Spoilt For Choice (Claire's)

Member Name: cazkins

Product:	Claire's
Date:	27/08/09 (53 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Wide range, well organised and clearly labelled products, trendy and classical/plain items

Disadvantages: Not quite how I remember it to be - see review

Claire's has changed since I remember back when I was teenager going in there to mooch around. It's still a popular place as the stores are easy to come across in most large towns/cities/shopping centres, though not all changes have been totally positive.

Claire's was originally founded back in 1961 and has expanded to incorporate over 3,000 stores worldwide. It was, and still is, aimed at younger girls and teens, though the product ranges keep up with the fast pace of the ever-changing fashion trends.

The stores are generally fairly small in size, though packed fully with a large variety of goodies. It's like walking into a teens accessories heaven because you're spoilt for choice.

The types of products they sell has expanded, and now generally include things such as: Jewellery (earrings, necklaces, bracelets, bangles, rings, watches, etc), hair accessories, character ranges (such as Hello Kitty & Emily Strange) and some small clothing/accessory items like shoes & bags. There are also seasonal ranges such as gloves & scarves in winter months and Halloween themed items in November. In addition, small trinket bits and bobs (great for presents) and stationary items (pens, notebooks) are available. It depends on the size of the shop you visit as to how large and varied these ranges will be.

Along with their material product range, Claire's is popular for their ear piercing. You can usually see the chair and table set up by the window, and I often notice someone getting their ears pierced when I walk past.

When I was younger I had my ears pierced in Claires, though I'm sure that back then, when I sat in the chair shaking with nerves, it didn't cost half as much as it seems to these days. From what I remember of it though, the staff were professional and friendly, and I was very pleased with the piercing and aftercare.

I think that Claire's offers a good range of items, especially earrings, so it's a great place to have a browse around. There are different shapes, styles, sizes and prices, so it's more than likely you'll find something to suit your taste.

Although they do keep up with young fashion trends, they also offer more classical and general items/styles. For example, sterling silver earrings, necklaces that aren't designed with a boulder for a pendant that could kill someone if you hit them in the head with it, and everyday hair pieces (eg. Plain bands & grips).

I find the staff to be friendly and helpful, and the stores have a positive feel to them. It's hit and miss as to whether the store will be busy; on occasions I have been a loner in there, and on others I've had to come out because it was crammed with people.

Generally, the presentation of products is good, with everything well-organised, tidy and clearly labelled.

As I hinted at with the price of the ear piercing, I think that the overall prices have increased. I know that inflation happens everywhere and that I am making comparisons to years ago, but taking this into account I still find some things to be a bit pricey - I only say this considering I haven't found the quality of products to always be as good as you'd expect (ie. where small stones in jewellery are concerned).

Having said this, there often seems to be offers advertised in the window for x% off. There seems to be an ongoing promotion, with a buy 2 get the 3rd free I think it is on earrings. It's always nice to grab a bargain or have an additional incentive to look around.

Overall, Claire's is a popular place with a wide choice of accessories. Although it's primarily aimed at younger girls and teens, there are some items and styles that are suitable for ages outside of these ranges. It may not be the same as it once was, but it's still worth a look :o)

Summary: A good place to look for accessories if you want to be spoilt for choice