Financials

Pandora Posts Strong Q1 But Warns of US Slowdown Ahead

FinancialsMay 04, 2022

Pandora Posts Strong Q1 But Warns of US Slowdown Ahead

The company said the “affordable” jewelry market in the U.S. is growing slower than the overall market.

2022_Pandora store.jpg
Pandora posted double-digit revenue growth in its first quarter but remains cautious about the year ahead in light of the war in Ukraine, COVID-19, inflation, and higher interest rates.
Copenhagen, Denmark—Pandora posted strong first-quarter results and raised its sales guidance for the year ahead.

Still, the company remains cautious about its fiscal future, noting the war in Ukraine, COVID-19, inflation, and higher interest rates could all negatively impact consumer demand.

“We are very pleased with the strong start to the year delivering record revenue for a first quarter,” said CEO Alexander Lacik. “All of our product platforms support the growth in Q1, as our ability to continuously offer new innovation pays off.”

Here are five key takeaways from the Danish jewelry company’s quarterly results.

Pandora’s quarterly revenue climbed double-digits.

First-quarter revenue was up 26 percent year-over-year to 5.7 billion Danish kroner ($805.4 million) compared with 4.5 billion Danish kroner ($637.1 million) in the first quarter last year.

It reported organic sales growth of 21 percent year-over-year.

Its sell-out growth (sales in Pandora-owned and -operated stores) was 17 percent year-over-year.

The company had a strong Valentine’s Day, with sales up about 30 percent year-over-year.

By sales channel, Pandora-owned retail stores, including the online store, brought in 3.9 billion Danish kroner ($555.7 million) in the first quarter, up 33 percent from the previous year.

Wholesale sales in the first quarter were up 15 percent to 1.6 billion Danish kroner ($221.8 million).

Pandora said its online sales performed well compared with 2019 levels, but were down compared with the previous first quarter, when COVID-19 lockdowns were in place.

Online organic growth was around 155 percent compared with the first quarter of 2019 and was the main contributor of growth from a channel perspective compared with 2019, said Pandora.

Given its strong first quarter, Pandora has upped its fiscal guidance for the year ahead.

It now expects organic revenue growth of 4 to 6 percent, up from its prior guidance of 3 to 6 percent. Its EBIT margin of 25 to 25.5 percent remains unchanged.

The U.S. market remains strong, but Pandora predicts a slowdown ahead.

In the United States, Pandora’s largest market accounting for 29 percent of total revenue, sales were up 19 percent in the first quarter.

Quarterly revenue in the U.S. totaled 1.7 billion Danish kroner ($233.6 million), up 19 percent year-over-year.

The U.S. market saw organic growth of 62 percent compared with Q1 2019 and has performed in line with Pandora’s expectations, the company said.

The Marvel collection did especially well in the U.S.

However, Pandora said it expects to see a “slowdown” in the U.S. market in 2022, noting the stimulus checks distributed in March 2021 boosted sales, making for tough year-over-year comparisons in Q2 2022. 

“Data indicates that the overall U.S. jewelry market has grown 11 to 18 percent in Q1 2022 and thereby above Pandora US. However, data also suggest that the affordable jewelry market has been growing much slower than the overall jewelry market,” said Pandora.

 Related stories will be right here … 

Pandora has been growing its footprint in North America.

In January, Ben Bridge Jeweler announced it was returning 37 Pandora stores, including 32 in the U.S. and 5 in Canada, to Pandora, looking to concentrate on its core business.

Pandora’s presence has grown especially strong on the West Coast, as 20 of the acquired Ben Bridge stores are located in California.

The acquisition is expected to give Pandora 170 million Danish kroner ($24.1 million) in incremental revenue for the full year, converting wholesale revenue to retail revenue.

The company also announced plans in February to open 28 shop-in-shops in Macy’s as it looks to increase its U.S. market share.

“The long-term aim is to double the U.S. business vs. 2019 and 62 percent organic growth vs. 2019 this quarter is an encouraging path toward this goal,” said Pandora.

“Pandora Me” and Marvel collections were top performers.

Pandora broke down its sales into “global business units,” or collections.

The “Pandora Me” collection saw revenue more than double, up 144 percent for the quarter.

Revenue from its “Collabs” collection, meaning collaborations, climbed 54 percent.

The company launched a Marvel collection in February, drawing jewelry inspiration from Avengers characters like Iron Man, Black Panther, The Hulk, and Captain America.

“The Marvel collaboration is building on Pandora’s strong relationship with Disney and proved an imminent success in the quarter. Marvel alone accounted for 3 percent share of business and has so far been outperforming the initial launch of both Star Wars and Harry Potter,” said Pandora.

Sales of the “Pandora Moments” collection grew 26 percent.

The “Pandora Brilliance” collection, which includes its lab-grown diamond jewelry, saw sales up 9 percent.

It was tested in the U.K to a positive reception and the company plans to roll it out this year, but said no new tests were conducted in the first quarter.

The company did test out a new loyalty program, My Pandora, in France, with plans to introduce it to more markets in 2023.

The test launch was conducted online and in 20 stores, with 50,000 consumers signed up in the first four weeks.

“My Pandora will further improve Pandora’s access to quality consumer data and with the new loyalty program, Pandora will be able to target the consumers directly with content of their interest,” the company.

Pandora is also creating a digital hub in London to attract digital and marketing talent.

Pandora has taken a strong stance against Russian goods.

Pandora made headlines last month when it announced it was leaving the Responsible Jewellery Council, citing the organization’s refusal to cut ties with Russian companies.

It was one of the first to do so, alongside Richemont, and followed by Kering, Watches of Switzerland, and others.

Pandora said it didn’t see any “major impact” on performance due to the war but has suspended business with Russia and Belarus.

Russia, Belarus and Ukraine combined accounted for about 1 percent of revenue in 2021, said Pandora.

“The 153 concept stores and 66 other points of sale in those markets are no longer considered part of Pandora,” said the company.

Pandora operates 2,432 concept stores as of the end of the first quarter, down 227 from the previous first quarter.

Pandora is planning to continue to increase its store network, expecting to open a net 50 to 100 concept stores worldwide.

The Latest

Hand holding shopping bags
SurveysOct 16, 2026
How Inflation, Gas Prices Will Affect Holiday Sales

The NRF is expecting holiday sales to increase this year, but consumers and retailers alike are facing Grinch-like headwinds.

Christina Puchi Gemstone Earrings
CollectionsOct 16, 2026
Christina Puchi’s Earrings Hold the Universe

Our Piece of the Week gathers the planets, represented by a variety of colored gemstones, in a pair of 14-karat yellow gold earrings.

Reeds Jewelers Fayetteville
IndependentsOct 16, 2026
Reeds Jewelers Expands, Relocates Flagship

The New York-based jeweler is moving its Amherst flagship store to a larger location in nearby Snyder.

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.

Graff USA Executive Vice President Katy Chen
MajorsOct 16, 2026
Katy Chen Appointed Executive Vice President of Graff USA

Chen, who worked at Cartier and Tiffany & Co., will lead retail sales and operations for the luxury jeweler’s 11 U.S. stores.

Weekly QuizOct 15, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Elise & Amy Greenberg
IndependentsOct 15, 2026
Retailer Hall of Fame 2026: Amy and Elise Greenberg

For 40 years, sisters Amy and Elise Greenberg have helmed their 126-year-old family business, leading with appreciation and integrity.

The Retail Smiths Principal Partner Peter Smith
ColumnistsOct 15, 2026
Peter Smith: What Is the Culture REP?

It’s a term Smith coined and felt compelled to share following a bad experience with an aborted flight and an unfeeling flight attendant.

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.

Stephanie Gottlieb Movado watches
WatchesOct 15, 2026
Stephanie Gottlieb’s New Movado Watches Are Made for Your Wrist Stack

Movado teamed up with the New York-based fine jewelry designer on a new collection of Movado Museum Velura watches.

Polished diamond in tweezers
SourcingOct 15, 2026
Signet Jewelers, Richemont May Join Bidder for De Beers, Report Says

The two companies are reportedly in talks to join the Global Diamond Consortium, led by former De Beers CEO Gareth Penny, as per Bloomberg.

Wolf x Marla Aaron Some of the Things Box
CollectionsOct 15, 2026
Wolf x Marla Aaron's New Jewelry Box Is for Some (Not All) of Your Things

The “Some of the Things” box follows the two larger “Everything” box designs with the look and function of antique sewing and toolboxes.

Coleman Clark and Mitchell Clark
IndependentsOct 14, 2026
Retailer Hall of Fame 2026: Coleman and Mitchell Clark

Fourth-generation jewelers Coleman and Mitchell Clark exemplify the best qualities of their predecessors: humility, modesty, and confidence.

Manual Marcial de Gomar
SourcingOct 14, 2026
Manuel Marcial de Gomar, ‘The Emerald Whisperer,’ Dies at 90

The gem hunter, whose 70-year career was defined by adventure and exploration, is remembered for his steadfast faith and sense of wonder.

Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference 2026 Graphic
Events & AwardsOct 14, 2026
Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference Releases 2026 Program

This year’s sessions feature leading voices from human rights, legal, and conservation organizations.

Lugano Diamonds Greenwich Connecticut store
MajorsOct 13, 2026
David Webb Owner Purchases Lugano Jewelry

The high-end jewelry retailer was sold to private investment firm Middle West Partners and a group of longtime clients.

Stephanie Gottlieb Wholesale Lab-Grown Collection
Lab-GrownOct 13, 2026
Stephanie Gottlieb Takes Lab-Grown Diamond Collection Wholesale

The jewelry designer has partnered with Sofer Jewelry to distribute her 85-piece lab-grown diamond collection.

Sean Dunn
IndependentsOct 13, 2026
Retailer Hall of Fame 2026: Sean Dunn

Dunn, this year’s Single-Store Independent inductee, is passionate about innovation and telling the story of natural diamonds.

Bulgari pink diamond
AuctionsOct 13, 2026
Christie's Geneva To Auction 'Bulgari Pink' Diamond

The 24-carat fancy intense pink diamond ring could fetch up to $18 million at the November sale.

Greenwich St. Jewelers Island Jewel candle
IndependentsOct 13, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers’ New Candle Smells Like Home

The “Island Jewel” candle honors New York City and Puerto Rico and raises money for the island’s water relief efforts.

TechnologyOct 13, 2026
GemFind Is a New JA Member Benefit Partner

The partnership will give JA members access to preferred pricing, exclusive benefits, technology solutions, education, and resources.

Stock image of a person holding holidays bags
SurveysOct 09, 2026
These Will Be the 10 Busiest Days for In-Store Shopping This Holiday Season

Stores should expect to see the most customers on Nov. 27, and Christmas week is expected to be hectic too, as Dec. 25 falls on a Friday.

Elisa Solomon x Serendipity 3 Frozen Hot Chocolate Charm
CollectionsOct 09, 2026
Elisa Solomon Collabs With Serendipity 3 on ‘Frozen Hot Chocolate’ Charm

The charm, our Piece of the Week, features brown diamond frozen hot chocolate topped with white diamond whipped cream and a ruby straw.

8 carat fancy blue diamond
AuctionsOct 09, 2026
8-Carat Blue Diamond Goes Unsold at UK Jewelry Auction

The top lot of Elmwood’s recent fine jewelry sale in London was a 1.84-carat, D color Tiffany & Co. solitaire diamond ring.

Ebel sport classic watch
WatchesOct 09, 2026
Movado to Sell Majority Stake in Ebel for $66.5M

The watch company agreed to sell a 95 percent interest to a group comprised of F.P. Journe, Chanel, and Swiss watch exec Pierre Jacques.

Stock image of paper money and coins
Policies & IssuesOct 08, 2026
Third Wave of IEEPA Tariff Refunds Begins

This round of tariff refunds is for importers that have sued over IEEPA tariffs in the Court of International Trade and won.

Brent Neale Back to Basics Collection Pink Garnet Capsule
CollectionsOct 08, 2026
Brent Neale’s New Collection Goes ‘Back to Basics’

It revisits the brand’s most requested silhouettes, from "Pillow"-set necklaces and bracelets to "Signature"-set rings and earrings.

Ethical Gem Fair Brooklyn
SourcingOct 08, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair Heads Back to Brooklyn

The trade-only event includes buying opportunities as well as educational sessions on artisanal mining, the new Paraíba source, and more.

×

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