Claire’s has named Jillian Cueff, a retail veteran with merchandising experience at Macy’s and Walmart, as its new Chief Merchandising Officer (CMO). Last month Claire’s named former Athleta executive Michelle Goad as its Chief Brand Officer, marking the retailer’s first C-suite hire since being brought out of bankruptcy in August 2025 by Ames Watson.
“With deep experience leading jewelry and accessories merchandising at Walmart and Macy’s, Jillian is joining Claire’s at a pivotal moment — and she’s ready to get to work,” according to a LinkedIn post by Claire’s. “From modernizing our vendor partnerships to curating assortments that move as fast as Gen Alpha does, she’s here to build a merchandising engine worthy of this brand’s legacy and its future.”
Prior to accepting the position, Cueff had been advising Claire’s, and shared this on LinkedIn: “Twenty-five years inside large retail organizations built my foundation. This past year building and advising [Claire’s] sharpened my clarity. I’ve seen what drives real momentum and what quietly erodes it.
“The focus is clear: stronger partnerships, better product, sharper storytelling and a commercial engine that runs with discipline and conviction,” Cueff added. “If you care about Gen Alpha trend, speed and profitable growth, this is a moment worth watching.”
