FinancialsFeb 08, 2024
5 Things to Know About Pandora’s Latest ResultsFinancialsFeb 08, 2024
Watches of Switzerland’s Q3 Sales Dip Due to ‘Tough’ Holiday Season
While sales rose in the U.S. market, demand for watches and jewelry was slow in the U.K.
Watches of Switzerland’s store in the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota. The company reported declining sales in the third quarter, with holiday sales lower than expected.
London—Watches of Switzerland posted declining sales in its third quarter following a difficult holiday season.
The retailer had warned of a potential sales dip in a trading update last month and lowered its full-year guidance.
While it had a positive start to Q3, which includes the months of November and December, it described conditions as “volatile” around Christmas.
“Trading in the run-up to and beyond Christmas was tougher than originally expected, particularly in the U.K. amidst slower demand for luxury discretionary purchases,” said the company.
For the third quarter ending Jan. 28, the company posted £397 million ($500.2 million) in total revenue, down 3 percent year-over-year at actual rates and 1 percent at constant currency rates.
For the first nine months of the year, revenue totaled £1.16 billion ($1.46 billion), down 1 percent year-over-year at actual rates and up 1 percent at constant currency rates.
The company’s luxury jewelry category struggled, with sales growth in luxury branded jewelry offset by a weaker performance in its non-branded jewelry segment.
Revenue in the category was down 18 percent in the quarter (down 16 percent at constant currency rates) and down 17 percent in the first nine months (down 15 percent at constant currency rates).
Luxury watches account for the majority of Watches of Switzerland’s revenue, up to 85 percent from 84 percent in the prior Q3.
Quarterly sales in the luxury watches category slipped 1 percent year-over-year (up 1 percent at constant currency rates) while sales in the first nine months were flat (up 2 percent at constant currency rates).
Watches of Switzerland’s “services/other” segment saw growth, up 4 percent in the quarter (up 5 percent at constant currency rates) and up 5 percent in the first nine months (up 6 percent at constant currency rates).
E-commerce sales fell 15 percent at actual rates, impacted by the mix of products and the U.K. market’s performance, said the company.
Related stories will be right here …
The retailer had warned of a potential sales dip in a trading update last month and lowered its full-year guidance.
While it had a positive start to Q3, which includes the months of November and December, it described conditions as “volatile” around Christmas.
“Trading in the run-up to and beyond Christmas was tougher than originally expected, particularly in the U.K. amidst slower demand for luxury discretionary purchases,” said the company.
For the third quarter ending Jan. 28, the company posted £397 million ($500.2 million) in total revenue, down 3 percent year-over-year at actual rates and 1 percent at constant currency rates.
For the first nine months of the year, revenue totaled £1.16 billion ($1.46 billion), down 1 percent year-over-year at actual rates and up 1 percent at constant currency rates.
The company’s luxury jewelry category struggled, with sales growth in luxury branded jewelry offset by a weaker performance in its non-branded jewelry segment.
Revenue in the category was down 18 percent in the quarter (down 16 percent at constant currency rates) and down 17 percent in the first nine months (down 15 percent at constant currency rates).
Luxury watches account for the majority of Watches of Switzerland’s revenue, up to 85 percent from 84 percent in the prior Q3.
Quarterly sales in the luxury watches category slipped 1 percent year-over-year (up 1 percent at constant currency rates) while sales in the first nine months were flat (up 2 percent at constant currency rates).
Watches of Switzerland’s “services/other” segment saw growth, up 4 percent in the quarter (up 5 percent at constant currency rates) and up 5 percent in the first nine months (up 6 percent at constant currency rates).
E-commerce sales fell 15 percent at actual rates, impacted by the mix of products and the U.K. market’s performance, said the company.
In the United States, sales were strong across all regions, it said, as it gains market share in the fragmented luxury watch market.
Watches of Switzerland’s U.S. revenue grew 3 percent year-over-year in Q3 (up 8 percent at constant currency rates). For the first nine months, U.S. sales grew 5 percent year-over-year (up 10 percent at constant currency rates).
Looking ahead, the company said it expects the challenging conditions to continue through the end of its fiscal year.
Watches of Switzerland’s full-year revenue is expected to range between £1.53 billion and £1.55 billion ($1.94 billion to $1.97 billion), down from its prior guidance of £1.65 billion to £1.7 billion ($2.1 billion to $2.16 billion).
Constant currency revenue growth is forecast at 2 to 3 percent, down from 8 to 11 percent.
As of Jan. 28, Watches of Switzerland had 222 showrooms across the U.S., U.K., and Europe, up from 211 in Q2.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Financials
The Latest
GradingJan 14, 2025
GIA CEO, President Susan Jacques to Retire at the End of 2025The grading lab said the search for her successor is underway.
ColumnistsJan 14, 2025
Jules Kim: Building Bridges Between Creators and IndustryIn this special op-ed, designer Jules Kim calls on big brands to collaborate with independent creators instead of copying their designs.
Policies & IssuesJan 14, 2025
These Designers and Retailers Are Raising Money for LA Wildfire Relief Several jewelry designers are lending a helping hand to charities in Los Angeles amid the raging wildfires.
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.
GradingJan 14, 2025
Former SSEF Director Henry A. Hänni DiesA pioneering figure in gemology, he is remembered for his spirit of generosity, curiosity, and joy.
Weekly QuizJan 09, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJan 14, 2025
Edouard Schneider Joins Messika as Chief Brand OfficerSchneider brings over 20 years of luxury and fashion industry experience to his role as a key member of the brand’s global leadership team.
SourcingJan 13, 2025
Zambia Reinstates 15% Export Duty on Precious Gemstones, Shocking GemfieldsGemfields said the Zambian government revoked the 2019 suspension of the tax with no warning.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday CampaignA Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
TechnologyJan 13, 2025
Ultrahuman Unveils Luxury Smart RingWith versions in 18-karat gold and platinum, the wearables company is blending health technology and fine jewelry.
Policies & IssuesJan 13, 2025
Brandee Dallow Elected President of Ethical MetalsmithsThe executive brings more than two decades of industry experience to the role.
IndependentsJan 13, 2025
The Seven Pops Up in Palm BeachThe New York City-based retailer is bringing its curation of jewels to a pop-up shop at Love Binetti in Palm Beach, Florida.
Policies & IssuesJan 10, 2025
Jewelers Relief Fund Reopened to Aid Victims of LA Fires Created by JA and DCA, the fund is collecting money for jewelry businesses damaged by the wildfires in Los Angeles County.
TrendsJan 10, 2025
Piece of the Week: Elsa Jin’s ‘Mozi’ BroochAdrien Brody received his first Golden Globe while wearing the “Mozi” brooch, which depicts a spill of traditional Chinese calligraphy ink.
SourcingJan 10, 2025
De Beers, GJEPC Partner to Promote Natural DiamondsThe pair will work together to support independent retailers in India with marketing assets, training materials, and other tools.
CrimeJan 09, 2025
US Customs Seizes Counterfeit Tiffany & Co. JewelsOfficers in Champlain, New York valued the jewels, if genuine, at nearly $30,000.
CollectionsJan 09, 2025
Karma El Khalil’s New Collection is an Ode to the MoonThe “Moonlight Rhapsody” collection is overflowing with gemstones, from raw opal to morganite and spessartite.
Events & AwardsJan 09, 2025
Here Is the 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson Educational LineupThe seminar series covers topics from market trends and colored stone terminology to working with museums and growing an Instagram profile.
SourcingJan 09, 2025
Reena Ahluwalia Unveils New Works in ‘Diamond Trails’ AnthologyThe artist collaborated with industry creatives on the project, which features five fictional stories and five corresponding paintings.
IndependentsJan 09, 2025
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $26K for Children’s Hospital at Charity BallNine jewelers donated jewels for a raffle to support the Children’s Hospital Foundation at Virginia Commonwealth University.
WatchesJan 08, 2025
Oris Debuts Hot Pink Miss Piggy WatchMiss Piggy shared her thoughts on being fabulous, the importance of accessories, and how to be your own cheerleader.
Lab-GrownJan 08, 2025
Effy Introduces Brand Dedicated to Lab-Grown Diamonds“Promise by Effy” includes fashion jewelry and engagement rings.
IndependentsJan 08, 2025
Haltom’s Jewelers to Close After 130 YearsThe Texas-based jeweler is closing all three locations.
TrendsJan 08, 2025
Zendaya’s Engagement Ring Combines Vintage and Modern ElementsZendaya’s ring, featuring an east-west set elongated cushion-cut diamond, is said to be from British designer Jessica McCormack.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2025
The Smart Lab: The Hottest Digital Marketing Trends For 2025Micro-influencers, customer reviews, and shoppable videos are going to be key to getting customers’ attention, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsJan 07, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: January Is for GarnetGarnet is comprised of a group of minerals, giving those with a birthday in January options when it comes to their birthstone.
IndependentsJan 07, 2025
Edge Retail Academy Names 2024 ‘Wag’ Award Winner The annual award, created in memory of business coach William “Wag” Wagner, went to a retailer in Fairfax, Virginia.
MajorsJan 07, 2025
Jewelers for Children Promotes Round-Up Fundraising ProgramRetailers and vendors can ask customers to make a donation by rounding up to the next dollar at checkout.
