Even though the Claire's brand entered the Polish market only a year ago, it already has 16 shops across the country, including Warsaw (three shops), Wroclaw (two shops), Krakow, Poznan, Opole, Koszalin, Bialystok, Radom, Kielce, Swadzim (near Poznan), Lodz, Katowice and Piaseczno (near Warsaw).
The brand plans to open another 14 shops this year and in the beginning of 2012. Two of those will be situated in the cities that the brand is already present in, i.e. Krakow and Poznan, with other stores in new retail locations in Rzeszow, Zabrze, Plock, Bydgoszcz and Slupsk. Lease agreements concerning other locations are currently being finalized.
Jones Lang LaSalle, an international commercial real estate consulting agency, is representing Claire's in its expansion strategy in Poland.
Mark Dillane, Property Director at Claire's Europe commented: "Across 2011 we continued our successful expansion into the Polish market, with 23 new stores openings, which has been a great achievement by everyone concerned. We receive continued positive feedback, from our next generation of customers, with each new store opening. This enables us to look to the future with confidence, with our expansion plans into 2012, and beyond."
Dagmara Filipiak, Senior Consultant in Tenant Representation at the Retail Agency at Jones Lang La Salle said: "We are seeing growing interest in the Polish market from new retailers. Among last year's newcomers are G-Star Raw, Muji, Svilanit, LTB Jeans and Petit Bateau, who opened their first stores in Poland. And there is still plenty of room for new brands on the Polish market.
"Firstly, Polish customers are becoming increasingly demanding and aware of fashion trends: they want to have a wide range of goods and prices. In addition, the relatively high level of spending per capita encourages new retailers to expand on the Polish market. LC Waikiki, GAP, Toys 'R' Us and Jula are just some of the brands that are currently searching for opening opportunities in Poland."
Source: Jones Lang LaSalle
