Operational since 1974, Claires has been the one of the leading fashion brands in accessories and jewelry for tweens and teens between 7 and 18 years of age. Specializing in ear piercing, it has over 3,000 stores worldwide. Claires is one of the distinct brands of Claires Stores Inc., one of the leading specialty retailers of fashion accessories and jewelry across the United States. It operates 2,971 stores in North America and Europe. Additionally, the company franchises or licenses 398 stores in Japan, the Middle East, Turkey, Russia, South Africa, Greece, Guatemala and Malta.