MajorsJul 13, 2023
Signet Has Made Another AcquisitionMajorsJul 20, 2023
Claire’s Is Giving Its Piercing Business a Trendy Makeover
The retailer also has plans to open 50 new locations across Europe.
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 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.”
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.
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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
De Beers London Drops Water-Inspired High Jewelry Collection“Vibrations” features several firsts for De Beers’ high jewelry, including the use of chalcedony and diamonds sourced from artisanal miners.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
Jessica McCormack Turns to Classic Motif for New CollectionThe “Bows” collection features three interpretations of the bow motif designed with Georgian and Victorian influences.
Events & AwardsSep 28, 2026
Guy Borenstein, Troy Underwood Among the Professionals Honored at AGS Conclave 2026The American Gem Society recognized industry members, one Guild, and a law enforcement official for their contributions to jewelry.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
FinancialsSep 28, 2026
Instappraise, Jewelers Mutual Look to Simplify Jewelry InsuranceThrough a new system integration, customers can now receive instant personal jewelry insurance quotes at the time of appraisal.
Weekly QuizSep 25, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesSep 25, 2026
Smaller Rolex Watches Showing Strength on Secondary Market, Data ShowsFive of the 10 fastest-appreciating Rolex models on Bob’s Watches were Datejust 31 or Lady Datejust watches.
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2026
Brilliant Earth Collabs with Elizabeth Taylor Estate on Jewelry Collection“The Elizabeth Taylor Collection” uses lab-grown diamonds and gemstones in contemporary designs inspired by the icon.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
TrendsSep 25, 2026
A Peek at Taylor Swift’s Game-Day DiamondsThe artist wore Dana Rebecca Designs’ marquise diamond-set gold hoops at the Chiefs game last Sunday. Now they’re our Piece of the Week.
CrimeSep 24, 2026
From Conclave: Security Measures Jewelers Should Be TakingJSA and Jewelers Mutual shared advice on spotting suspicious behavior, combatting cell phone jammers, and staying safe at home.
AuctionsSep 24, 2026
8-Carat Blue Diamond Heads to UK Jewelry AuctionThe fancy light blue diamond is estimated to fetch up to $2.6 million at Elmwood’s next week.
TrendsSep 24, 2026
This New Jewelry Book Decodes the Secret Meaning in Victorian Jewelry“Secret Language of Victorian Jewelry” unveils the meaning behind the symbols, motifs, and gemstones used in Victorian-era jewelry.
Lab-GrownSep 24, 2026
Kira Jewels Opens B2B E-Commerce Portal for Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry KIRAJewels.one gives retailers access to more than 500 SKUs of lab-grown diamond rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.
TrendsSep 23, 2026
Holiday Diamond Jewelry Trends: Layered Looks, PersonalizationThis holiday season, look to pieces that will help to fill out customers’ everyday diamond jewelry wardrobe, experts say.
SourcingSep 23, 2026
Organization That Promotes Natural Diamond Rebrands for Third Time The Natural Diamond Council is now The Diamond Collective and has announced a new strategy under CEO Amber Pepper.
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
This Milwaukee-Area Jeweler Is Serving the 7CsPaul’s Jewelers sells coffee, chocolate, and cookies from a custom gold-wrapped trailer parked outside the store starting at 7 a.m.
Events & AwardsSep 23, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Exhibition Opening at Arkansas Museum The curation, opening soon at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, honors the jeweler’s heritage through a distinctly American lens.
CollectionsSep 23, 2026
Pucker Up for Pandora’s New Pat McGrath Jewelry CollabThe jewelry giant has partnered with the famed makeup artist to create a colorful new collection of charms and rings.
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
Texas Jewelers Association to Celebrate 120th AnniversaryThe association will mark the milestone at its convention next month.
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
Sissy’s Log Cabin’s ‘Back to School and Bling’ Event ReturnsThe jeweler donated school supplies to Memphis, Tennessee, students during the event combining basketball and mentorship.
MajorsSep 22, 2026
Foundrae’s Lawsuit Against Pandora Can Continue, Court RulesA federal judge denied Pandora’s motion to dismiss Foundrae’s claim for copyright infringement of its medallions.
ColumnistsSep 22, 2026
Peter Smith: Our Struggle With Emotional SellingPeople aren’t thinking rationally when they are buying luxury products, and we shouldn’t be selling them that way, Peter Smith writes.
IndependentsSep 22, 2026
Constance Polamalu Named to '40 Under 40' ListThe Baltimore Business Journal recognized the entrepreneur for her leadership in business and the jewelry industry.
GradingSep 22, 2026
GCAL by Sarine Opens New Lab in MumbaiThe facility is located within SEEPZ and is GCAL by Sarine’s second location in India, joining its existing grading lab in Surat.
Events & AwardsSep 22, 2026
NYCJAOS Returns for Autumn EditionThe four-day show is slated for Nov. 19-22 at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.
AuctionsSep 21, 2026
Ultra-Rare Cartier Cheich Watch Sells for $3.4M Offered at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, the one-of-a-kind white gold watch now holds the title of most valuable Cartier wristwatch sold at auction.
