FinancialsDec 05, 2024
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Slide Amid Slow Engagement Ring Sales, Tech IssuesFinancialsJan 14, 2025
Signet Jewelers Lowers Q4 Guidance After Holiday Sales Fall Short
The peak selling days leading up to Christmas did not meet the jewelry retailer’s expectations.
A selection of rings available at Signet-owned banner Kay Jewelers. Signet Jewelers lowered its fourth-quarter guidance following lackluster holiday sales.
Akron, Ohio—Signet Jewelers’ holiday performance fell short of expectations, leading the company to lower its guidance for the fourth quarter.
The retailer, which is the parent company of several large jewelry store chains including Zales, Jared, and Kay Jewelers, shared details Tuesday morning about its preliminary sales for the 10 weeks ending Jan. 11, though it did not provide an exact dollar amounts.
“Our holiday results of approximately -2% SSS [same-store sales] reflect peak selling days leading up to Christmas that were below forecast,” said Joan Hilson, chief financial and operating officer.
Engagement ring and service sales met expectations and the jeweler did see merchandise average unit retail (AUR) increase in bridal and fashion jewelry.
Merchandise AUR, which is calculated by dividing same-store sales revenue by same-store sales units, was up 5 percent compared with last holiday season, despite a drop in in-store traffic and lower conversion rates.
However, sales of fashion jewelry, a popular choice for holiday gifting, underperformed, said Hilson, noting consumers were looking for deals even more than Signet had anticipated this holiday season, and the retailer did not have enough lower-priced jewelry to meet their needs.
“Merchandise assortment gaps at key gifting price points impeded our ability to meet that trend,” she said.
Its merchandise margin improved, but it was less than expected due to a lower mix of fashion jewelry and a “stronger customer response to promotional items.”
Related stories will be right here …
The retailer, which is the parent company of several large jewelry store chains including Zales, Jared, and Kay Jewelers, shared details Tuesday morning about its preliminary sales for the 10 weeks ending Jan. 11, though it did not provide an exact dollar amounts.
“Our holiday results of approximately -2% SSS [same-store sales] reflect peak selling days leading up to Christmas that were below forecast,” said Joan Hilson, chief financial and operating officer.
Engagement ring and service sales met expectations and the jeweler did see merchandise average unit retail (AUR) increase in bridal and fashion jewelry.
Merchandise AUR, which is calculated by dividing same-store sales revenue by same-store sales units, was up 5 percent compared with last holiday season, despite a drop in in-store traffic and lower conversion rates.
However, sales of fashion jewelry, a popular choice for holiday gifting, underperformed, said Hilson, noting consumers were looking for deals even more than Signet had anticipated this holiday season, and the retailer did not have enough lower-priced jewelry to meet their needs.
“Merchandise assortment gaps at key gifting price points impeded our ability to meet that trend,” she said.
Its merchandise margin improved, but it was less than expected due to a lower mix of fashion jewelry and a “stronger customer response to promotional items.”
In response to its lackluster holiday results, Signet has lowered its guidance for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025.
It now expects total quarterly sales of $2.32 billion to $2.34 billion, down from its prior guidance of $2.38 billion to $2.46 billion.
Same-store sales are expected to be down between 2 and 2.5 percent, compared with its prior guidance of flat to 3 percent growth in same-stores sales.
Its adjusted operating income is expected to be $337 million to $347 million, down from $397 million to $427 million, while its adjusted EBITDA is expected to be $381 million to $391 million, down from its prior guidance of $441 million to $471 million.
New CEO J.K. Symancyk said that while there were positives to be found in its holiday performance, the retailer has the opportunity to adjust its consumer-facing strategies, particularly in marketing, product design, and assortment innovation.
“I see meaningful potential to unlock shareholder value through the strength of both our brand portfolio and financial foundation,” said Symancyk.
“We can build on our industry-leading position in bridal while dramatically accelerating our reach into the larger fashion categories of self-purchase and gifting to drive sustainable organic growth.”
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.
