Jane Norman to launch accessories stores

The retailer, which was acquired by Baugur in 2005, will open two standalone accessories stores this year. It is understood to be considering units in Glasgow’s Braehead shopping centre and Manchester’s Trafford Centre.

Jane Norman chief executive Saj Shah told Retail Week he wanted accessories to account for a quarter of turnover – which totalled£132.6 million in the year to March 31 – in the next two to three years, up from 13 per cent. As well as stocking jewellery, handbags and accessories, Shah will consider launching an own-brand footwear range in the stores.

Shah will monitor the stores’ performance this year before deciding how many stores to roll out. “If it’s a hit, the sky’s the limit,” he said.

The move will be watched closely by Mon-soon’s Accessorize and Claire’s Accessories.

Shah said the retailer, which has 130 stores in the UK and more than 100 internationally, could open accessories stores overseas. “Accessories in Dubai are very successful,” he said.

Jane Norman tested the popularity of accessories at its Meadowhall and Lakeside (right) shops, where it has devoted space to the category in areas branded JN Accessories.