Events & AwardsNov 02, 2021
Ben Bridge/Pandora Employee Wins Associate AwardMajorsJan 12, 2022
Ben Bridge Is Selling Its Pandora Franchise Stores Back to the Brand
Plus, a look at how Pandora fared in 2021.
Ben Bridge will return ownership of its 37 Pandora stores to Pandora to focus on its core business. (Image courtesy of Ben Bridge Jeweler's website)
Seattle—Ben Bridge Jeweler is returning ownership of its 37 Pandora stores to the Danish jewelry company, effectively cutting its store count in half as it looks to concentrate on its core business.
The stores will be returned to Pandora in early March, according to a press release about the change of ownership.
“The cornerstone of our business is building customers for life, and that is why we first fell in love with Pandora,” said Ben Bridge CEO Lisa Bridge.
“This has been an important and successful chapter in our history, and we know our team will be in excellent hands as a part of the broader Pandora organization. This pivot will give us greater focus and enable us to innovate and grow in new ways.”
The two companies first teamed up in the spring of 2010.
Today, Ben Bridge’s Pandora store network spans five states as well as British Columbia, Canada. The 110-year-old jeweler is Pandora’s largest franchisee in North America.
Ben Bridge said the sale of its franchise stores back to Pandora will give it time to create even more growth opportunities after marking 2021 as its “most successful” year yet.
It is the second time in recent months Ben Bridge has cut back its store count. Watches of Switzerland acquired Ben Bridge’s Mall of America store outside of Minneapolis-St. Paul, one of five stores the retailer scooped up in late 2021.
Ben Bridge will continue to stock Pandora jewelry in its own stores and on its website.
Pandora has bought back a number of franchise stores in the United States in recent years, including 18 stores across New England run by Laws Management in 2017 and 14 stores previously owned by Hannoush Jewelers in 2014.
Globally, the number of Pandora franchise stores has fallen 18 percent between fiscal 2020 and 2016, while the number of Pandora-owned stores has more than doubled, up 131 percent, in that same period.
In 2016, Pandora operated 2,138 concept stores, including 598 owned by Pandora and 976 owned by franchisees, and had 564 third-party distributors.
By Q4 of fiscal 2020, Pandora operated 2,690 concept stores, including 1,382 owned by Pandora and 797 owned by franchisees, and had 511 third-party distributors.
Related stories will be right here …
The stores will be returned to Pandora in early March, according to a press release about the change of ownership.
“The cornerstone of our business is building customers for life, and that is why we first fell in love with Pandora,” said Ben Bridge CEO Lisa Bridge.
“This has been an important and successful chapter in our history, and we know our team will be in excellent hands as a part of the broader Pandora organization. This pivot will give us greater focus and enable us to innovate and grow in new ways.”
The two companies first teamed up in the spring of 2010.
Today, Ben Bridge’s Pandora store network spans five states as well as British Columbia, Canada. The 110-year-old jeweler is Pandora’s largest franchisee in North America.
Ben Bridge said the sale of its franchise stores back to Pandora will give it time to create even more growth opportunities after marking 2021 as its “most successful” year yet.
It is the second time in recent months Ben Bridge has cut back its store count. Watches of Switzerland acquired Ben Bridge’s Mall of America store outside of Minneapolis-St. Paul, one of five stores the retailer scooped up in late 2021.
Ben Bridge will continue to stock Pandora jewelry in its own stores and on its website.
Pandora has bought back a number of franchise stores in the United States in recent years, including 18 stores across New England run by Laws Management in 2017 and 14 stores previously owned by Hannoush Jewelers in 2014.
Globally, the number of Pandora franchise stores has fallen 18 percent between fiscal 2020 and 2016, while the number of Pandora-owned stores has more than doubled, up 131 percent, in that same period.
In 2016, Pandora operated 2,138 concept stores, including 598 owned by Pandora and 976 owned by franchisees, and had 564 third-party distributors.
By Q4 of fiscal 2020, Pandora operated 2,690 concept stores, including 1,382 owned by Pandora and 797 owned by franchisees, and had 511 third-party distributors.
Prior to Ben Bridge’s announcement, Pandora reported its preliminary annual results, which exceed its fiscal guidance with fourth-quarter and full-year revenue hitting record levels.
Fourth-quarter revenue was up 14 percent year-over-year to 9 billion Danish kroner ($1.37 billion) compared with 7.89 billion kroner ($921.6 million) in the fourth quarter last year, and up 13 percent when compared with Q4 2019.
Full-year revenue was up 23 percent year-over-year to 23.4 billion Danish kroner ($3.57 billion) compared with 19.01 billion Danish kroner ($2.2 billion) in the previous year, and up 7 percent compared with 2019.
In the U.S., quarterly revenue was up 26 percent while full-year revenue was up 55 percent.
Prior to the release of its interim results, a memo from Pandora had predicted that “the unusual strong growth” in the U.S. may “ease off” in the fourth quarter, adding there was uncertainty around overall U.S. market development in 2022.
“Pandora is confident that whatever direction the overall U.S. market will go in 2022, we believe we have enough ammunition in the plans to perform better than the overall U.S. market, like we have done in 2021,” said the company.
Overall organic growth reached 23 percent, exceeding its guidance of 18 to 20 percent, while the EBIT margin was 25 percent, surpassing its 24 to 24.5 percent guidance.
A low single digit percentage of physical stores were temporarily closed during the fourth quarter due to COVID-19, said Pandora, noting that stores in several of its markets were hurt, particularly in China.
“The recent escalation of COVID-19 continues to drive some uncertainty with regards to financial performance in 2022,” said the company.
Pandora will release its official full-year results on Feb. 9.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
PodcastsJan 21, 2026
Episode 1: High Gold Prices, the Diamond Dilemma, & What’s NextWas 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
EditorsJan 21, 2026
6 Jewelry Designers Poised to Have a Breakout Year in 2026Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.
SourcingJan 21, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
CrimeJan 21, 2026
4 Men Charged in $1.7M California Smash-and-Grab Jewelry Store RobberyPlus, JSA’s Scott Guginsky discusses the need for jewelers to take more precautions as the gold price continues to climb.
Weekly QuizJan 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsJan 21, 2026
Delaware Jeweler Felice Morris Dies at 91Morris’ most cherished role was being a mother and grandmother, her family said.
CollectionsJan 21, 2026
Bulgari Weaves New Collection of ‘Vimini’ Creations“Vimini” is the first chapter of the “Bulgari Eternal” collection that merges archival pieces with modern creations.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 21, 2026
Jewelers Mutual’s ‘Conversations’ Retreat Returns to Discuss AIThe third edition will be held in Half Moon Bay, California, in April.
Events & AwardsJan 20, 2026
These Are the 5 Finalists for the David Yurman Gem Awards GrantThe grant is in its first year and was created to recognize an exceptional fine jewelry designer whose star is on the rise.
ColumnistsJan 20, 2026
First-Party Data Is the Most Valuable Asset Jewelers Have in 2026Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
IndependentsJan 14, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Wins 2025 ‘Wag’ AwardEdge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip DistrictThe family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond MeleeThe supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.
