CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
FinancialsNov 20, 2013
Earnings roundup: Jewelry does well at JC Penney
Fine jewelry was one of the top sellers at J.C. Penney in the third quarter, a quarter in which the retailer saw signs of improvement, recording its first same-store sales increase in almost two years.
New York--Fine jewelry was one of the top sellers at J.C. Penney in the third quarter, a quarter in which the retailer saw signs of improvement, recording its first same-store sales increase in almost two years.
Quarterly same-store sales fell but comps trended up in October, and J.C. Penney CEO Myron Ullman III said they are “encouraged” by sales results in the early weeks of November.
Highlights from J.C. Penney’s financial results for the third quarter, as well as quarterly results for T.J. Maxx and Marshalls and Target, are below.
J.C. Penney
Same-store sales fell 5 percent in the third quarter ended Nov. 2 for J.C. Penney Co. Inc., compared with a comp decline of 26 percent in the third quarter 2012.
J.C. Penney said the quarter ended with a same-store sales increase of 0.9 percent in October, as previously announced, and sales improved each month during the quarter.
Total sales fell 5 percent from $2.93 billion to $2.78 billion. Online sales totaled $266 million, up 25 percent year-over-year. In addition to fine jewelry, women’s and men’s apparel were the company’s top performing divisions.
Net loss more than tripled, growing from $123 million to $489 million. Gross margin fell from 32.5 percent to 29.5 percent due to clearance sales and the return of sales in general, which disappeared temporarily under former CEO Ron Johnson.
“Our strategies to reconnect with customers are beginning to take hold, and this became increasingly clear as the quarter progressed,” Ullman said. “We are proud of the company’s October sales performance, encouraged by the early weeks of November, and believe we are making strides toward a path to long-term profitable growth.”
The company expects positive same-store sales for the fourth quarter.
The TJX Companies
Marmaxx, the division of the TJX Companies Inc. that operates T.J. Maxx and Marshalls stores in the U.S., reported a 4 percent increase in same-store sales in the third quarter ended Nov. 2. Total sales were up 8 percent from $4.16 to $4.48 billion.
Total same-store sales for the TJX Companies, counting its stores in Europe and Canada, increased 5 percent while total sales hit $6.98 billion, up from $6.41 billion in the prior-year period, a 9 percent increase.
Net income for the third quarter rose from $461.5 million last year to $622.7 million this year.
CEO Carol Meyrowitz called the company’s third quarter results “robust” and said
the company now expects its fiscal year same-store sales to increase 3 percent based on its third quarter performance.
The company, however, expects same-store sales to grow only 1 to 2 percent in the fourth quarter due to the holiday shopping period being six days shorter this year.
T.J. Maxx ended the quarter with 1,075 stores in the U.S., up from 1,052, while Marshalls now has 941 locations, up from 914.
The company said it plans to eventually have a total of 3,000 stores in its Marmaxx division in the U.S. and a total of 450 Winners, HomeSense and Marshalls stores in Canada, up from 325 now.
Target
United States same-store sales essentially were flat in the third quarter for Target Corp. while total sales increased 2 percent from $16.6 billion to $16.9 billion. Seasonal markdowns led to a decrease in the gross margin rate, from 30.3 to 30 percent.
Target began opening stores in Canada this fiscal year, with sales reaching $333 million at a gross margin rate of 14.8 percent due to the clearance of excess inventory.
Total sales, including both stores in the U.S. and Canada, reached $17.26 billion, up 4 percent from $16.60 billion.
Target opened a total of 32 stores in the third quarter, nine in the U.S. and 23 in Canada. The Minneapolis-based retailer announced earlier this month that all of the Canadian stores scheduled to open this year will be operational by the end of this week. Target will have 124 stores in the country by years’ end.
More on Financials
The Latest
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board DirectorsThe nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact ReportThe annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 BoardThe governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
