The artist formerly known as Claire's Accessories (Claire's)

Member Name: eatingpinkzebras

Product:	Claire's
Date:	02/06/09 (178 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Lots of choice, mostly reasonable prices

Disadvantages: Crowded stores, not enough mirrors, hit and miss quality

Claire's, formerly known as Claire's Accessories, is a chain of shops which extends not only across the UK but also to the rest of Europe, America, Japan and Russia.

Claire's sells a variety of items but as its previous name suggests, it focuses mainly on accessories. You will find items such as jewellery, hair accessories, purses and scarves. Claire's also sells footwear, handbags, and accessories for electronic items such as I-pod and mobile phone covers. In addition Claire's has its own make-up range. Most of the stores also stock seasonal and festive items, such as Christmas accessories or hen party items like L plates and veils.

I have found that most towns have a Claire's, often within a shopping centre. The stores tend to be quite small though, and have a lot packed into them, with lots of rails in the middle of the shop which are too close together, and the walls of the shops being absolutely covered in items. This always makes the shops seem very crowded and it tends to be difficult to take your time over choosing items, or to get close enough to the accessories to see them properly, especially if it's a weekend. I also find there are never enough mirrors around.

The quality of items in Claire's can be a bit hit and miss. Many of the clothing items are obviously a bit tatty and look like they wouldn't last long. I have also bought earrings from here before and found that they quickly become discoloured, though when they only cost around £6 for a packet of six different pairs of studs, you can't complain too much, especially if like me you are often losing earrings! On the other hand, I have had some excellent quality items, such as a lovely pair of hair slides with glittery silver butterflies on, which I bought for less than £3 and which look fantastic.

Claire's also offers an ear piercing service. This is free with the purchase of any ear piercing starter kit which includes studs and ear wash. Claire's uses sterilized piercing guns rather than needles so it should be safe enough, though if it was me I would be happier going to a 'proper' jewellery store.

There is a Claire's website which has general information on the company, a store locator so that you can find the nearest shop near you, competitions, some pictures of various product ranges, and some information on their ear piercing service.

I am not a big fan of shopping in Claire's due to the fact that the quality isn't great for many of the items, and the shops are so small and crowded, but if I am looking for a particular accessory and can't find it elsewhere I will always give Claire's a try.

Summary: OK to look in occasionally