Paragraph 16(2), Schedule 19 of Finance Act 2016 (the “Act”) requires that businesses with specific operations of a certain size within the United Kingdom publish a Tax Strategy Statement (“Statement”) disclosing certain information. The following information is provided in compliance with the Act for the UK subsidiaries of Claire’s Stores, Inc.

The Claire’s Stores, Inc. (“Claire’s”) is a US based multinational enterprise with operations primarily across North America and Europe, including the UK.  Claire’s is a responsible and compliant taxpayer. We collect and pay a substantial amount and variety of taxes and recognise the importance of this as part of our economic contribution to the communities in which we operate.  

Our policy and approach to our tax obligations is governed by the same core values that guide all aspects

of how we do business and interact with our customers, suppliers and partners. These include honesty,

doing the right thing, keeping it simple, responsibility and action. We are committed, and our overall tax

strategy is to remain committed, to:

As a cost of doing business, tax is considered, along with all other relevant matters, in all major business decisions and in relation to operations generally. We do not undertake any business or engage in arrangements for the sole purpose of achieving a tax saving or accessing a tax relief. We look to ensure that our business activities are structured and undertaken in a way that is consistent with the commercial and economic substance of the business. We do not put in place arrangements that are contrived or artificial.  

Our tax policy is established by senior management and reviewed/approved by the Board of Directors of the relevant company or companies (the “Board”). The Director, Global Tax is responsible for ensuring Claire’s adherence to this policy and updating senior management and the Board on tax policy matters and group compliance. 

Claire’s acknowledges that there will always be a level of risk in relation to tax given the size of our business and the complexity of tax law and practice. We adopt a low risk tolerance approach to all tax compliance. Internal audit functions are in operation to proactively identify, evaluate and manage tax risk across the business. 

Responsibility and accountability for Claire’s tax affairs lies with the Director, Global Tax who works with qualified internal finance team members looking after the day to day management of Claire’s tax affairs, including those in the UK. Where there is uncertainty or complexity in relation to any area, external professional advice will be sought and / or discussions with the relevant local tax authorities to ensure compliance in our approach.

Globally, Claire’s adheres to the 2013 Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in respect of managing and evaluating the appropriateness of internal controls. In the UK, Claire’s also adheres to the tax accounting controls and formal procedures under the UK Senior Accounting Officer (“SAO”) legislation which our SAO applies to confirm to HM Revenue & Customs (“HMRC”) on an annual basis whether our internal tax processes are appropriate.

We deal with HMRC and all tax authorities openly, honestly and in a spirit of co-operative compliance.