Majors

Claire’s Is Giving Its Piercing Business a Trendy Makeover

MajorsJul 20, 2023

Claire’s Is Giving Its Piercing Business a Trendy Makeover

The retailer also has plans to open 50 new locations across Europe.

Pierced by Claire’s ad campaign
Claire’s has three major goals for 2023: revamping its piercing business and expanding its retail presence in Europe and with partner stores worldwide.
Hoffman Estates, Ill.—Claire’s, a go-to spot for ear piercings for more than 40 years, is revamping its piercing business.

The company has introduced “Pierced by Claire’s,” a new visual identity for the cornerstone service that exudes a “bold and inspiring attitude for this generation and the next.”

The rebrand will include a new logo and colorful imagery, backed by a marketing plan that includes television ads and a digital mascot named Pierce.

Pierce is described as “a digital character who personifies the joy of getting pierced with Claire’s trend-forward earring style and assortment.” He will guide customers through their piercing experience and earring shopping, supported by several other characters.

“For more than 40 years, we have created a deep connection with our consumers through our industry-leading piercing business, delivering an experience they can trust, styles that excite them and a memorable visit to Claire’s,” said Claire’s CEO Ryan Vero.

“Piercing creates a deep connection with our consumers and draws new people and returning customers to our brand and stores every year, and we are proud to build on that legacy to meet the next generation.”

As an added incentive to get pierced at Claire’s, stores will offer a “free earrings for a year” promotion, which allows customers to earn a free pair of earrings every month for a year when they get pierced in-store.

To showcase how shoppers can style their earrings, Claire’s is also promoting the idea of an “EarPrint,” a play on fingerprints because, it said, each person’s earring style is unique.

Shoppers are encouraged to show off their EarPrint and share how they express their personal style through multiple piercings.

“EarPrint reinforces Claire’s brand purpose of empowering young people to embrace and celebrate their individuality,” said the company.

To inspire new EarPrints, Claire’s Creative Director in Residence Nicola Formichetti used artificial intelligence (AI) to create digital images of different earring styles.

In the stores, shoppers will see new “Piercing Specialist” attire, pop-up piercing events, and new merchandise surrounding the launch.

“As we continue to transform into a global fashion brand powerhouse, we have elevated what makes Claire’s special and created immersive new experiences that envelop and inspire young people,” said Kristin Patrick, executive vice president and chief marketing officer. 

“Pierced by Claire’s builds on our purpose of self-expression with a reimagined piercing experience and a unique point of view that continues to embed us in culture and positions the brand for its future.”

 Related stories will be right here … 

The new campaign and offerings, which will coincide with back-to-school season in the U.S., also are available in the retailer’s new flagship location in Paris, which opened in March, as well as other locations in the European Union.

A Pierced by Claire’s piercing station in Paris flagship
The Claire’s flagship in Paris is equipped with a rebranded piercing station.


The company is expanding its presence in Europe after opening its first store in Milan in November 2012.

Claire’s currently has 40 stores across Europe, with plans to open an additional 50 locations this year, including 10 in Italy.

The expansion plan includes stores in Venice, Florence, Milan and Naples, and Rome, including a recent opening on the city’s high-end shopping street Via Del Corso.

“We see a strong desire for an enriched shopping experience and increased connections to our brand from our European consumers, so it was a natural next step for us to expand our presence,” said Richard Flint, president of Claire’s Europe.

In addition to its European expansion, Claire’s has also been growing its retailer partnerships in the U.S. and Europe.

Claire’s currently works with 2,100 partner stores, including Macy’s and Walmart in the U.S., Asda and New Look in the U.K., and European toy retailers Smyths, King Jouet, and Maxi Kids.

By the end of the year, Claire’s plans to have a presence in 3,000 retail partner stores worldwide.

Claire’s filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2018 as it battled over $1 billion in debt. It re-emerged later that year. In 2021, the retailer filed for an IPO, but it never came to fruition and was postponed earlier this month.

The Latest

Jake Gyllenhaal as Bulgari Brand Ambassador
TrendsMar 09, 2026
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Bulgari’s Latest Ambassador

Bulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.

TJS scholarship winners 2026
Events & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship Winners

Awards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.

Model wearing diamond necklace and ring
AuctionsMar 09, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Lead White-Glove Sale

The top jewelry lot of the late model’s estate sale, hosted by John Moran Auctioneers, was an Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier necklace.

TopImageCrop.jpg
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.

Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.

Tom Moses
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 Years

Moses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.

Weekly QuizMar 05, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Charles & Colvard showroom in Morrisville, North Carolina
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price Pressures

Increased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.

Zome Solara Earrings
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial Beauty

The earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.

dca-laptop.jpg
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry Education

With refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesMar 05, 2026
Tariffs to Increase to 15% This Week, Treasury Secretary Says

Also, a federal judge has ordered that companies that paid tariffs implemented under the IEEPA are entitled to refunds.

Common Era Difficult Women Pandora Pendant, Anne Boleyn Signet Ring, Cleopatra Pendant
CollectionsMar 05, 2026
Common Era Honors ‘Difficult Women’ in Collection

The ever-growing collection, which just expanded with the addition of Olga of Kyiv, features cameos of 12 women from history.

Diamond engagement rings by designer Lorraine West
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and Why

We asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.

American Gem Society Conclave 2026 Orlando logo
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2026
AGS Announces Conclave 2026 Speaker Lineup

The annual event will be held in Orlando, Florida, from Sept. 14-17.

Caitríona Balfe on Only Natural Diamonds Spring 2026 Issue Cover
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Caitríona Balfe Fronts Only Natural Diamonds Cover

The “Outlander” star modeled for the digital cover of the magazine’s spring issue, which features a story on her relationship with jewelry.

Michael M Beverly Hills Flagship Interior Rendering
MajorsMar 04, 2026
Michael M Opens First Store

Beverly Hills was chosen as the location for the brand’s first store, designed as a “private residence for modern monarchs.”

Dubai mall
Policies & IssuesMar 04, 2026
Luxury Brands Temporarily Shutter Middle East Stores

Kering, Apple, and other retailers have reportedly temporarily closed stores in the Middle East region in light of the recent conflicts.

Brilliant Earth Beverly Hills showroom
EditorsMar 04, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills Store

Beth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”

JIS Miami Spring 2026
Events & AwardsMar 04, 2026
JIS Miami Spring Show to Feature New Gifts Pavilion, Pop-Up Trends Talks

Nearly half of buyers are prioritizing silver and fashion collections this season, organizers said.

Spinelli Kilcollin Live Now. Polish Later. Campaign
TrendsMar 04, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Rides Free In Year of the Horse Campaign

The “Live Now. Polish Later.” campaign features equestrians wearing the brand’s jewels while galloping across the icy plains of Kazakhstan.

Jennifer Ashworth
MajorsMar 04, 2026
LeachGarner Names New Brand Director

The precious metals provider has promoted Jennifer Ashworth to the role.

Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Award Grant Graphic
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards Grant

Nelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on March 13.

New Forevermark store in India
SourcingMar 03, 2026
7 Trends That Could Define the Diamond Industry’s Future

Experts from India weigh in the politics, policies, and market dynamics for diamantaires to monitor in 2026 and beyond.

Gannon & Scott and Metalor Technologies employees
MajorsMar 03, 2026
Swiss Refiner Completes Acquisition of Gannon & Scott

The American precious metals refiner’s day-to-day operations remain the same post-acquisition.

Isabel Delgado aquamarine earrings
TrendsMar 03, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Aquatopia

These aquamarine jewels channel the calming energy of the March birthstone.

AGTA Innovative Design Award
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
AGTA Adds Another New Category for Spectrum

The “Innovative Design” category and award will debut in the Spectrum division of this year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards.

Nena Mensah and Sofia Carson at 2026 Actor Awards
EditorsMar 02, 2026
Jewelry at the Actor Awards: Reimagining Hollywood Glamour

Diamond jewelry was the star of the event formerly known as the SAG Awards.

Person pushing a shopping cart
SurveysMar 02, 2026
Consumer Confidence Edges Up in February

Consumers were somewhat less worried about the future, though concerns about rising prices and politics remained.

Rebecca Foerster
Events & AwardsMar 02, 2026
JVC to Honor Rebecca Foerster at Annual Luncheon

Foerster is this year’s Stanley Schechter Award recipient.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy