Kering’s Q3 Sales Slide Amid Luxury Sales Slowdown
However, the company’s jewelry brands seemed to hold their own.

On Tuesday, the company reported a 13 percent decline in sales (9 percent on a comparable basis) to €4.46 billion ($4.72 billion).
Wholesale sales (down 20 percent on a comp basis) fell more sharply than revenue from the stores Kering operates directly (down 6 percent).
The company said it saw a decline in foot traffic in its stores in Q3. It also has been tightening control over its wholesale distribution.
Year-to-date, Kering’s sales have totaled €14.6 billion ($15.43 billion), down from €15.07 billion ($15.94 billion) at this time last year, a 3 percent decline.
“Other Houses,” the Kering division that includes its jewelry brands as well as fashion brands Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen and Brioni, posted the largest quarterly decline of any of the company’s divisions.
Sales fell 19 percent (15 percent on a comp basis), though the luxury conglomerate had only positive comments about its three jewelry brands, Boucheron, Pomellato, and Qeelin.
It said Boucheron had a “positive performance” due to both its high jewelry and regular jewelry collections while Pomellato achieved “solid growth” in stores and Qeelin “showed excellent momentum.”
Kering’s other brands, Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent and Bottega Veneta, also posted third-quarter sales declines.
Gucci’s sales fell 14 percent (7 percent on a comp basis), YSL’s sales were down 16 percent (12 percent on a comp basis), and revenue for Bottega Veneta declined 13 percent (7 percent on a comp basis).
Kering Chairman and CEO François-Henri Pinault said challenging macroeconomic conditions and a decrease in demand for luxury goods impacted the company’s Q3 performance.
He also mentioned the changes the company made beginning in July to “reclaim our positions and influence” as a contributing factor.
These include appointing Jean-François Palus as president and CEO of Gucci; buying a 30 percent stake in Valentino; appointing a new chief financial officer, Armelle Poulou; and Seán McGirr replacing Sarah Burton as creative director at Alexander McQueen.
The Latest

The event, set for June 13-15, will feature educational presentations and guided visits to the state’s sapphire mines.

After the black enamel band became a best-seller for the brand, it has now launched an enamel ring personalization program.

The Austin, Texas, jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot store is set to open this summer.

Natural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.

The rapper and singer-songwriter will perform at Tao Beach on June 8.


“Conversations with Chris Ploof” covers tips for men buying wedding bands, behind-the-scenes footage of Ploof in his studio, and more.

As lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.

Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere , and Jewelers of America has what you need to be prepared for it all.

The moves are part of the retailer’s new turnaround plan, “Grow Brand Love,” which also includes emphasizing brand loyalty over store banners.

The “Rush Hour” campaign stars Zoë Kravitz in bold, wearable pieces designed to make a statement in the workplace.

Breitling is reviving Gallet, which was founded in 1826 and is known for making watches used in the early days of long-distance travel.

Dubbed the “Mediterranean Blue,” this “remarkably rare” diamond will be part of Sotheby’s May jewelry auction in Geneva.

The American Gem Society now offers a Jewelry Evaluation Advisor designation as well as an updated Certified Sales Associate designation.

Rebecca Zeijdel-Paz created more than 75 new pieces for the residency, which will be on display at Trove’s store in New York through April.

Smith explores why a qualified candidate might still not be right for the job.

The company and its marketing agency, Loudr, were recognized for the “Make You Dance” marketing campaign.

The “Series8” and “Attesa” collections will be grouped under Citizen Premier.

David Fager, a former systems engineer at the retailer, was promoted to the role.

From retailers to designers and the media, the fine jewelry industry recognized one another’s work and looked to the future.

Eleanor H. Yeh is the recipient of the eighth annual Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design.

Joseph Cavalcante takes on the dual role as the Spanish jewelry brand looks to expand further into the U.S. market.

The trade show has also upgraded its venue to the Caesars Forum Conference Center.

The Dayton-based jeweler, which has been in business since 1985, was formerly known as Stafford Jewelers.

Reeds Jewelers CEO Alan Zimmer will be presented with the honor at JVC’s annual luncheon.

The piece, celebrating birthdays from March 21 to April 19, debuted with Sorellina’s new line of astrological pendants.

The Indian jewelry brand recently opened stores in Atlanta and Seattle.

The 15 pieces were crafted from the “Insofu” emerald, discovered in Zambia in 2010.