Claire's - Accessory Heaven (Claire's)

Member Name: Emily88

Product:	Claire's
Date:	27/08/09 (103 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Some lovely items

Disadvantages: Cramped shops

Claire's Accessories is a shop aimed at pre-teens and teenagers. Now more commonly know as just 'Claire's', it can be found in most city centres and on a lot of high streets. They stock a wide variety of fashionable accessories, and also offer ear piercing services. By daughters love this shop and I often go there myself to purchase hair bands and bobbles.

* The Shop *

The outside of the building is often white with the logo on it - simply 'Claire's' in purple writing. The first thing you will notice is that the shop is tiny. The walls are crammed with merchandise, and spinning racks and stands take up a lot of the floor space. With Claire's being such a popular store, I think they really need to do something about the lack of room. At weekends and during busy periods (especially Christmas), the shop is near impossible to get into. Even when it's empty, I've found it hard to move around without getting a face full of glittery scarves.

* The Staff *

As soon as you enter Claire's, someone greets you with a basket and tells you what special offers they have on today. Maybe it's just me being picky, but I find this pretty annoying. Most of the time I just come to browse, and if I do buy something, it'll only be hair accessories, which I don't exactly need a basket for. The special offers are already plastered around the store, so I'd rather not waste my time being told them. I get even more frustrated when they follow you around the store asking if I want any help - if I need help, I'll ask! Anyway, rant over. The staff are friendly and polite, and obviously happy to help.

* The Products *

Claire's mainly sell jewellery, hair accessories, socks, make-up, bags, hats, gloves, scarves and other bits and bobs such as mobile phone covers and pens. I have found the stock to generally be of good quality, but I know people whose jewellery has left a greenish mark on their skin. The prices aren't extortionate, but they're not cheap either. They often have 3 for 2 offers on, so look out for these.

* Ear Piercing *

Although I don't have any personal experience of ear piercing at Claire's, I did look into it a while a go for my daughter, so I have a bit of understanding of the service. First of all, the piercing takes place in the main shop area (often in front of the window), which would put me right off. I'd be terrified enough without strangers staring at me, and I'd probably show myself up by screaming or something. They use guns which are apparently more painful than needles, and their hygiene supposedly isn't great.

* Conclusion *

Despite my negative comments, I would recommend Claire's. Their products would be great if you're looking for a girl's birthday present. I can see my daughters and me coming to Claire's for many years to come.

Summary: Pop in next time you pass one!