PodcastsJul 22, 2026
Episode 7: Reinhold Jewelers on the Power of RelationshipsMildred Marcano Abrams and Yael Reinhold join the podcast to talk community connections, holiday plans, and preserving Reinhold’s legacy.
FinancialsNov 25, 2013
Zale records 12th quarter of positive comps
Same-store sales grew in Zale Corp.’s fiscal first quarter, driven by strong sales at the company’s Zales- and Peoples-branded stores and of both bridal and core fashion jewelry.
Dallas--Same-store sales grew in Zale Corp.’s fiscal first quarter, driven by strong sales at the company’s Zales- and Peoples-branded stores and of both bridal and core fashion jewelry.
In the quarter, ended Oct. 31, same-store sales increased 4 percent (5 percent at constant exchange rates) year-over-year. Total sales grew 1 percent from $357.5 million to $362.6 million.
The company’s U.S. fine jewelry brands, Zales Jewelers, Zales Outlet and Gordon’s Jewelers, saw same-store sales increase 6 percent while comps at the company’s Canadian stores, Peoples Jewellers and Mappins Jewellers, were up 2 percent (7 percent at constant exchange rates).
Same-store sales for the Piercing Pagoda declined 2 percent, impacted by a drop-off in mall traffic (all same-store sales figures include associated e-commerce businesses).
Net loss was down slightly, from $28.3 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 to $27.3 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2014.
Gross margin was essentially flat at 53.4 percent, compared with 52.4 percent in the prior-year period.
Like Sterling and Tiffany, Zale reported that color was a strong seller during the quarter. During the company’s earnings call Tuesday evening, CEO Theo Killion said the retailer’s Candy Colored Diamonds and Gemstones collection has “resonated with our guests” and that the company is adding new hues for the holiday season.
In addition, Killion mentioned the Celebration Fire diamond, the stone that sparked a lawsuit with rival Sterling Jewelers Inc.
Sterling sued Zale in November 2012 claiming that the retailer’s statement that the Celebration Fire was “the most brilliant in the world” constituted false advertising. The two chains settled the lawsuit in September.
Though the terms of the settlement were never disclosed, Killion referenced the Celebration Fire only as having “extraordinary luminance” during the call, and the diamond’s superlative brilliance is not mentioned on the company’s website page for the Celebration Fire.
As the company’s launches it holiday marketing campaign, Killion said it is focusing on marketing to the millennial generation, nabbing musical acts such as The Black Keys, Various Cruelties, Lord Huron and Florence and the Machine to provide the soundtrack for its commercials. These are “artists you may never have heard of” but the millennials have, he told analysts on the call.
“The response to the music and the spots has been terrific,” Killion said.
He also mentioned Zale’s social media efforts, which include Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter. “We believe
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
the guest is playing the game differently so we have to provide them with new opportunities to interact with our brand,” he said.
Zale closed seven stores and five kiosks in the first quarter. Five of the seven stores closed were regional brand stores in malls where there already is a successful Peoples or Zales store, the company said, and it expects closures of regional brand and Piercing Pagoda kiosks to continue.
More on Financials
The Latest
Policies & IssuesJul 22, 2026
Trump to Put 50% Tariff on Canadian Goods The higher tax is set to go into effect in August and will apply to loose polished diamonds as well as precious and base metals jewelry.
CollectionsJul 22, 2026
Monica Rich Kosann’s High Jewelry Is FruitfulThe “Enchanted Garden” series features a cherry, lemon, and pear that each hold a little secret inside.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
IndependentsJul 22, 2026
Liljenquist Beckstead Opens Rolex New BoutiqueIt’s located in Tysons Galleria, an upscale shopping center in the Washington, D.C., metro area.
Weekly QuizJul 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJul 22, 2026
NY Now Returns in August Under New OwnershipThe show, recently acquired by Rockview Management Group, will be held at New York City’s Javits Center from Aug. 2-4.
ColumnistsJul 21, 2026
Sherry Smith: Shattering the Illusion of the ‘Either/Or’ Diamond MarketSmith offers retailers guidance on creating an environment where natural and lab-grown diamonds can both thrive.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2026
Apollo Funds Completes Emerald AcquisitionFormer Emerald President and CEO Hervé Sedky has transitioned to the role of senior advisor.
CollectionsJul 21, 2026
Graff’s New Butterfly High Jewelry Brooches MetamorphosizeThe 12-piece capsule collection transforms from brooches to pendants.
SourcingJul 21, 2026
Anglo Reportedly Selects Gareth Penny’s Consortium as Top Bidder for De BeersA Botswana government official told lawmakers Anglo has selected The Global Diamond Consortium, an entity chaired by Penny, to buy De Beers.
Policies & IssuesJul 20, 2026
Tariffs on Brazil to Increase But Rough Gemstones ExemptThe new tariff, imposed after a Trump administration study, is 25 percent and will stack on top of existing tariffs.
CollectionsJul 20, 2026
Vhernier Transforms ‘Freccia’ Collection Into High JewelryThe collection from 2014 has been reinterpreted into high jewelry with its signature triangular-shaped elements.
MajorsJul 20, 2026
Krista Collins Walters Promoted to Publisher of InstoreShe will also take on the role of vice president of jewelry for SmartWork Media, a newly created position.
Events & AwardsJul 20, 2026
TJS Accepting Speaker Proposals for 2027 EventOrganizers are looking for presentations on topics like manufacturing, technology and research, bench work, gemstones, and sustainability.
CollectionsJul 17, 2026
HOWL Taps Shailene Woodley for ‘Home Sweet Home’ CampaignWoodley is seen in the campaign wearing our Piece of the Week, the “Frida” collar featuring 13 pieces of hand-carved Venetian glass.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
U.K. Woman Pays £5 for £15K Diamond Ring at Car Boot SaleA WeBuyVintage jewelry expert uncovered how much the flea market find was actually worth.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
Diamond Dealer Jeff Pancis Pens MemoirThe founder of natural colored diamond wholesaler Pancis Gems shares stories from his five decades in the industry.
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
EditorsJul 16, 2026
Q&A: Guzema’s Co-Owners On Its US Expansion, 10-Year AnniversaryValeriya Guzema and Mariana Lenha look back on the last decade and discuss the Ukrainian brand’s first U.S. store.
SourcingJul 16, 2026
Ekati to Close, Leaving Canada With One Diamond Mine The diamond mine, which opened nearly 30 years ago in Canada’s Northwest Territories, is expected to shut down by mid-August.
Events & AwardsJul 16, 2026
MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program Certifies First Advanced Apprentice GraduateThe graduate, Grace Barden, credited the program with helping her secure a job as a bench jeweler.
Events & AwardsJul 16, 2026
Jewelers of Louisiana to Host 80th ConventionThe event, scheduled for next month in New Orleans, will include dinner, a custom jewelry design contest, and education sessions.
SourcingJul 15, 2026
1,305-Carat Diamond Recovered from Mine in BotswanaThe yet-to-be named stone is the 10th diamond weighing more than 1,000 carats to come out of Lucara’s Karowe mine.
IndependentsJul 15, 2026
New Jersey Jeweler Barry Berman Dies at 81The founder of Fords Jewelers, Berman is remembered for his love of connecting with his community.
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2026
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Return in JulyThe open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.
CollectionsJul 15, 2026
Pomellato’s New High Jewelry Is LiberatingBold color, expressive gem-setting, and sculptural form define the three chapters that make up “Stile Libero.”
