Claire's Accessories (Shop)

I have an eleven year old daughter so on most shopping trips if she sees a branch of Claires I'm whisked in there.
Until about the age of three she never had any hair so most of the buying was for myself. However now she can cost me a fair good fortune on bits and pieces. Claires' shops can be found in most high streets and malls around the country and I have 3 in my area.
~~What do they sell?~~
The layout of the shops is good, everything is easily found and there is plenty of choice in colour and style. At the checkout you will find small bargains which will often be pointed out by the assistant as you pay. These days you can also buy small bags of sweets and novelty treats.

When the stores first opened they were basically just a shop selling hair products and In Claires' you would and still can be able to find most hair products from gels to brushes, and slides to sprays. Over the last few years they have branched out more with lots of accessories, normally pink and fluffy and many girlie stationary items. They also seem to have started a hen night section where you can buy all the items you could possible need for the perfect night. They have their own make up selection and range of jewellery.

~~How good are they?~~

In general the products are fairly good value and will suit all but personally I have a big problem though which is not addressed by Claires. They are not unique in this though. I have very thick hair, and I mean very thick. So all the bands I buy don't fit. If i twist it round twice it's too loose and three is a bit of a struggle. This means a constant strain on the joints on the bands. Now, I've tried many types but I have to say Claires' are the worst. Some have even snapped on first use.
However I really don't think my hair is completly to blame here. My daughters' hair has at last grown. She has not inherited my thick hair (yet) but it isn't that fine either. But I've noticed her bands don't last long either. She has had a few with flowers but these have fallen off and I have had to re-glue them.
~~Ear Piercing~~
One service They also offer is Ear Piercing. Now personally I had mine done at 5. I had been asking for a while and my Mum gave in. Some say this is too young, others like to have their babies ears done. I would have liked to do this also as I felt although she would have felt the pain she would not have got herself worked up before. But then I decided I would allow her the choice of if and when.

Then whilst at a outlet shopping village in Ashford a couple of years back, my daughter suddenly decided to get her ears pierced. As Claires' was there that is where we went. The staff were very good and explained everything in full, about the procedure and after care. Two ladies did the piercing together so both ears were done at the same time.
You do not pay for the piercing, just the lotion and earrings. You also get a free 6 week check up. My daughter was not as efficient at the cleaning as she should have been and we had to visit our local store a couple of weeks later and she had a slight discharge. This was all sorted for her and she was given another bottle of cleaning soloution so she could carry on for a little more than the recommended 6 weeks.

But once all was well, and the earrings could be changed, of course dear daughter was asking for some more sets. Up until this point I had not really looked at the earring section. The ones she had with the piercing were very nice 9ct gold pink studs. They have lasted her well, although now she claims they no longer fit. I am still trying to work that one out! Since my daughter tends to leave her stuff laying about I wasn't going to be paying out for expensive sets so thought the ones found here were ideal. They sell quite a selection at varying prices. The sets are best value. But the other main complaint I have is the earrings. Unfortunately I find that if you wear them for more than 24hrs you get green ears. The stones don't tend to be glued in too well either and I am always finding little gems around the place.

~~My final verdict~~

I would say that for general girlie bits it is a great shop and most things are pocket money priced items. If having a party you will always find plenty of party bag items here.

But, do not buy items expecting them to last for years. The chances are they will not be available to pass on as heirlooms in years to come.

I would however definitely recommend the ear piercing as this was done in a very professional manner with plenty of advice and after care.