Claire’s Stores

Claire’s Stores Inc. (Pembroke Pines, Fla.) has reported a 4 percent increase in same-store sales for the five weeks ended July 2, 2005. Total sales increased 6 percent.

“Our North American business performed generally in line with expectations during June,” said co-chairman and co-ceo Marla Schaefer. “While Bohemian looks continue to be an important fashion offering, we are seeing strength across a number of merchandise categories and styles. We believe the breadth of our selection continues to drive our business, as it offers our customers the ability to customize their looks according to their own unique styles. Back to school merchandise is beginning to flow into the stores, but in transitional color palates and textures that can also be worn immediately.”

“Our international operations are continuing to deliver positive results reflective of the operational initiatives and merchandise refinements we have been implementing over the past year,” said co-chairman and co-ceo Bonnie Schaefer. “Our stores in Switzerland, Austria and Germany have a very strong fashion assortment in terms of both jewelry and accessories while recent jewelry receipts in France are proving to be quite popular. The United Kingdom is continuing to make steady progress, with comparable store sales up significantly over this time last year. A greatly improved jewelry department as well as a better assortment of fashion accessories are two of the many reasons for the sustained improvement.”

Year-to-date, sales are up 7 percent and same-store sales are up 4 percent.