Dive Brief:

• To expand its physical reach, Claire’s announced Tuesday it will set up dedicated displays inside more than 4,400 Walgreens stores across the U.S. by the end of March, according to a company press release. 
• Within the Claire’s section, Walgreens shoppers can browse hair accessories, cosmetics, jewelry and various seasonal items, per the press release. 
• Claire’s currently partners with more than 40 grocery, apparel, toy, pharmaceutical and department stores, according to the announcement.

Dive Insight:

With its Walgreens collaboration, Claire’s has added another major retailer to its lineup of partners. In 2022, the company entered a shop-in-shop agreement with a major retailer: Macy’s. In October 2023, the accessories retailer rolled out displays in about 700 Kohl’s stores, according to WWD. Claire’s also has a partnership with Walmart that it launched in 2018 then expanded in 2022. 

Beyond growing its brick-and-mortar footprint, Claire’s pulled back on its IPO plans and concentrated on attracting younger shoppers. Last July, Claire’s halted its initial public offering plans, according to its Securities and Exchange Commission filing. That same month, the retailer revamped its piercing brand with a new digital character named Pierce, a new logo and an updated voice and branding. 

Meanwhile, Walgreens has seen a number of changes, including the departure of its CEO last year. In September, Rosalind Brewer exited the company. A month later the company appointed former Cigna executive Tim Wentworth as its new chief executive officer. 

In its Q1 earnings report, Walgreens Boots Alliance saw a 10% jump in sales year over year to $36.7 billion. U.S. retail sales were down 6.1% in the period with comparable retail sales down 5%. The performance of U.S. stores for the period was in contrast to its U.K. Boots locations, where retail comps rose nearly 10% year over year, and store traffic was up 7%. U.K. Boots locations also saw its retail market share grow for the 11th straight quarter led by beauty. 

“As a one-stop destination for everyday needs, Walgreens services millions of people every day. Together, we will extend Claire’s trend-driven shopping experience to new and existing customers, giving Walgreens shoppers more to love, fostering deeper connections and inspiring self-expression,” Ryan Vero, chief executive officer of Claire’s, said in a statement.