Financials

Signet’s Bridal Strong in Q1 as ‘Year of the Wedding’ Continues

FinancialsJun 10, 2022

Signet’s Bridal Strong in Q1 as ‘Year of the Wedding’ Continues

From its bridal offerings to a major lawsuit settlement, here are five things to know about the company’s first quarter results.

20220610_Signet header.jpg
A lab-grown diamond engagement ring by designer Pnina Tornai from her most recent collaboration with Signet-owned Jared. Here are five things to know about Signet’s recent first quarter results.
Akron, Ohio—Signet Jewelers Ltd. started its fiscal year on high note.

Signet is the parent company of several large jewelry store chains, including Zales, Jared and Kay Jewelers.

The jewelry giant’s bridal jewelry did especially well, and the company is maintaining its fiscal 2023 outlook in light of inflationary pressures, among other issues impacting consumers.

Here are five things to know about its recent earnings report, released Thursday.

Signet had a good first quarter.

For the quarter ending April 30, Signet’s sales totaled $1.8 billion, up 9 percent year-over-year, with same-store sales climbing 3 percent.

“Signet’s strong performance this quarter reflects our team’s successful execution and agility amidst retail headwinds,” said CEO Virginia C. Drosos in a press release.

“We generated nearly 9 percent top-line growth, including 2.6 percent organic sales growth, enabled by our healthy inventory position, connected commerce capabilities and data-driven marketing.”

The company has also been giving more attention to its services segment in recent years, including repairs.

Its services division reported a 15 percent year-over-year increase in revenue.

North American sales were strong while international sales surged.

Signet’s North American banners include Zales and Kay Jewelers as well as Peoples in Canada.

Signet’s first-quarter sales in the region totaled $1.7 billion, with same-store sales down 5 percent year-over-year.

The lower same-store sales were attributed to a higher average transaction value but fewer transactions. The average transaction value was up more than 19 percent year-over-year and up 30 percent compared with pre-pandemic fiscal 2020.

Signet’s international banners include Ernest Jones and H. Samuels.

International sales totaled $110 million, nearly doubling year-over-year, up 92 percent.

Same-store sales more than doubled, up 103 percent, which Signet said reflected higher average transaction values and number of transactions. There were also more operating restrictions last year than in the current fiscal year.

 Related stories will be right here … 

Signet is maintaining its fiscal outlook.

Signet is expecting a good year ahead, but remains cautious in light of inflationary pressures and a return to travel.

Revenue for fiscal 2023 is expected to be in the range of $8.03 billion to $8.25 billion, above last year’s total of $7.8 billion.

“To be very clear, our fiscal 2023 outlook factors in a level of pressure on the consumer similar to what we’re currently experiencing. Our outlook does not anticipate a material worsening of macroeconomic factors, which could impact consumer spending patterns and have [an] associated impact on our business performance,” said Chief Financial Officer Joan Hilson on the company’s earnings call Thursday morning.

“That said, we are committed to controlling what we can, such as our merchandise assortment, tailored marketing, and cost disciplines,” she added.

Drosos is confident in the company’s ability to weather any headwinds it might encounter.

“We believe no other company in the jewelry industry has this same ability to adjust dynamically to market conditions across its banner portfolio, and continue to grow even in the face of challenges to a particular part of the business,” she said.

The bridal category put on an impressive performance.

This year is expected to be the “year of the wedding,” with about 2.5 million ceremonies expected to take place.

“In our big businesses, we delivered more than $80 million more in total bridal sales than in Q1 last year,” Drosos said on the call.

The company has seen an increase in sales of wedding bands, anniversary bands, bridal party jewelry, and gifts for the bride and groom, she said.

“Weddings are revenue drivers for Signet and an opportunity to establish lifetime relationships, not only with brides and grooms, but entire wedding parties. They are a critical point of entry, which we are capitalizing on.”

Signet has settled a long-standing legal battle.

For years, the company’s Sterling Jewelers division has been in a contentious legal battle with a group of women who say when they worked for Sterling, they were paid less than their male colleagues and passed over for promotions in favor of less qualified men.

After 15 years of legal back-and-forth, Signet announced it has reached a $175 million settlement in the case.

Drosos made a point of highlighting how the company has altered its management practices in recent years.

She noted the company’s $15 minimum wage, employee benefits, leadership development, and training.

“And now, we've settled this nearly 15-year-old legal matter, so we can continue our focus on an inclusive and highly engaged culture that will allow our company to truly shine,” she said.

The Latest

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.

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.

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.

Weekly QuizOct 08, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
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.

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.

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.

Ara Chanakian Overall Design Winner
Events & AwardsOct 08, 2026
Pattons Fine Jewelry Sweeps Local Design Contest

Ara Chanakian, a jeweler at Pattons, took home top honors in every category at Jewelers of Louisiana’s annual jewelry design competition.

Reba McEntire belt buckle
AuctionsOct 08, 2026
Reba McEntire’s Jewelry, Watches Head to Julien’s Auctions

The live charity benefit sale in Nashville will also feature gowns, boots, and other memorabilia from the country music legend.

overnght sb 1026.png
Supplier BulletinOct 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Helps Jewelers Turn Custom Design into a Hands-On Selling Experience

Sponsored by Overnight Mountings

The entrance to The Plumb Club pavilion at JCK Las Vegas
Policies & IssuesOct 07, 2026
The Plumb Club Amplifies Its Voice as Geopolitical Pressures Mount

The supplier organization recently joined JA and JVC to have more input on political issues affecting the jewelry industry.

Woman wearing Blue Nile Royal Asscher jewelry
CollectionsOct 07, 2026
Blue Nile, Royal Asscher Collection Highlights Natural Diamond Beauty

Blue Nile, a Signet Jewelers-owned brand, is now Royal Asscher’s exclusive licensed retailer in North America.

Audemars Piguet Risoud Eclipse Necklace
CollectionsOct 07, 2026
4 Standout Pieces in Audemars Piguet’s First High Jewelry Collection

“Royal Oak” pays homage to the brand’s most popular watch model using 18-karat gold as well as diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires.

Juan Morales and Joseph Nicosia
MajorsOct 07, 2026
Empire Safe & Vault Promotes Juan Morales to CEO

As part of the transition, Joseph Nicosia has stepped into the role of COO.

American Gem Trade Association logo
SourcingOct 07, 2026
AGTA Extends Deadline for 2026 Spectrum Awards Entries

Participants now have until Oct. 14 to complete their submissions.

Stock image a police car
CrimeOct 06, 2026
6 Charged in Connection to String of New Jersey Smash-and-Grabs

The alleged thieves used crow bars and sledgehammers to smash into jewelry stores across the state.

The Retail Smiths Principal Partner Sherry Smith
ColumnistsOct 06, 2026
Sherry Smith: Is the Consumer Really Trading Up?

Ahead of the holidays, Smith urges jewelers to take a hard look at who’s buying jewelry, what they’re purchasing, and who’s stopped buying.

Molly Stillman @fashionveggie, Beth Jones @bjonesstyle, Helene Cortez @cortezhelene, and Haley Jordan @haleyjordan12 
SourcingOct 06, 2026
DDG Taps Influencers for ‘My Diamond Does Good’ Campaign

In the new consumer-facing campaign, four fashion and lifestyle creators share the stories behind their natural diamond pieces.

Bryan Cowan and Tom Schwartz
MajorsOct 06, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names COO, CMO

FGI President John Orrico is also leaving the company after more than 13 years.

×

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