FinancialsDec 01, 2023
Movado Lowers Guidance Again After Q3 Sales DipFinancialsDec 05, 2023
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Down 12%
The retailer is still expecting a strong holiday season with improving demand for natural diamonds.
A lab-grown diamond engagement ring from the new “Neil Lane Artistry” collection at Signet Jewelers banner Kay Jewelers. Signet Jewelers reported a 12 percent decline in third-quarter revenue as engagement ring sales remain slow.
Akron, Ohio—Signet Jewelers Ltd. reported a double-digit drop in sales in the third quarter as engagements remain slow to recover, but it is still bullish on the holiday season. ahead
During an earnings call this morning, Signet CEO Virginia C. Drosos said fine jewelry is “experiencing its second COVID,” referencing the initial struggles to make sales during the early days of the pandemic, but said she is confident a rebound is ahead.
The jewelry giant, which is the parent company of several large jewelry store chains including Zales, Jared, and Kay Jewelers, noted an uptick in the number of engagement rings sold through Black Friday weekend.
Engagement units have begun to rebound in recent weeks, said Drosos, who reiterated the retailer’s prediction of a gradual three-year recovery.
Signet’s data shows engagements typically occur within three years of a couple dating, a trend that was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in fewer engagements this year.
However, the number of engagements is expected to pick up later in fiscal 2024, with a more robust rebound expected in fiscal 2025.
For the quarter ending Oct. 28, Signet’s sales totaled $1.4 billion, down 12 percent year-over-year but at the high end of its sales forecast for the quarter of $1.36 billion to $1.41 billion.
Same-store sales fell 12 percent.
Drosos noted the third quarter is usually unimpressive as it’s the one quarter without a major gifting holiday and is also when the company is investing in marketing for the upcoming holiday season.
In the first nine months of the year, Signet’s sales have totaled $4.67 billion, down 10 percent year-over-year.
Same-store sales in this period were down 13 percent.
In North America, Signet’s banners include Zales and Kay Jewelers as well as Peoples in Canada.
Signet’s third-quarter sales in the region totaled $1.3 billion, down 12 percent year-over-year.
Same-store sales also were down 12 percent.
Signet’s international banners include Ernest Jones and H. Samuels.
International sales totaled $94 million, down 1 percent year-over-year. Same-store sales were down 5 percent.
The company recently sold 15 Ernest Jones stores to Watches of Switzerland, with the accretive sale multiple generating proceeds of $53 million, which will add $12 million for Signet in Q4.
Signet said it may sell six additional Ernest Jones to Watches of Switzerland stores in the fourth quarter.
“The divestiture of this non-strategic business allows Signet to more quickly apply key elements of our U.K. transformation plan,” said the company.
Related stories will be right here …
During an earnings call this morning, Signet CEO Virginia C. Drosos said fine jewelry is “experiencing its second COVID,” referencing the initial struggles to make sales during the early days of the pandemic, but said she is confident a rebound is ahead.
The jewelry giant, which is the parent company of several large jewelry store chains including Zales, Jared, and Kay Jewelers, noted an uptick in the number of engagement rings sold through Black Friday weekend.
Engagement units have begun to rebound in recent weeks, said Drosos, who reiterated the retailer’s prediction of a gradual three-year recovery.
Signet’s data shows engagements typically occur within three years of a couple dating, a trend that was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in fewer engagements this year.
However, the number of engagements is expected to pick up later in fiscal 2024, with a more robust rebound expected in fiscal 2025.
For the quarter ending Oct. 28, Signet’s sales totaled $1.4 billion, down 12 percent year-over-year but at the high end of its sales forecast for the quarter of $1.36 billion to $1.41 billion.
Same-store sales fell 12 percent.
Drosos noted the third quarter is usually unimpressive as it’s the one quarter without a major gifting holiday and is also when the company is investing in marketing for the upcoming holiday season.
In the first nine months of the year, Signet’s sales have totaled $4.67 billion, down 10 percent year-over-year.
Same-store sales in this period were down 13 percent.
In North America, Signet’s banners include Zales and Kay Jewelers as well as Peoples in Canada.
Signet’s third-quarter sales in the region totaled $1.3 billion, down 12 percent year-over-year.
Same-store sales also were down 12 percent.
Signet’s international banners include Ernest Jones and H. Samuels.
International sales totaled $94 million, down 1 percent year-over-year. Same-store sales were down 5 percent.
The company recently sold 15 Ernest Jones stores to Watches of Switzerland, with the accretive sale multiple generating proceeds of $53 million, which will add $12 million for Signet in Q4.
Signet said it may sell six additional Ernest Jones to Watches of Switzerland stores in the fourth quarter.
“The divestiture of this non-strategic business allows Signet to more quickly apply key elements of our U.K. transformation plan,” said the company.
Drosos forecast strong demand for natural diamonds as the oversupply begins to abate, adding that De Beers’ recent marketing investment should bolster the category.
While engagement ring sales are down, custom jewelry, particularly from Jared Foundry, has been popular, with unit growth up 40 percent in the quarter for those stores.
Over Black Friday weekend, jewelry under $1,000 remained popular, with the Banter by Piercing Pagoda banner doing particularly well.
Signet’s services category, which includes its extended service agreements, customization, repairs, and piercings, has continued to grow, with sales up 5 percent in the quarter and year-to-date.
In July, Signet Jewelers announced it had acquired the assets of the Service Jewelry Repair National Repair Center, or SJR, allowing it to bring more repairs in-house.
Looking to the holiday season, Drosos said, “Jewelry continues to be an important gifting category, particularly among Gen Z.”
For fiscal 2024, Signet lowered its guidance slightly to reflect the loss of an estimated $25 million in revenue after selling the 15 Ernest Jones stores to Watches of Switzerland.
It now expects sales of $7.07 billion to $7.27 billion, compared with its prior guidance for sales of $7.1 billion to $7.3 billion.
In the fourth quarter, the company is expecting sales of $2.4 billion to $2.6 billion.
More on Financials
The Latest
AuctionsMar 18, 2026
Collection of the ‘Severely Beautiful’ Lady Wardington Fetches $161KThe model and fashion editor’s gold evening bags were the top lots at the London sale, going for more than $25,000 each.
PodcastsMar 18, 2026
Episode 3: An Interview With Jewelry Designer Johnny NelsonFresh off winning the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, Nelson discusses the ring that launched his career and his plans for the future.
SourcingMar 18, 2026
Lucara Recovers Nearly 37-Carat Blue DiamondThe “stunning” Type IIb stone was found via x-ray technology at its Karowe mine in Botswana.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
MajorsMar 18, 2026
Stuller Releases New Edition of Jewelry Education Book“The Basics of Jewelry” has been updated to include modern topics and visuals.
Weekly QuizMar 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2026
The Best Moments From the 2026 Gem Awards Held just before the Oscars, the jewelry industry’s big awards show had its share of standout jewelry, gowns, and acceptance speeches.
SourcingMar 17, 2026
Cruzeiro Mine Debuts ‘Winter Tourmaline’The Brazilian mine’s new collection features cabochons in soft, muted shades like silver and lilac.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
TrendsMar 17, 2026
Natalie Portman Is Tiffany & Co.’s New AmbassadorThe Academy Award-winning actress stars in Tiffany & Co.’s latest commercial, which debuted Sunday night during the Oscars.
MajorsMar 17, 2026
Kering Establishes Jewelry Division, Appoints CEOThe organizational change follows Kering’s promise of a transformation after declining sales in 2025.
EditorsMar 16, 2026
2026 Oscars Jewelry: One Necklace After AnotherNatalie Francisco rounds up the top Oscars jewels, including Rose Byrne’s Taffin necklace with a more than 20-carat yellow-brown diamond.
WatchesMar 16, 2026
TAG Heuer Has a New CEOBéatrice Goasglas has been with TAG Heuer since 2018. She is the first woman to head the 166-year-old, LVMH-owned watch brand.
IndependentsMar 16, 2026
Ben Bridge Debuts New Honolulu BoutiqueThe store features the first in-store build for the jeweler’s in-house “Bella Ponte” bridal brand.
AuctionsMar 16, 2026
Bonhams Paris To Offer Antique, Signed Jewels The live fine jewelry auction will take place later this week, showcasing antique pieces, rare gemstones, and signed jewels.
CollectionsMar 13, 2026
A Trio of Jewels from the 3 Gem Award Nominees for Jewelry DesignOur Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.
WatchesMar 13, 2026
Citizen, Vera Wang to Launch Watch CollectionThe 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.
SourcingMar 13, 2026
Andrea Pooler Joins Third-Generation Diamond Company as COO Pooler, who has more than 25 years’ experience in jewelry, is now chief operating officer of Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and SNJ Creations.
MajorsMar 13, 2026
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf AstoriaThe reopening of the Waldorf Astoria means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event, which will take place Saturday.
CollectionsMar 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Sends Gold, Gemstones Into ‘Orbit’McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.
TechnologyMar 12, 2026
Caratwise Launches, Names Former Signet Exec CEO The new smart design software allows jewelers to configure, price, and confirm a custom engagement ring in real time for in-store customers.
SourcingMar 12, 2026
Grandview Klein Opens New Factory in South Africa The 10,000-square-foot diamond manufacturing facility officially opened in late February and employs 50 people.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
MJSA ‘Future of Jewelry Making’ Scholarship Applications OpenThe MJSA Education Foundation’s scholarships support students pursuing jewelry careers.
AuctionsMar 11, 2026
‘Spectacular’ 26-Carat Diamond Going Up for Auction in London The largest white diamond to come to market in the U.K. in more than a decade, the VVS1, I-color stone is expected to top $1 million.
TechnologyMar 11, 2026
Cast Jewelry’s Rachel Skelly on Coming Back Online Only Skelly shares her plans for reimagining the fine jewelry retailer she re-acquired after it faltered last year.
CollectionsMar 11, 2026
Pyrrha Highlights ‘The Space Between’ In New CollectionThe collection takes inspiration from the emotional space between people, moments, and experiences.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
From the Jazz Age to the Information Age: London Jewelers Turns 100In 2026, the jewelry retailer is celebrating a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.
