Tweenagers put Claire's in credit

Fashion-conscious tweenagers have helped Claire's Accessories swing back into the black.

In the year to February, pre-tax profit came to£1.4 million, up from a loss of£1.2 million last year. Turnover was£151.7 million, from£126.5 million for the same period in 2002.

Chief executive Lyle Finlay is building on the retailer's Girl Heaven concept, aimed at two-to nine-year-old girls.

The first concessions opened in April at Debenhams stores in Glasgow and Manchester. Finlay plans to roll the concept out to 150 stores in two years.