Financials

Movado Lowers Guidance Amid Q2 Sales Struggles

FinancialsAug 25, 2023

Movado Lowers Guidance Amid Q2 Sales Struggles

The company noted a “challenging environment for consumer discretionary products.”

Movado Carmen Herrera watches
These 36 mm square-dial watches are part of a Movado capsule collection in collaboration with the late artist Carmen Herrera. The company reported declining sales in its recent second quarter results.
Paramus, N.J.—Movado Group had a rocky second quarter, with sales falling double digits in the quarter and in the first half of its fiscal year. 
 
The New Jersey-based company said it faced a “challenging environment for consumer discretionary products,” which it expects to continue, leading the company to significantly lower its full-year guidance. 
 
“We managed our business well, delivering second quarter net sales and earnings within our range of expectations despite operating in a challenging retail environment for our category, particularly in the United States and Europe, our largest markets,” said CEO Efraim Grinberg in a statement. 
 
Here are five takeaways from Movado’s recent earnings report. 
 
Second-quarter sales fell as consumer demand weakened. 
 
In the second quarter ending July 31, net sales fell 12 percent year-over-year to $160.4 million. 
 
For the first half of the year, sales were down 12 percent to $305.3 million. 
 
The first-half sales came at the high-end of Movado’s prior guidance of a 9 to 12 percent sales decline. 
 
The company attributed the drop in sales to a decline in both its wholesale and retail businesses amid “a challenging environment for consumer discretionary products.” 
 
“While economic numbers have remained stable, discretionary purchases have been challenged by inflation and a greater allocation of consumers’ resources to travel and dining,” said Grinberg during an earnings call Thursday morning. 
 
Gross profit in the second quarter was $89.3 million, or 56 percent of net sales, compared with $106.9 million, or 59 percent of net sales in the previous second quarter. 
 
For the first half of the year, gross profit was $171.3 million, or 56 percent of net sales, compared with $203.6 million, or 59 percent of net sales in the previous second quarter. 
 
The decline in gross margin was due to “decreased leverage of higher fixed costs on lower sales,” said Movado, as well as “unfavorable” changes in channel and product mix and the impact of foreign currency exchange rates, though it was partially offset by reduced shipping costs. 
 
Grinberg highlighted the company’s nearly $219 million in cash with no debt, allowing for continued investment. 
 
U.S. sales continued to struggle amid inflation woes. 
 
In the U.S., Movado’s sales were down 12 percent year-over-year in the second quarter and fell 14 percent in the first half. 
 
Grinberg noted a difficult retail environment in North America, with single digit declines in the quarter in its outlet stores. 
 
“We have also intentionally slowed down the growth of our digital outlet channel, where we believe we were opening with products that were too sharply priced,” he said. 
 
Internationally, net sales were down 12 percent in the second quarter and fell 10 percent in the first half. 
 
Sales in Europe “remained challenging,” he said, though the company saw strong results in India and the Middle East, as well as “a return to growth” in China. 
 
 Related stories will be right here … 
 
From Tommy Hilfiger to Calvin Klein, its brands will introduce newness this fall. 
 
Movado’s brand portfolio includes its eponymous brand as well as in-house and licensed brands, like Coach and Tommy Hilfiger. 
 
Tommy Hilfiger’s spring offerings performed well, particularly at the opening price points. For fall, the brand will introduce the “Clark” and “Lexi” models that will begin at $189. 
 
For Hugo Boss, the “Troper” and “Gregor” lines are performing well. In the fall, the brand will introduce a new chronograph collection and the “Candor Automatic Sport Lux” collection opening under $400.  
 
Ahead of the holiday season, Hugo Boss is partnering with new brand ambassador, Suki Waterhouse. 
 
For Coach, the “Cadie” collection has seen success. The brand will introduce the “Elliot” collection this fall, which opens at $125. 
 
Lacoste has been “performing very well at retail,” said Grinberg, noting strong sell-through of its third generation of the Lacoste “12.12” collection, inspired by the brand’s polos. It will introduce a 12.12 automatic collection, retailing at $255, this fall, and “Spin,” a new sporty diver collection. 
 
The Calvin Klein brand, launched under Movado last year, has also been doing well. 
 
Grinberg noted strong retail sales in the “Sensation” range, while the “Black” collection has been a top seller for men. The brand recently debuted its new fall campaign featuring model Lila Moss.  
 
Olivia Burton is undergoing a brand refresh in the U.K. and the U.S. with new products, point of sale and packaging, and a marketing campaign.  
 
Movado’s brand refresh is launching this fall. 
 
Grinberg said Movado remained “excited” about its brand refresh launching this fall. 
 
“We’re introducing a total brand update for the Movado brand, which includes new marketing initiatives that we’ll roll out over the next few quarters, beginning with the launch of our new brand-building campaign in September,” he said. 
 
The Movado brand will soon debut the “most important” collection of new products in its “Bold” collection since its launch more than 10 years ago.  
 
It will revamp its “Evolution” collection, introducing “Evolution 2.0,” with a higher starting price point of $595. 
 
Its “Bold TR90” collections will also get a refresh, introducing new designs and colors. 
 
Movado will add a new titanium diver timepiece to the Bold range, a higher-end model that will retail for $1,495. 
 
Movado lowered its full-year guidance.  
 
Movado revised its full-year outlook, lowering its guidance and taking a pessimistic view of the fiscal year ahead. 
 
“We expect the difficult environment for consumer discretionary products to persist into the back half of the year, which is reflected in our updated outlook that incorporates lower shipments across our wholesale partners in North America and Europe,” said Grinberg. 
 
Movado lowered its expectations for full-year net sales, forecasting them to be in the range of $690 million to $700 million, down from its prior guidance of $725 million to $750 million. 
 
Gross profit is forecast to be 55 percent of net sales, down from 56 percent, while operating income may be in the range of $62.5 million to $65 million, down from 80 million to $85 million. 
 

The Latest

Stock image of shipping containers
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Tariffs: What We Know Right Now

Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff answers questions about how the new taxes levied on countries like India and China will impact the industry.

Botswana Minster of Minerals and Energy Bogolo Joy Kenewendo
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Q&A: Bogolo Joy Kenewendo on Making Deals, Marketing Diamonds

Kenewendo, Botswana’s minster of minerals and energy, discusses closing the deal with De Beers and the work that was missed along the way.

The Golconda Blue
AuctionsApr 15, 2025
23-Carat ‘Golconda Blue’ Heads to Auction

The historic fancy vivid blue diamond set to headline Christie’s Geneva sale next month could sell for up to $50 million.

gia-topimage 0325.jpg
Brought to you by
A Brilliant Future Is Here

Get online education from GIA experts.

Screenshot from new Jon Hamm series on Apple TV+, Your Friends and Neighbors
CrimeApr 15, 2025
Jon Hamm Plays a Jewel Thief on Apple TV+

The “Mad Men” and “The Morning Show” star steals jewelry, art, and handbags from his wealthy neighbors in “Your Friends & Neighbors.”

Weekly QuizApr 11, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Kalpesh Jhaveri
SourcingApr 15, 2025
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2025 Board

The organization has reelected Kalpesh Jhaveri as president.

Sauer Balance Earrings in Ma Campaign
CollectionsApr 14, 2025
Sauer Embraces Emptiness Through ‘Ma’ Collection

The collection pays tribute to the Japanese philosophy of Ma, studying balance, stillness, and the interplay between presence and absence.

bench jeweler 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They Deserve

Bench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.

Mari Lous Fine Jewelry
IndependentsApr 14, 2025
Illinois Jeweler Closing After 45 Years

Mari Lou’s Fine Jewelry in Orland Park, a suburb of Chicago, is closing its doors.

GIA logo
GradingApr 14, 2025
GIA Expands Overseas Services as Tariffs Kick In

GIA’s labs in Dubai and Hong Kong are now accepting larger diamonds in light of the “logistical challenges” presented by the new tariffs.

Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl and Diamond Earrings Similar to Princess Grace’s Wedding Earrings
AuctionsApr 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Replica of Princess Grace’s Wedding Earrings

These earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels, featuring the same design as a pair worn by Princess Grace, are up for auction at Woolley & Wallis.

My Next Question webinar graphic
Recorded WebinarsApr 11, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Saving Time With AI

Two experts share how artificial intelligence tools can help retailers run a more efficient business.

Kentaro Nishimura
SourcingApr 11, 2025
Mikimoto Names New President, CEO for U.S. Division

Kentaro Nishimura, who has been with the pearl company since 1997, has been promoted to president and CEO of Mikimoto America.

America Telling Time: 150 Years of Bulova
WatchesApr 11, 2025
Bulova Documentary Now on Amazon Prime

“America Telling Time: 150 Years of Bulova” explores the storied history of the American watchmaker.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesApr 10, 2025
Trump Presses Pause on Higher Tariffs for 90 Days

An across-the-board tariff of 10 percent remains in place for all U.S. trading partners, except China.

Brigette and Laura Pheloung with Tania and Anita Sarin
MajorsApr 10, 2025
Brilliant Earth Taps Influencers, Their Moms for Mother’s Day Campaign

Brigette Pheloung and Tania Sarin, and their mothers, star in the campaign wearing medallions they co-designed.

Pary LeVian
MajorsApr 10, 2025
Pary LeVian, Matriarch of the LeVian Family, Dies at 96

LeVian is remembered for her unwavering commitment to her family, community, and helping others.

Hamptons Jewelry Show
Events & AwardsApr 10, 2025
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Debut This Summer

The retail show is open to the public and will run July 24-27.

Tiffany & Co. Iguatemi São Paulo Flagship Exterior
MajorsApr 09, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Opens Flagship in Brazil

The new store in the upscale Iguatemi São Paulo mall is the storied brand’s first flagship in Brazil.

Chaumet Art Deco ruby and diamond bracelet
AuctionsApr 09, 2025
Bonhams to Offer Selection of Chaumet Jewels

The pieces span from the Art Deco period to the 1970s and will go up for auction at the Paris Jewels sale later this month.

Tyla in Pandora jewelry campaign
MajorsApr 09, 2025
Pandora Names Tyla as Its New Brand Ambassador

The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, who is set to perform at Coachella this month, also debuted a curated selection from the brand.

Rolex Land-Dweller Platinum Watch
WatchesApr 08, 2025
Here Are the New Rolex Watches for 2025

The introductions include the Land-Dweller, Rolex’s first new model since 2012, as well as several new dials for its classic timepieces.

David Webb necklace
MajorsApr 08, 2025
David Webb Has a New Owner

The storied American jeweler also has named a new CEO.

Willis Cowlishaw
MajorsApr 08, 2025
Willis Cowlishaw, Zale Executive and Mentor to Many, Dies at 98

Cowlishaw earned a degree in horology after serving in World War II, working at one of the first Zales stores in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The Kat Florence Lumina
AuctionsApr 07, 2025
182-Carat Paraíba-Type Tourmaline Heading to Auction in Hong Kong

Bonhams will offer the “Kat Florence Lumina” at its May 22 jewelry auction.

Stock image of a gavel and books
CrimeApr 07, 2025
Third Man Involved in $2.7M Smash-and-Grab Is Sentenced

In March 2022, the men went into a jewelry store in Beverly Hills and smashed the display cases with sledgehammers and crowbars.

F.P. Journe Chronomètre Bleau Byblos Watch
AuctionsApr 07, 2025
Sotheby’s ‘Area_51’ Watch Auction Totals $1.6M

The 51 unique watches from Sotheby’s three-day sale and immersive exhibition all found buyers, with the top lot selling for $229,955.

×

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