Claire’s expands global footprint with stores in Philippines, Costa Rica and Colombia

Chicago -- Claire's Stores announced its recent entry into three new countries — Philippines, Costa Rica and Colombia — as well as new license agreements for Brazil, Scandinavia and the Balkans.



Jim Fielding, CEO, stated: "We continue to identify expansion opportunities worldwide. Our franchise partners have opened stores in three new countries in 2013 and we expect to enter an additional three countries during the rest of the year. We are pleased with our progress to date and encouraged by the opportunities."



Claire's franchisee recently opened its first five stores in the Manila metropolitan area of the Philippines and plans to continue developing stores throughout the country.



Within the Central and South America region, Claire's celebrated the opening of franchise stores in San Jose, Costa Rica and in Bucaramanga, Colombia, marking the company's initial entry into these two Latin American countries.



In addition to these market entries, Claire's has entered into license agreements for Brazil, Scandinavia, and three countries in the Balkans.



The company will be launching stores in the Balkans, specifically in Belgrade, Serbia this year with future planned store development in Croatia and Slovenia. These initial store openings in Brazil, Sweden, and Serbia are expected to take place during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2013.



Claire’s operates 3,094 stores in North America, Europe, and China. The company also franchised 414 stores in 25 countries primarily located in the Middle East, Central and Southeast Asia and Central and South America.