JBC
Claes Retail Group · Belgium
JBC is a Belgian family fashion retailer started in 1975 by Jean-Baptiste Claes, whose initials give the brand its name. It is the main brand of Claes Retail Group, run by his children Bart and Ann Claes, with around 190 stores.
| Founded | 1975 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Jean-Baptiste Claes |
| Owner | Claes Retail Group |
| Headquarters | Houthalen-Helchteren, Belgium |
| Segment | Mass market and fast fashion |
| Stores | Around 190 |
| Website | jbc.be |
What is JBC?
JBC is a Belgian fashion chain selling clothing for the whole family. It is the largest brand of Claes Retail Group, a family business that also owns CKS, Mayerline and HNST.
History
Jean-Baptiste Claes opened his first store in Schulen in 1975, a 'Stock Américain' selling clothing, shoes and household goods. The JBC name, using his initials, was adopted in 1986. His children Bart and Ann Claes joined in 1985 and took over management in 2003, and they act as chief executives. Claes Retail Group was established on 23 December 1997, with its registered seat in Houthalen-Helchteren. It added Mayerline in 2013, CKS in 2020 and HNST in 2023.
Business model and distribution
The store network grew from five stores in 1980 to about 70 around 2000 and 127 in Belgium and Luxembourg in 2010, approaching 200 by 2015. It stands at around 190 stores today, according to the company's milestone document. Expansion went into Wallonia around 1990 and Luxembourg in 1995. A Dutch venture began in 2000 and closed around 2005, and a German venture starting in Wuppertal in 2013 reached 10 stores before all closed by 2021.
JBC also tried online in China, through a 2015 joint venture with Deesha that ended in 2017, followed by a Shanghai team selling through Tmall and JD.com. That effort was discontinued because it did not deliver sufficient return on investment.
Why it matters
JBC is a rare example of a family-run Belgian fashion chain that has stayed independent while testing, and then retreating from, foreign expansion.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns JBC?
JBC is owned by Claes Retail Group, a family company founded in 1997 and led by Bart and Ann Claes, the children of founder Jean-Baptiste Claes.
Where is JBC from?
JBC is from Belgium. Jean-Baptiste Claes opened the first store in Schulen in 1975.