Majors

Piercing Pagoda Has a New Name

MajorsAug 04, 2021

Piercing Pagoda Has a New Name

Plus, Signet took the final step in the process of fully outsourcing its credit offerings.

20210804_Banter.jpg
Piercing Pagoda, the Signet-owned kiosk brand, will now be called Banter by Piercing Pagoda, a nod to the personal relationship between the chain’s employees and its customers, Signet said.
Dallas— After 50 years Piercing Pagoda is undergoing a makeover as it looks to attract even more Gen Z and millennial customers.

The Signet Jewelers-owned chain of kiosk stores will now be called Banter by Piercing Pagoda.

The new name is a nod to the personal relationships between the retailer’s employees and its new and long-standing customers, said Signet.

The name change has already happened at around 100 of Piercing Pagoda’s more than 500 U.S. locations.

It’s being tested in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Seattle and other cities, and will gradually roll out to the full fleet.

“Our new Banter by Piercing Pagoda name is full of energy, invoking the excitement of playful conversation, like the adrenaline of a new piercing or piece of jewelry,” said Kecia Caffie, president of Banter by Piercing Pagoda, in a press release about the rebranding.

“Our customers are fiercely individual, creative people who inspire us to reject labels and celebrate our unique identities each day.” 

 Related stories will be right here … 

The change comes as part of the jewelry giant’s “Inspiring Brilliance” growth strategy, which aims to bolster its omnichannel presence and technologic capabilities and evolve its product offerings.

The brand, marked by a gold script capital letter “B” logo, will stock gender-neutral chains, charms, necklaces, and earrings.

Long known for its ear piercing services, the brand branched out to nose and facial piercings to meet rising consumer demand during the pandemic, while, it said, still following health and COVID-related safety protocols.

“Banter by Piercing Pagoda combines stylish designs and approachable service at affordable price points with tech-enabled stores and warm, modern service,” said Signet.

Of Signet’s nine jewelry brands, Piercing Pagoda has consistently been a top performer.

The brand had its strongest quarter ever in the first quarter of fiscal 2022 and, in fiscal 2021, saw its sixth consecutive year of positive same-store sales growth amid stable merchandise margins, said Signet.

This year, more than 135 Piercing Pagoda locations are on track to post $1 million in sales.

Signet plans to open as many as 100 additional locations in fiscal 2022 in regional malls.

Some of these new locations will be traditional stores instead of kiosks, complete with a piercing lounge and, in select locations, smart mirrors for virtual jewelry try-ons.

The brand caters to “tech-savvy Gen Z and millennial customers,” said Signet, and will be improving upon its mobile experience.

In fiscal 2021, Piercing Pagoda saw 140 percent year-over-year e-commerce growth, with mobile playing a big role in that.

Enhanced virtual capabilities, including sales and search, and an updated website are part of the digital overhaul.

In addition to its new name, Banter by Piercing Pagoda is introducing a new marketing campaign featuring “bold, diverse models who epitomize self-expression and pride—a hallmark of the brand.”

The campaign launched Monday in select locations.

Also this week, Signet Jewelers announced it has renegotiated its $1.5 billion asset-based lending facility, extending it by nearly two years to July 2026 for greater financial flexibility.

Signet also entered into new, long-term receivable purchase agreements, which improved the terms of the agreement and removed the consumer credit risk from its balance sheet.

The new agreements mark the final step in Signet fully outsourcing its credit offerings. 

Genesis remains its long-term third-party credit servicer and it also provides other payment options, including via Affirm and Progressive Leasing.

“These actions, as well as S&P’s recent upgrade of Signet’s issuer credit rating resulting from our enhanced financial profile, demonstrate the progress we are making with our Inspiring Brilliance growth strategy,” said Chief Financial and Strategy Officer Joan Hilson in a press release.

The Latest

Unheated Paraiba
AuctionsSep 18, 2026
7.52-Carat Unheated Paraíba Tourmaline Sells for $1.3M at Sotheby’s

The top lot of the auction house’s Hong Kong jewelry sale was an Art Deco Mauboussin necklace with ruby beads, which sold for $2 million.

Photo from 2026 Jewelers of America Fly-In
Policies & IssuesSep 18, 2026
Tariffs, Retail Crime Top of Mind at JA’s Annual Fly-In

Retailers and manufacturers headed to the Capitol this week to discuss tariff exemptions for diamonds and gemstones, among other issues.

Nanis Sway Earrings
CollectionsSep 18, 2026
Nanis Transforms Its ‘Boule’ Into a Mirror

Our Piece of the Week is a pair of drop earrings from the “Sway” collection featuring Nanis’ first use of mirror-polished gold.

1872 x 1052 Gemolite.jpg
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional Edition

Experience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.

De Beers Group’s SynthDetect 2 diamond screening instrument
GradingSep 18, 2026
De Beers Introduces Faster Version of Diamond Screening Machine

SynthDetect 2 can scan a full tray in less than five minutes, De Beers said, making it six times faster than its predecessors.

Weekly QuizSep 17, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
14th century gold seal ring
AuctionsSep 18, 2026
Noonans To Auction Medieval Gold Seal Ring Recovered By 2 Friends

Two metal detectorists discovered the ring, which may have belonged to English noblewoman Matilda of Lancaster, in Suffolk.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesSep 17, 2026
Tariffs on India Could Increase as Russian Sanctions Bill Heads to Trump’s Desk

The bill has a provision that allows the president to raise tariffs on countries that import Russian oil and gas to as much as 100 percent.

Cover.jpg
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk About

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

John Carter and Michael Richards
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
This Is the Winner of the 2026 Robert M. Shipley Award

The American Gem Society presented the annual award to a former president of its board.

Cynthia Erivo x Zoe Chicco The Chrysalis Capsule Collection Campaign
CollectionsSep 17, 2026
Cynthia Erivo, Zoë Chicco’s Jewelry Collab Is an Ode to Transformation

The “Chrysalis” capsule centers butterfly motifs representing growth, transformation, and the unfolding of who you are.

Kevin Patton
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
Louisiana Retailer Kevin Patton Wins Lifetime Achievement Award

Jewelers of Louisiana presented Patton, the third-generation president of Pattons Fine Jewelry, with the award at its annual convention.

Graphic for episode 9 of My Next Question featuring Pamela Froman and Remy Sasha
PodcastsSep 16, 2026
Episode 9: Remembering Cindy Edelstein

Two special guests join the podcast to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the designer advocate, mentor, and author’s untimely passing.

L’Objet x Jessica McCormack Homeware Collection
CollectionsSep 16, 2026
Jessica McCormack, L’Objet Collab on Homewares Collection

McCormack brings sea-inspired motifs from her “Beaches” collection to L’Objet’s tableware, vanity pieces, and first-ever cutlery set.

Stock image of police cars with flashing lights
CrimeSep 16, 2026
JSA Issues Warning to NJ Jewelers After Rash of Smash and Grabs

Nine New Jersey jewelers have been victims of smash-and-grab robberies this year, prompting JSA to circulate a list of recommendations.

Brian Hood, president of Bromberg & Co.
IndependentsSep 16, 2026
Bromberg & Co. Names New President

Marlin “Brian” Hood, who has been with the store for 20 years, will succeed Ricky Bromberg, who died earlier this month.

Florence Pugh Wearing Bulgari at 2026 Primetime Emmy Awards
EditorsSep 15, 2026
2026 Emmys Jewelry: An Either/Or Proposition

Stars wore either a necklace or earrings at 78th Primetime Emmy Awards but rarely both, Natalie Francisco notes.

Technology Therapy Group founder and CEO Jennifer Shaheen
ColumnistsSep 15, 2026
The Levels Your Website Must Clear Before AI Recommends You

Jennifer Shaheen compares this new era of AI-powered SEO to a video game: your website must clear one level before advancing to the next.

Armadani Retail Support Program Marketing Imagery
IndependentsSep 15, 2026
Armadani Launches Retail Support Program for Holiday Season

The program highlights “Made in Italy” fine jewelry with digital merchandising, sales education, and local marketing support.

Signet Jewelers Joan Hilson
EditorsSep 15, 2026
Q&A: Signet Jewelers’ Joan Hilson on Diamond Demand, the Holidays

Hilson, Signet’s chief operating and financial officer, discussed Q2, resurgent natural diamond demand, and why Blue Nile is a standout.

The Retail Smiths Principal Sherry Smith
ColumnistsSep 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your Christmas

The stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.

The “Pragnell Kimberley Sunshine Diamond,” 22.09 carats and fancy yellow
AuctionsSep 14, 2026
22 Carats of ‘Sunshine’ Are Up for Auction

The 22.09-carat fancy yellow “Pragnell Kimberley Sunshine Diamond” is part of the fall jewelry sale at Heritage Auctions.

Greenwich St. Jewelers Adornos photography exhibit
IndependentsSep 14, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers to Unveil Photography Exhibition

“Adornos: Jewelry, Memory & What We Pass Down” honors the jewelry’s importance to New York City’s Latine communities.

Stock image of rough emeralds mined by Gemfields
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Gemfields Sells All Lots at First Emerald Auction in 9 Months

The company’s managing director of sales said the results demonstrate “continued strong demand for commercial-quality emeralds.”

Kealeboga Pule and Black Coffee
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Pledges Support for Eye Care Program

The nonprofit awarded a grant to the Gift of Sight initiative spearheaded by South African musician Black Coffee.

Greenwich St. Jewelers Scattered Sapphire Cigar Band
CollectionsSep 11, 2026
A Sapphire ‘Stardust’ Ring From Greenwich St. Jewelers

The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

The Edge logo
Events & AwardsSep 11, 2026
The Edge Awards Scholarships to 2 Young Jewelry Professionals

The recipients were recognized at the 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States’ annual banquet.

Steven Lagos and Keith Rolfe
MajorsSep 10, 2026
Lagos Founder Steven Lagos Steps Down as CEO

Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy