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

Rough diamonds from the Gahcho Kue mine in Canada
SourcingNov 21, 2025
De Beers’ Branded, Traceable Diamonds Roll Out to 19 Retailers

Called “Origin by De Beers Group,” the loose, polished diamonds are being sold in a total of 30 stores in the United States and Canada.

Melissa Kaye Rocky Infinity Emerald Necklace
CollectionsNov 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Melissa Kaye’s ‘Rocky Infinity’ Necklace

The lariat necklace features a 4.88-carat oval-cut Zambian emerald in 18-karat yellow gold.

Phillips auction of The Vanderbilt Sapphire brooch
AuctionsNov 20, 2025
Vanderbilt Jewels Shine at Phillips Sale, Pink Diamond Withdrawn

A 43-carat sapphire brooch from the Vanderbilt collection was the top lot of the Geneva sale.

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.

Rebecca Rau Jewels Green Flame Necklace
CollectionsNov 20, 2025
Rebecca Rau Jewels Debuts With ‘Then & Now’ Collection

Rau is a fourth-generation art and antique dealer from M.S. Rau gallery whose first jewelry collection merges artifacts with modern design.

Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Purvi Shah
Policies & IssuesNov 20, 2025
RJC Names New Executive Director

Former De Beers sustainability leader Purvi Shah will take over the role in February 2026.

WatchesNov 20, 2025
LVMH Takes Minority Stake in Citizen Group-Owned Movement Maker

La Joux-Perret is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and makes solar quartz as well as mechanical watch movements.

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.

Julia Griffith
GradingNov 20, 2025
Julia Griffith Joins SSEF as Head of Education

She previously taught at Gem-A and is the founder of The Gem Academy.

Helena Bonham Carter in Larkspur & Hawk Once Upon a Time Campaign
CollectionsNov 19, 2025
Larkspur & Hawk Celebrates 25 Years With Helena Bonham Carter Campaign

The British actress and her daughter modeled pieces from the brand’s new “Palette” capsule for its “Once Upon a Time” holiday campaign.

Google reviews on a phone screen and a laptop
TechnologyNov 19, 2025
Google Has a New Form for Reporting ‘Review Bombing’ Attacks

Plus, the tech giant shares the steps retailers should take if they believe they’re a victim of a review extortion scam.

Shaftel Diamonds logo and jeweler’s bench
IndependentsNov 19, 2025
Houston Jeweler Keith Shaftel Retires, Next Generation Steps In

Danny and Gaby Shaftel are now Shaftel Diamonds’ CEO and chief operating officer, respectively.

Midas chain mini studs
TrendsNov 19, 2025
Midas Chain Releases 2025 Holiday Style Guide

The jewelry manufacturer’s seasonal offering features its new “Melodie” bangles, as well as mini stud earrings and layering pieces.

Jewelry from NYC Jewelry Week 2024
Events & AwardsNov 18, 2025
NYC Jewelry Week 2025: 12 Must-See Events

With more than 140 activations taking place in New York City now through Nov. 23, these 12 events are can’t-miss moments.

Kathleen Ryan Dreamhouse Bad Fruit sculpture
Events & AwardsNov 18, 2025
A Giant, Bejeweled Moldy Berry Is on Display in LA

The artwork is part of an exhibition featuring works by Kathleen Ryan, an artist known for her gemstone-studded rotting fruit sculptures.

Rough diamonds from the Gahcho Kué mine in Canada
SourcingNov 18, 2025
Another Diamond Company CEO Steps Down

Mark Wall, president and CEO of Canadian mining company Mountain Province Diamonds, will vacate his position next month.

Suspects in murder of father and son jewelers in Chicago
CrimeNov 17, 2025
Police Searching for 2 Suspects in Murder of Father, Son Jewelers

Faustino Alamo Dominguez and his son, 25-year-old Luis Angel Alamo, were gunned down following an armed robbery at their jewelry store.

Jeffrey Bennett
GradingNov 17, 2025
IGI Announces New President of North America

Tiffany & Co. veteran Jeffrey Bennett has stepped into the role.

Robbins Brothers Pasadena store exterior
MajorsNov 17, 2025
Look Inside Robbins Brothers Fine Jewelers’ New Pasadena Flagship

The showroom is located in a historic 1920s building in the Playhouse District.

Rolex Perpetual 1908 watch with 18-karat yellow gold bracelet
Policies & IssuesNov 14, 2025
U.S., Switzerland Reach Deal That Drops Tariff to 15%

The Swiss government announced the deal, which cuts the tax on Swiss imports by more than half, on social media Friday morning.

Napoleon Bonaparte diamond brooch
AuctionsNov 14, 2025
Napoleon’s Diamond Brooch Blows Away Auction Estimates

A buyer paid $4.4 million for the piece, which Napoleon wore on his hat for special occasions and left behind when he fled Waterloo.

Buccellati Étoilée earrings
FinancialsNov 14, 2025
Richemont’s Q2 Jewelry Sales Up 12%

Plus, how tariffs and the rising price of gold are affecting its watch and jewelry brands.

Silvia Furmanovich x Mellerio Butterflies in Flight Jewelry Box
CollectionsNov 14, 2025
Piece of the Week: Silvia Furmanovich’s ‘Butterflies in Flight’ Jewelry Box

Furmanovich designed the box to hold Mellerio’s “Color Queen,” a high jewelry collection consisting of 10 rings.

JCK Las Vegas trade show
Events & AwardsNov 14, 2025
JCK Names New Event Director

Jennifer Hopf, who has been with JCK since 2022, will lead the execution of the long-running jewelry trade show.

Adler’s Jewelry storefronts New Orleans
IndependentsNov 13, 2025
127-Year-Old New Orleans Jeweler to Close

Adler’s Jewelry is set to close its two stores as 82-year-old owner Coleman E. Adler II retires.

Green Lake Jewelry Works Seattle interior
IndependentsNov 13, 2025
Green Lake Jewelry Works to Move to New Seattle Studio

Founder Jim Tuttle shared how a dedication to craftsmanship and meaningful custom jewelry fueled the retailer’s double-digit growth.

Leon V. Der Calousdian
MajorsNov 13, 2025
Vahan Jewelry Founder Leon ‘Sacha’ Der Calousdian Dies at 85

The third-generation jeweler is remembered as a passionate creative with a love of art, traveling and sailboat racing.

×

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