dlf brands a subsidiary of real estate major dlf has struck an agreement with claires stores inc one of the worlds leading fashion jewelry and accessories retailers to bring the brand to india the 3billion chicagobased value retailer owned by global private equity firm apollo management lp is largely present in north america and europe but is now looking to expand its footprint in the asian market with a big push in india dlf brands which retails brands like mothercare alcott and dkny plans to open 75 stores of claires over the next five years starting with the first one in new delhi by december this year said a dlf brands official claires is a specialty retailer which caters to girls in the ages of 3 to 27 across more than 3000 stores globally the nyselisted claires also operates another brand icing for older girls which is not a part of the 10year licensing deal with dlf brands in 2007 apollo management had signed a 31 billion deal to buyout the retail chain around 50 of claires stores around the world are franchised while rest of the them are company owned the organized accessories market is growing exponentially in india but there are not enough players to cater to this demand claires with its depth of merchandise trendy styles and affordable price points is a very relevant brand for indian consumers timmy sarna md dlf brands told toi ukbased accessorize a fastfashion accessories retailer which also operates the famous clothing chain monsoon internationally franchised by planet retail has been growing rapidly in india and will be the biggest competitor for claires as they both play in the value retail segment along with accessorize brands like aldo and charles keith make up the organized fashion accessories market the retailers merchandise which targets young girls includes earrings necklaces bracelets handbags hair and fashion accessories claires also has its perfume line and diversified into electronics and bedroom line claires stores are typically about 1000 square feet and are found mostly in malls we are looking to open the first 75 stores in the first year of operations and spread across the top 67 cities our intention is to take this brand to tier two cities as well considering its value proposition said dipak agarwal chief executive dlf brands