28, 2006, Claire's
had 3,050 stores in North America, Europe and Japan. The stores
are approximately 1,130 square feet in size in North America
and approximately 615 square feet in the U.K., Europe and Japan.
There are 2,106 stores in North America.
There are 430 Icing by Claire's strors
in North America and are 1,200 square feet in size.
The company constantly offers new merchandise
in its stores. This is attained through constant product testing
and fast placement of successful test items in all departments.
Prime sourcing in the Far East and efficient distribution systems
worldwide make quick response to "what's new" in merchandise
both possible and profitable. This past year, Claire's North
American distribution center efficiently shipped merchandise
to stores on a daily basis with merchandise being received and
shipped in the same day!
In fiscal 2006, the company reported revenues
of $1.37 billion, a 7% increase from the previous year. Net income
was $172.3 million.
Claire's Stores, Inc. corporate offices
are headquartered in Pembroke Pines, FL, near the greater Miami
area. The departments located there include Finance, Loss Prevention,
and Store Construction for all store divisions.
The Claire's and Icing by Claire's divisions
are based in Hoffman Estates, IL, a suburb of Chicago. Corporate
Communications, Investor Relations and fashion forecasting are
located in our New York, New York offices.
History
The Company traces its beginnings to Rowland
Schaefer, who established Fashion Tress, Inc. a manufacturer
of wigs and accessories distributed worldwide. In the early 1980's,
Mr. Schaefer set new strategic directions by divesting the business
of capital-intensive manufacturing businesses in favor of the
specialty retailing of women's fashion accessories.
In 1961, Fashion Tress, Inc. went public
in over the counter trading. In 1973 the name was changed to
FT Industries, Inc. when Chairman Emeritus, Rowland Schaefer,
bought Claire's Boutiques, Inc. which operated 60 stores in the
Chicago area. The Company name was changed to Claire's Stores,
Inc. in 1983 and the common stock was listed on the New York
Stock Exchange in 1985.
In December 1999, Claire's Stores completed
the acquisition of Afterthoughts, a 768 store fashion accessory
chain, from Venator. In 2001, the stores were renamed Icing by
Claire's.
Benefits
Claire's offers multiple Medical and Dental
options, including a National HMO. Life Insurance, Supplemental
Life Insurance, and Accidental Death and Dismemberment coverage
is also provided.
As a part of our income protection programs,
associates may be eligible for Sick Days, Short and Long Term
Disability, and Salary Continuation based on their position.
In addition to the income protection programs,
Claire's Stores offers several other forms of paid time off including
vacation, personal, and religious holidays.
Associates can purchase Claire's Stores
stock on a payroll deduction basis, with no fees or commissions
charged.
The company also offers a 401(K) plan,
with matching company contributions.
Updated December 2, 2006
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