Shane Fallscheer's New Venture
Shane Fallscheer is executing an ambitious global expansion with his new fast-fashion jewellery venture Harli + Harpa, capitalising on market disruption caused by Claire's widespread closures while drawing on lessons learned from building Lovisa into an international retail powerhouse.
The retail veteran founded Harli + Harpa in November 2024 and has already expanded from 18 Australian stores at the start of 2025 to more than 70 locations across Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the UK by August 2026. The aggressive rollout mirrors the strategy Fallscheer employed at Lovisa, which he established in 2010 in partnership with Australian billionaire Brett Blundy's private investment company BB Retail Capital as an extension of the existing Diva jewellery brand.
During his 12-year tenure as CEO and managing director of Lovisa, Fallscheer transformed the business into a global operation with over 550 stores across 20 countries and a market capitalisation of approximately $2 billion before stepping down in October 2021. The company has since expanded further, operating 1,024 stores across more than 50 countries as of July 2025, with sales reaching $698.7 million in FY24—a 17.1% increase—and net profit rising 20.9% to $82.4 million.
The Claire's Vacuum
Fallscheer's new venture enters a marketplace transformed by Claire's dramatic retreat. The accessories retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States for the second time in seven years on August 5, 2025, citing declining consumer demand, rising import costs from tariffs and heavy debt, with assets and liabilities listed between $1 billion and $10 billion.
The bankruptcy triggered the closure of 700 North American locations in August 2025, including all Claire's stores in Walmart and the discontinuation of the Icing brand. The North American business was ultimately sold for $140 million. In the UK, Claire's entered administration in August 2025, with all 154 standalone stores across the UK and Ireland ceasing trading by April 27, 2026, resulting in approximately 1,300 job losses, though 356 concessions remained open.
This widespread market exit has created significant opportunities for competitors. Fallscheer emphasises that consumer behaviour in jewellery and accessories remains consistent across geographies, arguing that a shopper in Birmingham shares fundamentally similar preferences and purchasing patterns with one in Sydney or other global markets.
Building on Experience
Fallscheer brings 32 years of retail experience across Australian, UK and US markets to his new venture, having held senior positions including General Manager at Sanity Australia, CEO of Sanity UK, CEO of Diva, and Global Retail Chairman and Chief Operating Officer at Rip Curl USA before founding Lovisa.
The launch of Harli + Harpa has not been without challenges. Lovisa attempted to block the brand name in the United States with a trademark application in 2024, but the dispute was resolved in favour of Harli + Harpa—described as a key victory for Fallscheer against his former business partner Blundy.
The fast-fashion jewellery market has proven resilient and lucrative, with Lovisa adding a net 128 stores during FY24 and expanding into seven new markets including China, Vietnam, Ireland, Ecuador, Senegal, Guadeloupe and Gabon. The company's financial performance demonstrates the sector's profitability potential, providing validation for Fallscheer's decision to re-enter the market with a competing proposition.
Fallscheer's strategy for Harli + Harpa appears to replicate the rapid international expansion model he pioneered at Lovisa, targeting markets where established players have retreated or weakened. The UK market, in particular, represents a significant opportunity following Claire's exit from British high streets, with substantial retail space and customer base now available to alternative operators.
