International News - Claire's seeks target for move to Scandinavia

US tweenagers' retailer Claire's Accessories is understood to be considering entering the Scandinavian market, and is on the hunt for an acquisition.

According to a European retail source, a 100-store chain may be Claire's target.

In last month's sales update, Claire's chief executive Bonnie Schaefer said: 'A number of projects are under way to strengthen our European operations and they will continue to be a focus of management's attention throughout fiscal 2005.'

At present, Claire's has stores in the US, the UK, Ireland, France, Switzerland, Austria, Germany and Japan.

Historically, Claire's has expanded into new markets via acquisitions.