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

People shopping in winter clothes
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in December

Consumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.

Bonhams US headquarters
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYC

In February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.

Hana Kaneko rings
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter Event

The new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.

Recipients Collage 2025 - NJ (1872 x 1050 px) (1872 x 1052 px).png
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow Today

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

Brian Patrick Gilbertson
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82

The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.

Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Costume Designers Guild Award By Bulgari
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild Award

The LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.

Counterfeit Cartier and Audemars Piguet watches
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier Watches

In the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.

roseco-catalog.png
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line Catalog

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

Helzberg new store concept rendering
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its Stores

Helzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.

Graphic for the 2025 Year-End Webinar
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year

Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.

Pair of Ippolita Lollatini earrings
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita

The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.

Bulgari CEO Laura Burdese
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEO

Laura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.

Harwell Godfrey Lil Buddies
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review

The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.

Front of Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ brooch
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection

Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.

Audemars Piguet Grosse Pièce
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at Auction

It purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.

Diamond ring in parts
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry Service

The lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.

Terry and Cindy Chandler at AGS Conclave
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and Friends

Chandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.

Rendering of Bob’s Watches JFK airport store
WatchesDec 18, 2025
Bob’s Watches to Open Store in New York’s JFK Airport

The boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.

JamAlert 1872x1052.png
Supplier BulletinDec 18, 2025
Cell Jammers Are Targeting Your Business. Here's How to Beat Them

Sponsored by Digital Monitoring Products

Fabergé egg pendant near gloved hand
CrimeDec 17, 2025
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Swallowing Fabergé Pendant

The special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.

Ashley Zhang Jewelry Snake Necklace, Renato Cipullo Hematite Blaze Necklace, Vanessa Fernandez Studio Curva Wrap Hoops, Hernsdorf Tears of Aphrodite Necklace, Robinson Pelham Tsar Star Earrings, Marla Aaron Nymphenburg Lock, Lof The Valentine Ring
EditorsDec 17, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: The Best Piece of the Week Picks

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.

Lucy Hale in Jacquie Aiche’s Love and Desire Campaign
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday Campaign

The “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.

SSEF logo
GradingDec 17, 2025
SSEF Announces 2025 Scholarship Winners

Two awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.

Pandora Alexander Lacik and Berta de Pablos-Barbier
MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up Early

Berta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.

JAR pendant brooch, fancy intense blue diamond
AuctionsDec 16, 2025
Suzanne Belperron, JAR Shine in Sotheby’s First Auctions at New HQ

Sotheby’s held its first two jewelry sales at the Breuer building last week, and they totaled nearly $44 million.

The Jewelry Symposium logo
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
TJS Now Accepting Scholarship Applications for 2026

Winners will receive free registration and lodging for its fourth annual event in Detroit.

National Jeweler columnists and PR professionals Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams
ColumnistsDec 16, 2025
Beyond Unboxing: Creative Reveals to Drive Reach and Engagement

Here are six ideas for making more engaging content for Instagram Reels and TikTok, courtesy of Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams.

×

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