CLAIRE’S STORES, INC.
COMPANY STATEMENT
2400 W. CENTRAL RD., HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60192 (847) 765-1100
Claire’s Statement Regarding Bracelet Recall
HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL, May 10, 2010 - Our priority at Claire’s Stores is first and foremost the safety of our customers as it relates to the products that we sell. The voluntary recall of the “Best Friends” Charm Bracelet set follows our January 2010 removal and discontinuation of sales of this bracelet in our stores. At that time, we also stopped placing new orders with the manufacturer of the bracelet, Dae Yeon Industries. We took these steps following media reports regarding the possible presence of cadmium in children’s jewelry. Within weeks of these reports, Claire’s Stores added procedures requiring all of its suppliers to test for cadmium in children’s jewelry. These procedures were in addition to the safety testing requirements already in place, including testing for lead and nickel content. Since receiving in late March the test results used in the media reports and the CPSC’s own findings showing the presence of high levels of cadmium in the heart lock charm of this bracelet, we have been working with the CPSC on this voluntary recall.
There are currently no U.S. standards addressing the presence of cadmium in children’s jewelry. We encourage the development of a national standard to establish safe guidelines for the use of cadmium, as well as other heavy metals, in children’s products. Claire’s Stores has taken significant steps to ensure that its products meet or exceed all existing safety standards and has responded swiftly and decisively to address the potential risk of cadmium in children’s jewelry.