CrimeDec 15, 2025
Men Receive Life Sentences in Home Invasion Murder of Jeweler Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the 2024 murder of Hussein “Sam” Murray.
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
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 & IssuesDec 15, 2025
Sara Yood Named Co-Chair of RJC Standards CommitteeYood will serve alongside Eduard Stefanescu, the sustainability manager for C.Hafner, a precious metals refiner in Germany.
IndependentsDec 15, 2025
M.S. Rau to Open Store in AspenThe New Orleans jeweler is also hosting pop-up jewelry boutiques in New York City and Dallas.
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.
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
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 & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
TrendsDec 11, 2025
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.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
