FinancialsAug 26, 2022
Movado Sees ‘Continued Weakness’ in U.S. After Q2 Sales SlowFinancialsSep 01, 2022
Signet Sets Sights on Bridal Market as Q2 Sales Slip
Pre-wedding events, like a bridal shower, represent a $1.9 billion gifting opportunity, said the jewelry giant.
A 14-karat two-tone gold and lab-grown diamond anniversary band ($16,999) from the new Pnina Tornai collection at Signet Jewelers-owned banner Jared. Signet’s sales were down 2 percent year-over-year in the second quarter.
Akron, Ohio—Sales slipped in the second quarter for Signet Jewelers Ltd., with both total revenue and same-store sales down slightly.
The company already had lowered its full-year outlook last month following softening sales in July.
Still, the jewelry giant, which is the parent company of several large jewelry store chains including Zales, Jared and Kay Jewelers, is approaching the holiday season with confidence
Here are five things to know about its recent earnings report, released Thursday morning.
Signet had a muted second quarter.
For the quarter ending July 30, Signet’s sales totaled $1.8 billion, down 2 percent year-over-year against a record-setting second quarter in 2021.
Sales were up 29 percent compared with pre-pandemic fiscal 2020.
Same-store sales were down 8 percent year-over-year.
“Signet’s Q2 results are a strong reason to believe our core message,” said CEO Virginia Drosos on the company’s earnings call Thursday.
“We have the strategic clarity, structural advantages, financial flexibility, and winning culture to deliver consistent, reliable, and sustainable growth and meaningful shareholder value. Signet is strong and growing stronger.”
In North America, Signet’s banners include Zales and Kay Jewelers as well as Peoples in Canada.
Signet’s second-quarter sales in the region totaled $1.6 billion, down 2 percent year-over-year.
Same-store sales were down 9 percent, which Signet attributed to a higher average transaction value but a lower number of transactions.
Signet’s international banners include Ernest Jones and H. Samuels.
International sales totaled $111.6 million, down 15 percent year over-year, with same-store sales down 2 percent.
Signet lowered its fiscal outlook.
Signet announced last month alongside its Blue Nile acquisition news that it has lowered its fiscal guidance in response to sales trends.
“We saw sales soften in July as our customers have been increasingly impacted by rapid inflation, so we’re revising guidance to align with these trends,” Drosos said last month.
The company said it now expects fiscal year sales to be in the range of $7.60 billion to $7.70 billion, down from $8.03 billion to $8.25 billion.
Signet noted that its revised outlook does not account for the potential worsening of the macroeconomic environment or its pending acquisition of Blue Nile.
Looking to the third quarter, Signet expects revenue in the range of $1.46 billion to $1.49 billion, down slightly from last year’s Q3 total of $1.54 billion.
Related stories will be right here …
The company already had lowered its full-year outlook last month following softening sales in July.
Still, the jewelry giant, which is the parent company of several large jewelry store chains including Zales, Jared and Kay Jewelers, is approaching the holiday season with confidence
Here are five things to know about its recent earnings report, released Thursday morning.
Signet had a muted second quarter.
For the quarter ending July 30, Signet’s sales totaled $1.8 billion, down 2 percent year-over-year against a record-setting second quarter in 2021.
Sales were up 29 percent compared with pre-pandemic fiscal 2020.
Same-store sales were down 8 percent year-over-year.
“Signet’s Q2 results are a strong reason to believe our core message,” said CEO Virginia Drosos on the company’s earnings call Thursday.
“We have the strategic clarity, structural advantages, financial flexibility, and winning culture to deliver consistent, reliable, and sustainable growth and meaningful shareholder value. Signet is strong and growing stronger.”
In North America, Signet’s banners include Zales and Kay Jewelers as well as Peoples in Canada.
Signet’s second-quarter sales in the region totaled $1.6 billion, down 2 percent year-over-year.
Same-store sales were down 9 percent, which Signet attributed to a higher average transaction value but a lower number of transactions.
Signet’s international banners include Ernest Jones and H. Samuels.
International sales totaled $111.6 million, down 15 percent year over-year, with same-store sales down 2 percent.
Signet lowered its fiscal outlook.
Signet announced last month alongside its Blue Nile acquisition news that it has lowered its fiscal guidance in response to sales trends.
“We saw sales soften in July as our customers have been increasingly impacted by rapid inflation, so we’re revising guidance to align with these trends,” Drosos said last month.
The company said it now expects fiscal year sales to be in the range of $7.60 billion to $7.70 billion, down from $8.03 billion to $8.25 billion.
Signet noted that its revised outlook does not account for the potential worsening of the macroeconomic environment or its pending acquisition of Blue Nile.
Looking to the third quarter, Signet expects revenue in the range of $1.46 billion to $1.49 billion, down slightly from last year’s Q3 total of $1.54 billion.
Signet is all in on services.
Growing services revenue is a major goal of Signet’s “Inspiring Brilliance” growth plan.
“Warranty and repair services were drivers in the quarter and delivered nearly 7 percent growth [in the services category],” Chief Financial Officer Joan Hilson said on the call.
Its services, which boost in-store traffic, include Rocksbox, the jewelry subscription business Signet acquired last spring.
Rocksbox’s subscriber base increased 15 percent in the second quarter
The company is also offering some new services, including appraisals at select Kay Jewelers stores, a new insurance program at Jared, Kay and Zales, and the continued rollout of its Vault Rewards program.
At Jared, transaction values for reward program customers have increased by nearly $600 and repeat transactions are up 7 percent.
The program will expand to e-commerce and 1,800 Jared, Kay, and Zales stores by the holidays.
Signet is cornering the bridal market.
This year has been dubbed “the year of the wedding,” with 2.5 million weddings expected to take place in the United States in 2022.
The company saw growth in its bridal category, particularly in the $4,000 to $5,000 range, which saw revenue up 11 percent year-over-year, said Drosos.
Across all banners, purchases in the $10,000-plus range grew 15 percent in aggregate.
“Bridal is a big part of the story this quarter,” said Drosos, estimating the company’s bridal market share is at 30 percent.
Signet is looking to capitalize on the pre-wedding events that surround the big day, which it sees as a $1.9 billion opportunity in the U.S., noting these events are great for gifting.
Its in-house data shows that 43 percent of gifts given surrounding the wedding are jewelry gifts. The company is focused on making the most of all wedding opportunities, Drosos said.
Signet is planning targeted media campaigns and online gift guides as a way to appeal to this segment.
It also has launched Bridal by Rocksbox, a subscription box tailored specifically to brides and their wedding parties.
Signet is catering to both high-end and budget-strapped customers.
Signet is aiming to expand its customer base by catering to a wide spectrum of income levels.
“In this economic environment, we are both leaning into accessible luxury while also increasing our value equation for more economically challenged customers,” said Drosos.
For wealthier customers, Signet has added more higher price-point items and expanded its concierge and personalization services, like Jared Foundry.
As lower-income consumers feel the toll of inflation, the company is offering more affordable, value-focused options.
“A great example is how we’re leveraging lab-created diamonds for a bigger look for less in our fashion pieces,” she said.
More on Financials
The Latest
Recorded WebinarsMar 31, 2023
Watch: How Is the Industry Doing When It Comes to Diversity?Annie Doresca and Michelle Graff welcome Reggie Johnson and Sheryl Jones for a frank conversation on the state of DEI in fine jewelry.
MajorsMar 31, 2023
Macy’s Longtime CEO to Retire Next YearJeff Gennette will step down in February 2024, passing the torch to the CEO of another notable retailer.
AuctionsMar 31, 2023
Piece of the Week: The Extraterrestrial Lunar NecklaceArtisan Martin Roberts fashioned lunar meteorites into 48 beads to create this out-of-this-world necklace.
Brought to you by
Full Disclosure at Your FingertipsDistinguishing natural diamonds from laboratory-grown stones – now more available than ever – has been difficult for jewelers. Until now.
MajorsMar 31, 2023
JBT Re-Elects Richard Katz as Board ChairmanAs for new members, the organization welcomed Jewelers of America’s Annie Doresca and Parag Jain of Parag Diamonds.
Weekly QuizMar 31, 2023
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
WatchesMar 30, 2023
At Watches & Wonders, a $20M Watch Makes Its DebutJacob & Co.’s new “Billionaire” timepiece features more than 200 carats of yellow diamonds.
AuctionsMar 30, 2023
See the Jewelry Collection Expected to Top Elizabeth Taylor’s at AuctionHeidi Horten, wife of department store magnate Helmut Horten, collected jewelry from Bulgari, Cartier, Harry Winston and Van Cleef & Arpels.
Brought to you by
Bringing Over 130 Years of Diamond Expertise to Modern GradingDe Beers Institute of Diamonds provides the very best in diamond verification, education and diamond services.
MajorsMar 30, 2023
Jewelers Mutual Marks a Major MilestoneThe jewelry industry insurer and solutions provider is celebrating 110 years in business this month.
SurveysMar 30, 2023
NRF Says Brick-and-Mortar Stores Remain ‘Primary Point of Purchase’The statement came as the National Retail Federation released its retail sales forecast for 2023.
AuctionsMar 29, 2023
10.57-Carat Purplish Pink Diamond Expected to Sell for $35M+Sotheby’s will auction the diamond, which it says is “arguably the most significant pink diamond to ever appear at auction,” in June.
MajorsMar 29, 2023
Blue Nile to Close Fulfillment Center, Lay Off WorkersThe retailer, recently acquired by Signet Jewelers, will lay off 119 employees in July.
WatchesMar 29, 2023
See All the New Patek Philippe Watches for 2023The Swiss watchmaker introduced 17 new models at Watches & Wonders Geneva.
MajorsMar 29, 2023
Mark Henry Jewelry Offering Complimentary ‘Masterclass’ on Sales from Peter SmithAs part of the promotion, Smith will share his sales expertise during a 90-minute training session.
EditorsMar 28, 2023
I’m Enchanted With Parmigiani Fleurier’s Perfect Travel WatchAt Watches & Wonders, the Swiss brand unveiled a follow-up to last year’s Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante.
CollectionsMar 28, 2023
Helzberg’s New Lab-Grown Diamond Collection Earns SCS CertificationThe “rêve” collection’s engagement rings and wedding bands are geared toward “sustainability minded customers.”
EditorsMar 28, 2023
This New Rolex Day-Date Tells Time … and AffirmationsA new word appears on the dial each day of the week.
IndependentsMar 28, 2023
D.C. Jeweler That Honored 50-Year-Old Gift Certificate Closes Bensons Jewelers closed for good Feb. 24, impacted in part by the decline in foot traffic downtown since the onset of the pandemic.
MajorsMar 28, 2023
Swarovski Names New GM of North AmericaKolja Kiofsky has been with the crystal and jewelry company since 2010.
AuctionsMar 27, 2023
Jewels to Shine in Upcoming ‘Golden Age’ of Hollywood AuctionThe Kruse GWS Auctions sale will include the replica “Taj Mahal” necklace Elizabeth Taylor made with Avon as well as a costume piece Marilyn Monroe wore.
MajorsMar 27, 2023
Pandora Promotes GM to Chief of Retail OperationsMassimo Basei is moving up, while Chief Commercial Officer Martino Pessina is stepping down.
Events & AwardsMar 27, 2023
Registration Is Open for the HardRock SummitAGTA GemFair and the Denver Gem & Mineral Show also will have a presence on the show floor.
AuctionsMar 24, 2023
Piece of the Week: The $5.8M Patek Philippe ‘Sky Moon Tourbillon’Sold by Christie’s Hong Kong, this masterwork of complications now holds the record for most expensive watch ever auctioned online.
Lab-GrownMar 24, 2023
Lightbox Promotes General Manager to COOAdam O’Grady, general manager of the Lightbox Lab, has taken on the new role and will report directly to Lightbox CEO Antoine Borde.
WatchesMar 23, 2023
Which Brands Do Watch Enthusiasts Love Most? Chrono24 Takes a LookThe watch marketplace gathered data from 1.3 million collectors, highlighting the most popular timepieces and exploring value appreciation.
SourcingMar 23, 2023
Burgundy Diamond Backing Out of Ellendale Mine Deal Burgundy has opted not to exercise its option to buy the mining claims Gibb River Diamonds currently owns.
GradingMar 23, 2023
GCAL Introduces 8X Cut Grade for Proprietary CutsPatented and specialty cuts now can receive an 8X Proprietary Certificate, which can be customized to include a company’s brand and logo.
