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.
Pandora Cuts Jobs, Sales Forecast for 2018
The bead and jewelry maker said it is laying off 397 workers, mostly at its manufacturing facilities in Thailand.

Copenhagen, Denmark—Pandora said Tuesday it will cut nearly 400 jobs as it looks to streamline manufacturing and shift more resources to digital and e-commerce operations.
A total of 397 of the company’s 27,000 employees, or less than 2 percent of the total workforce, will be laid off. The majority of the layoffs, 218, will be in Thailand, where its jewelry is manufactured.
Pandora said it is making the cuts to protect profitability and support the five-year strategy implemented last year. The cuts will save the company about DKK 150 million ($23.3 million).
The announcement came the day after the bead and jewelry maker reported flat second quarter sales and slashed its forecast for the year.
Pandora, which is grappling with slowing sales in key markets like the United States and China, said it now expects a revenue increase of 5-7 percent (in local currency) on the year, down from its previous prediction of 7-10 percent. It also warned that profit margin will be lower than previously forecast, 32 percent instead of 35 percent.
Also this week, the company announced the appointment of a new head for the Americas, Sid Keswani.
Keswani replaces Scott Burger, who resigned at the beginning of the year.
He joins Pandora from Fiesta Mart, a Texas-based grocery store chain. Prior to that, he spent 19 years as an executive at Target Corp. and was the senior vice president of operations for Susser Holdings, a convenience store chain.
As president of the Americas for Pandora, Keswani will oversee the bead and jewelry company’s operations in North America, the Caribbean and Latin America. The region has more than 2,300 points of sale, including more than 650 concept stores, nearly a third of which are now owned and operated by Pandora.
The region employs a total of 3,400.
Pandora said a key priority for Keswani will be to work with franchisees and Pandora-owned stores to ensure they are integrating their operations with the company’s online store, which opened in April 2015.
His appointment is effective Aug. 13.
The Latest


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

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

Experience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.

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


Two special guests join the podcast to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the designer advocate, mentor, and author’s untimely passing.

McCormack brings sea-inspired motifs from her “Beaches” collection to L’Objet’s tableware, vanity pieces, and first-ever cutlery set.

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

Nine New Jersey jewelers have been victims of smash-and-grab robberies this year, prompting JSA to circulate a list of recommendations.

Marlin “Brian” Hood, who has been with the store for 20 years, will succeed Ricky Bromberg, who died earlier this month.

Stars wore either a necklace or earrings at 78th Primetime Emmy Awards but rarely both, Natalie Francisco notes.

Jennifer Shaheen compares this new era of AI-powered SEO to a video game: your website must clear one level before advancing to the next.

The program highlights “Made in Italy” fine jewelry with digital merchandising, sales education, and local marketing support.

Hilson, Signet’s chief operating and financial officer, discussed Q2, resurgent natural diamond demand, and why Blue Nile is a standout.

The stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.

The 22.09-carat fancy yellow “Pragnell Kimberley Sunshine Diamond” is part of the fall jewelry sale at Heritage Auctions.

“Adornos: Jewelry, Memory & What We Pass Down” honors the jewelry’s importance to New York City’s Latine communities.

The company’s managing director of sales said the results demonstrate “continued strong demand for commercial-quality emeralds.”

The nonprofit awarded a grant to the Gift of Sight initiative spearheaded by South African musician Black Coffee.

The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

The recipients were recognized at the 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States’ annual banquet.

Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.

Alberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged in the armed robbery of a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and remains at large.

The “Kat Florence Luminas” will be offered together as one lot and could fetch up to $637,000.

Four directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.

Ken Citron joins the celebrity memorabilia-focused auction house ahead of its first week-long series of events in Abu Dhabi.

The jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.






















