Financials

Movado Lowers Guidance as Q2 Sales Slip

FinancialsSep 06, 2024

Movado Lowers Guidance as Q2 Sales Slip

CEO Efraim Grinberg pointed to a challenging consumer spending environment, particularly in the watch category.

Movado Connect 2.0 watches
A set of Movado Connect 2.0 watches. The company reported declining sales in its recent second quarter results.
Paramus, N.J.—Movado Group posted declining sales in its second-quarter results, lowering its fiscal guidance for the year ahead as consumer spending on watches remains “difficult.”

“While increased marketing investment coupled with our initiatives to enhance retail performance drove improvement in our sales trend from the first quarter, second quarter sales and earnings were below our expectations due to the challenging consumer spending environment compounded by increased expenses to support future growth,” CEO Efraim Grinberg said.

The company previously announced its plan to increase marketing spend to $25 million, which ramped up in the second quarter.  

It recently launched a new Movado campaign called “When I Move You Move,” a nod to the lyrics in Ludacris’ song “Stand Up,” which is featured in the campaign. 

The retailer is hoping the new campaign, featuring famous faces like Ludacris, Julianne Moore, Jessica Alba, Tyrese Haliburton, and Christian McCaffrey, will bolster sales. 

In the second quarter ending July 31, net sales fell about 1 percent year-over-year (less than 1 percent on a constant dollar basis) to $159.3 million. 

Net sales for the first half were down 3 percent to $296 million. 

Movado attributed the decrease to mixed sales at brick-and-mortar stores owned by wholesale customers, as well as those operated by Movado, partially offset by an increase in U.S. online retail. 

“While we are excited by the initiatives that we have put in place, the consumer spending environment in the watch category continues to be difficult in many markets around the world and we believe this will have an impact on our second half results,” said Grinberg. 

On an earnings call Thursday morning, Grinberg noted that its retail partners, especially in the U.S. and Europe, placed orders “cautiously.” 

There were some bright spots in the quarter, said Grinberg, which the retailer plans to capitalize on in the second half of the year. 

Movado brand sales were up 1 percent, noting significant growth in the direct-to-consumer channel as Movado.com sales rose 21 percent. The rise was partially offset by a 6 percent decline in its wholesale channel. 

Grinberg noted the success of its “Movado Bold Quest” collection, which features a design inspired by a vintage Movado watch from the 1970’s.  

“Opening at $595, Bold Quest fills more accessible price points that we had previously vacated,” he said. 

As for its jewelry offerings, Grinberg noted on the call that “jewelry is actually outperforming watches in our fashion brands and seems to be doing very well.”  

“That continues to represent a big opportunity for the company as we grow that business, [which is] particularly strong in markets like Europe and Mexico.” 

The Movado brand will refresh its jewelry assortment, beginning early next year, he said. 

 Related stories will be right here … 

Looking to the U.S., quarterly sales were down less than 1 percent year-over-year while international sales fell 1 percent (less than 1 percent on a constant dollar basis). 

First-half net sales in the U.S. and internationally were down 3 percent year-over-year. 

Second-quarter gross profit was $86.4 million, or 54 percent of net sales, compared with $89.3 million, or 56 percent of net sales, in the previous second quarter. 

The decrease in gross margin percentage in Q2 was attributed to an “unfavorable” change in channel and product mix. 

First-half gross profit was $161.9 million, or 55 percent of net sales, compared with $171.3 million, or 56 percent of net sales, in the previous first half. 

The first-half decrease in gross margin percentage was attributed to an “unfavorable” change in channel and product mix as well as decreased leverage of higher fixed costs on lower sales, partially offset by reduced shipping costs. 

Net income in Q2 was $3.7 million, down 54 percent compared to net income of $8 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2024. 

First-half net income was $6.6 million, down 62 percent compared to net income of $17.2 million in the first six months of last year. 

Movado lowered its guidance for the year ahead, citing a challenging environment. 

It now expects fiscal 2025 net sales to be between $665 million and $675 million, down from its prior guidance of $700 million and $710 million. 

Second-half sales are expected to be flat to slightly positive year-over-year. 

Gross profit is expected to be 54 percent of net sales, down from its previous expectation of 55 percent. 

Operating income is forecast to be in a range of $23 million to $26 million, as compared to its previous expectation of $32 million to $35 million. 

“As we begin to plan for next fiscal year, we are committed to reducing our operating expenses to improve profitability. At the same time, we expect the combination of our upcoming marketing initiatives, along with compelling innovation, to drive excitement for our brands and business,” said Grinberg. 

The Latest

Dana Rebecca Designs Tennis Bracelets Campaign Imagery
TrendsSep 23, 2026
Holiday Diamond Jewelry Trends: Layered Looks, Personalization

This holiday season, look to pieces that will help to fill out customers’ everyday diamond jewelry wardrobe, experts say.

The logo for The Diamond Collective, the new name for the Natural Diamond Council
SourcingSep 23, 2026
Organization That Promotes Natural Diamond Rebrands for Third Time

The Natural Diamond Council is now The Diamond Collective and has announced a new strategy under CEO Amber Pepper.

Paul’s Jewelers 7Cs Cafe
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
This Milwaukee-Area Jeweler Is Serving the 7Cs

Paul’s Jewelers sells coffee, chocolate, and cookies from a custom gold-wrapped trailer parked outside the store starting at 7 a.m.

1872 x 1052 Gemolite.jpg
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional Edition

Experience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.

Kay Love All In campaign
MajorsSep 23, 2026
Kay Jewelers’ New Campaign Goes ‘All In’ on Love

Part of its brand relaunch, the marketing around the campaign includes a contest involving a jacket set with 550 diamonds.

Weekly QuizSep 17, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Jean Schlumberger’s Hedges and Flowers Necklace
Events & AwardsSep 23, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Exhibition Opening at Arkansas Museum

The curation, opening soon at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, honors the jeweler’s heritage through a distinctly American lens.

Pandora x Pat McGrath campaign image
CollectionsSep 23, 2026
Pucker Up for Pandora’s New Pat McGrath Jewelry Collab

The jewelry giant has partnered with the famed makeup artist to create a colorful new collection of charms and rings.

Cover.jpg
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk About

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

Texas Jewelers Association
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
Texas Jewelers Association to Celebrate 120th Anniversary

The association will mark the milestone at its convention next month.

Sissy’s Log Cabin Back to School and Bling 2026
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
Sissy’s Log Cabin’s ‘Back to School and Bling’ Event Returns

The jeweler donated school supplies to Memphis, Tennessee, students during the event combining basketball and mentorship.

Pandora and Foundrae medallions
MajorsSep 22, 2026
Foundrae’s Lawsuit Against Pandora Can Continue, Court Rules

A federal judge denied Pandora’s motion to dismiss Foundrae’s claim for copyright infringement of its medallions.

The Retail Smiths Peter Smith
ColumnistsSep 22, 2026
Peter Smith: Our Struggle With Emotional Selling

People aren’t thinking rationally when they are buying luxury products, and we shouldn’t be selling them that way, Peter Smith writes.

Constance Polamalu
IndependentsSep 22, 2026
Constance Polamalu Named to '40 Under 40' List

The Baltimore Business Journal recognized the entrepreneur for her leadership in business and the jewelry industry.

Photo collage of new GCAL by Sarine lab in Mumbai
GradingSep 22, 2026
GCAL by Sarine Opens New Lab in Mumbai

The facility is located within SEEPZ and is GCAL by Sarine’s second location in India, joining its existing grading lab in Surat.

NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Autumn Edition Imagery
Events & AwardsSep 22, 2026
NYCJAOS Returns for Autumn Edition

The four-day show is slated for Nov. 19-22 at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.

Cartier Cheich watch in white gold
AuctionsSep 21, 2026
Ultra-Rare Cartier Cheich Watch Sells for $3.4M

Offered at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, the one-of-a-kind white gold watch now holds the title of most valuable Cartier wristwatch sold at auction.

Pamela Bernstein-Gulla and Elle Hill at the Wynn Las Vegas
MajorsSep 21, 2026
Longtime Industry Executive Pamela Bernstein-Gulla to Retire

Bernstein-Gulla has been working in the jewelry industry for 40 years, most recently as chief engagement officer for Hill & Co.

Bhindi Jewelers Glendale Store Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
IndependentsSep 21, 2026
Bhindi Jewelers Moves Into New, Larger California Store

The relocated Glendale store, now at The Americana at Brand, was designed to be a contemporary “timepiece haven” inspired by luxury resorts.

Unheated Paraiba
AuctionsSep 18, 2026
7.52-Carat Unheated Paraíba Tourmaline Sells for $1.3M at Sotheby’s

The top lot of the auction house’s Hong Kong jewelry sale was an Art Deco Mauboussin necklace with ruby beads, which sold for $2 million.

Photo from 2026 Jewelers of America Fly-In
Policies & IssuesSep 18, 2026
Tariffs, Retail Crime Top of Mind at JA’s Annual Fly-In

Retailers and manufacturers headed to the Capitol this week to discuss tariff exemptions for diamonds and gemstones, among other issues.

Nanis Sway Earrings
CollectionsSep 18, 2026
Nanis Transforms Its ‘Boule’ Into a Mirror

Our Piece of the Week is a pair of drop earrings from the “Sway” collection featuring Nanis’ first use of mirror-polished gold.

De Beers Group’s SynthDetect 2 diamond screening instrument
GradingSep 18, 2026
De Beers Introduces Faster Version of Diamond Screening Machine

SynthDetect 2 can scan a full tray in less than five minutes, De Beers said, making it six times faster than its predecessors.

14th century gold seal ring
AuctionsSep 18, 2026
Noonans To Auction Medieval Gold Seal Ring Recovered By 2 Friends

Two metal detectorists discovered the ring, which may have belonged to English noblewoman Matilda of Lancaster, in Suffolk.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesSep 17, 2026
Tariffs on India Could Increase as Russian Sanctions Bill Heads to Trump’s Desk

The bill has a provision that allows the president to raise tariffs on countries that import Russian oil and gas to as much as 100 percent.

John Carter and Michael Richards
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
This Is the Winner of the 2026 Robert M. Shipley Award

The American Gem Society presented the annual award to a former president of its board.

Cynthia Erivo x Zoe Chicco The Chrysalis Capsule Collection Campaign
CollectionsSep 17, 2026
Cynthia Erivo, Zoë Chicco’s Jewelry Collab Is an Ode to Transformation

The “Chrysalis” capsule centers butterfly motifs representing growth, transformation, and the unfolding of who you are.

Kevin Patton
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
Louisiana Retailer Kevin Patton Wins Lifetime Achievement Award

Jewelers of Louisiana presented Patton, the third-generation president of Pattons Fine Jewelry, with the award at its annual convention.

×

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