Claire's, the jewellery and accessories chain, is set to return to UK high streets with around 50 stores reopening from June. The revival is led by French entrepreneur Julien Jarjoura, who operates the brand's stores in France, Austria, Portugal and Spain.
Jarjoura, owner of jewellery company Une Ligne, has secured approval from US brand owner Ames Watson and is signing new leases with UK landlords. The move comes just days after Claire's closed its final UK stores, ending three decades on British high streets and resulting in over 1,000 job losses.
Jarjoura plans to reopen four to ten stores weekly from June, revamping them and reintroducing ear-piercing services. New jewellery and accessories will range from £1.90 to over £100. He aims to reposition the brand, moving away from heavy discounting that had become prevalent.
He has hired some former Claire's UK executives and may retain some of the 356 concessions, but has not taken on the Birmingham head office or old stock. The UK business will be debt-free, funded by Jarjoura, with profitability not expected for three to five years.
Jarjoura expressed sadness at the brand's decline, citing lack of investment and inappropriate pricing. He believes Claire's remains extremely famous in the UK and is confident in its revival despite retail challenges.
