Majors

Why Signet Is One of the ‘Best-Positioned’ Retailers This Holiday Season

MajorsOct 07, 2021

Why Signet Is One of the ‘Best-Positioned’ Retailers This Holiday Season

In a recent note, Wells Fargo outlined how the jewelry giant avoided the supply chain woes currently plaguing retail.

20211007_Monique Lhuillier Bliss Ring.jpg
A 1.25-carat oval diamond engagement ring in 18-karat rose gold from the new “Monique Lhuillier Bliss” collection at Signet-owned banner Kay Jewelers ($11,000). A recent note from Wells Fargo analysts delves into how Signet Jewelers avoided the supply chain issues hampering many retailers.
New York—Supply chain troubles are weighing on some retailers ahead of the holiday season, but Signet Jewelers is all set for a happy holiday, according to Wells Fargo.

On Monday, analysts sat down for a virtual investor meeting with Signet’s management, including CEO Gina Drosos, CFO Joan Hilson, and Vice President of Investor Relations Vinnie Sinisi, to talk about where the jewelry giant stands in the market.

“Signet is one of the few companies in our universe where supply chain disruptions are not having a material impact on the company’s business,” Wells Fargo said in an analyst note shared with National Jeweler.

The company has no exposure to Vietnam, a country hard-hit with supply chain struggles. Its raw material mining happens in India, Russia, Botswana, and Brazil, while its cutting and polishing takes place in India, China, Indonesia, The Philippines, Thailand, Israel, and Belgium.

Signet has a partially vertically integrated supply chain, giving the company more control over delivery times, the note states.

The retailer relies less on cargo ships for product transportation, which means it avoids port delays into the United States from Asia. Most of its products are sent via airfreight.

Signet also placed orders with its vendors early, with more than half of its holiday inventory already on hand.

“Signet is likely one of the best-positioned retailers heading into holiday regarding supply chain headwinds,” said the note.

The analyst note delves into other aspects of Signet’s business, including its service offerings.

There may be big money to be made in its services business, which includes repairs, jewelry care, extended service plans, warranty and insurance, and its customizations services, like through the new Jared Foundry.

The segment could reach $1 billion in revenue over the next few years, a marked difference from the $300 million it generated in the last fiscal year.

Wells Fargo estimates the U.S. jewelry service and repair business to be in the $3 billion range total, though it is “highly fragmented.”

As Signet is the market share leader, the company has the opportunity to gain greater market share by leveraging its size, making the most of its 1,400 “jewelry experts.”

Services also foster customer loyalty, said analysts, keeping shoppers in the Signet ecosystem.

The jewelry giant has also been prioritizing differentiating its banners, tailoring each to cater to a specific set of customers rather than cannibalizing each other.

The change has brought new customers to each banner, said the note, and has also been a winning strategy for retaining customers.

 Related stories will be right here … 

While the note focuses on Signet, it also highlights the strength of the jewelry category overall.

“Jewelry has been a clear COVID category winner,” said the note, highlighting its strong double-digit growth over the last six to eight months.

While the strength of the overall category may have helped to lift Signet, the management team told analysts it intends to continue its growth trajectory, even as spending may shift to experiential purchases.

The company is using its data to better understand its consumers, which is evidently working as store productivity increases and new customers flock to its banners, as per the note.

Signet will also use its e-commerce capabilities to scoop up more market share.

The mid-market jewelry category is worth around $35 billion, with nearly 70 percent of the market share held by less tech-savvy independents, analysts noted.

“As consumers continue to become more comfortable buying jewelry online, Signet is positioned to capitalize on this trend and take share from independents who lack e-commerce capabilities,” said the note.

“The company has numerous competitive advantages that cannot be replicated by its smaller, independent and regional competitors, including robust digital and omnichannel capabilities.” 

However, competition from department stores entering the market and digital-only companies could be an impediment to Signet achieving its goal of a 9 percent market share, up from its current 6 percent.

Wells Fargo maintained its “Overweight” rating on the company with a price target of $100.

The Latest

Verdura unicorn brooch
AuctionsAug 11, 2026
Verdura Unicorn Brooch With Royal Connection Up for Auction

The brooch was owned by Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, who served as a lady of the bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth II for nearly 50 years.

Richard Moore
IndependentsAug 11, 2026
Polly’s Fine Jewelry Co-Owner Richard Moore Dies at 69

Moore, Polly’s husband, is remembered as a family man with an easygoing spirit and a love for sports and the outdoors.

National Jeweler columnists Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams
ColumnistsAug 11, 2026
Creative Connecting: How to Sell Colored Gemstones to Gen Z

Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams share the best ways to display, present, and explain colored gemstones to younger customers.

1872-x-1052-July-ad (1).png
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying Events

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

NAJA logo
Events & AwardsAug 11, 2026
NAJA Announces Lineup For 2026 Fall Virtual Conference

The mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers will take place Sept. 5-6 on Zoom.

Weekly QuizAug 07, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Honest Hands Workbench Ring Builder
TechnologyAug 10, 2026
Colorado Jeweler Launches Customization Tool He Built Himself

Honest Hands Ring Co. Founder Benjamin Bosworth shared his thoughts on jewelry technology and why AI can never replace the human element.

State Property Lorenz Station Bracelet
CollectionsAug 10, 2026
State Property Puts a Ripple in the ‘The Voyager’ Collection

The brand also added two one-of-a-kind brown diamond pieces to the “Sanssouci” series of its “Gardens” collection.

Brought-To-By-Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center Stage

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

Ostbye receiving Vendor of the Year trophy at 2026 IJO show
MajorsAug 10, 2026
And IJO’s 2026 Vendor of the Year Is …

Ostbye took home top vendor honors at the Independent Jewelers Organization’s show, held last month in Kentucky.

1872-x-1052-July-ad (2).png
Supplier BulletinAug 07, 2026
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying Events

Sponsored by Stratus Estate Buyers

Blue Nile President Pamela Cloud
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Retail Veteran Pam Cloud Appointed President of Blue Nile

Cloud, who will officially join Blue Nile on Monday, spent 26 years at Tiffany & Co. and founded jewelry brand Roseate.

Paulo Garcia
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Pandora Appoints Paulo Garcia as New CFO

Garcia will take over from the company’s current CFO, Anders Boyer, who is retiring at the end of November.

Etsy office Dumbo Brooklyn
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Etsy to Lay Off 12% of Workforce

Etsy CEO Kruti Patel Goyal explained why the company is letting go more than 200 employees as its performance improves.

Syna Star Gazer Pendant
TrendsAug 07, 2026
Look Ahead with Syna’s Binoculars Pendant

The “Star Gazer” pendant, our Piece of the Week, is Syna’s tribute to curiosity and the discovery of something new.

An interior shot of the Musee Lalique in Wingen-sur-Moder, France
CrimeAug 06, 2026
Lalique Museum to Remain Closed Following $5M Heist

Museum officials are looking to the public to help cover the “exceptional” costs involved in recovering from the July 5 smash-and-grab.

Claire’s new piercing experience
MajorsAug 06, 2026
Claire’s Revamps Piercing Services for Second Time in Three Years

The overhaul includes enhanced employee safety training and trendy earring styles, including lab-grown diamond studs.

Brilliant Earth Jane Goodall collection rings
FinancialsAug 06, 2026
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 6%, Driven by High-Income Shoppers

The retailer said it had its biggest Mother’s Day ever, with strong demand for higher-priced jewelry.

Handwork: Handcrafted Objects that Made America Book Cover
TrendsAug 06, 2026
New Book on Handcrafted American Objects Highlights Jewelry

“Handwork: Handcrafted Objects that Made America” features historic and contemporary works, including a Diné squash blossom necklace.

Ani Khachian
MajorsAug 06, 2026
AJA East Coast Names Ani Khachian as First Female President-Elect

The Armenian Jewelers Association’s East Coast chapter has also elected its 2026–2027 board of directors.

JCPenney storefront
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Private Equity Firm Wants to Buy 100+ JCPenney Stores

Onyx Partners has submitted a second offer to buy the department stores after its first offer fell through last year.

The Roaring Jewel Martini
IndependentsAug 05, 2026
Atlanta Jeweler Introduces $10K Martini

Solomon Brothers Jewelers has partnered with local cocktail bar Roaring Social on a new martini garnished with a tennis necklace.

Benjamin Siegel of Hamilton Jewelers
IndependentsAug 05, 2026
Another Member of the Siegel Family Joins Hamilton Jewelers

Benjamin Siegel, son of President and CEO Hank Siegel, started working for the family business this week.

Bulgari San Diego Store Exterior
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Bulgari Opens Store in San Diego

The new space features a modern design that blends Bulgari’s Roman heritage with San Diego’s coastal spirit.

Mugshots of four men
CrimeAug 04, 2026
Crew of Thieves Break Into Indiana Jeweler’s Home

Four men were charged in connection with the break-in and accused of stealing $365,000 in cash, jewelry, and designer goods.

André Branch
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Pandora Hires Former Signet Board Member to Lead North American Market

André Branch has more than 25 years of experience with various brands, most recently serving as CEO of Ariana Grande’s cosmetics company.

Gemlok earrings
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Sasha Primak Acquires Gemlok

New York-based atelier Gemlok is best known for creating the innovative “bridge” setting that became popular in the bridal market.

Santana Now Unidad Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsAug 04, 2026
Musician Carlos Santana Launches Jewelry Brand

Santana Now's debut collection, “Unidad,” features symbolic motifs as well as pieces of wood from the Woodstock stage.

×

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