TREND WATCH

Bright Baubles: One bright spot in retailing is the sale of costume jewelry, scarves, belts and hair ornaments. Claire’s Stores Inc. of Florida reports sales at its largest subsidiary, Claire’s Boutique, rose 35% in 1990 to $254.9 million. The subsidiary specializes in fashion accessories whose average cost is about $4. Most of its shoppers are teen-agers and young career women. Kmart has expanded its accessories floor space, and Gitano and other private labels are increasing accessory product lines. Crain’s Chicago Business, Discount Store News

Wider Coverage: Some businesses expanding into several states are looking to cut the administrative cost of health coverage by employing one company for its far-flung employees. Two Southland companies are trying to fill the niche: FHP International of Fountain Valley and PacifiCare Health Systems of Cypress. Both have created subsidiaries to operate HMO networks for national accounts. FHP’s Ultralink Network affiliates 28 health maintenance organizations in various states; PacifiCare’s HMO National Network affiliates 13. Healthweek