MajorsSep 08, 2026
Former Tiffany & Co. Exec Joins Exemplar Luxury GroupGretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.
FinancialsFeb 20, 2014
Earnings roundup: HSN, Walmart, Nordstrom
Three jewelry-selling retailers that reported their financials Thursday did not record strong increases in sales in the fourth quarter, despite the fact that it is generally the most wonderful time of the year for retailers.
New York--Three jewelry-selling retailers that reported their financials Thursday did not record strong increases in sales in the fourth quarter, despite the fact that it is generally the most wonderful time of the year for retailers.
HSN reported a 2 percent increase in fourth quarter sales, with jewelry cited as one of the weaker performers, while Walmart’s U.S. quarterly comps were flat and Nordstrom saw same-store sales increase 3 percent.
Below are highlights from the fourth quarter and full-year financial statements from these three companies.
HSN Inc.
HSN Inc., parent company of multi-media retailer HSN, reported Thursday that HSN’s sales for the three months ended Dec. 31 totaled $697.4 million compared with $683.8 million in the prior-year period, a 2 percent increase.
Jewelry sales were slow while revenue grew in the health, beauty, and apparel and accessories categories.
Digital sales were up 7 percent. HSN’s gross profit increased 3 percent to $230.6 million during the quarter.
Full-year sales for HSN were up 2 percent, from $2.27 billion in 2012 to $2.31 billion in 2013. Gross profit increased 1 percent for the year to $796.7 million.
As a whole, HSN Inc. reported a 4 percent increase in sales for the full year, from $3.27 billion in 2012 to $3.4 billion in 2013.
In commenting on the company as a whole CEO Mindy Grossman said, “Throughout 2013, we successfully managed the company to position us for long-term growth. We kept our focus on the customer, emphasized our unique content and proprietary products, strengthened our digital platform, further leveraged opportunities and synergies across the HSN and Cornerstone brands and returned value to our shareholders by delivering nearly $200 million through share repurchases and cash dividends.”
Walmart
Walmart Stores Inc. reported a 0.4 percent decline in same-store sales (excluding fuel) in the U.S. in the fourth quarter ended Jan. 31. Full-year comps were also down, declining by 0.6 percent.
Total sales reached $76.43 billion during the three-month period, a 2 percent increase from the $74.64 billion reported in the prior-year period. Sales for the fiscal year increased 2 percent to $279.41 billion.
At Sam’s Club, same-store sales (without fuel) during the quarter were down 0.1 percent, while the full year saw a 0.7 percent increase in comps. Total sales for the year were up 1 percent to $57.16 billion.
Operating income for Walmart’s U.S. stores during the fourth quarter was
essentially flat, increasing 0.1 percent to $6.38 billion but rose 4 percent for the year to $22.35 billion.
“For fiscal 2015, the Walmart U.S. team is focusing on growth and returning to positive comps,” said Bill Simon, Walmart U.S. president and CEO. “To get there, we will drive additional improvements in price investment and merchandise, test our market ecosystem and pilot our tethering concept.”
He added that comps were down in the first two weeks of February due to continued severe winter storms. During the worst of it, Walmart had more than 200 stores across the country closed. Walmart U.S. said that it expects comps to be relatively flat for the 12-week period ending May 2.
The company also announced that it is significantly accelerating its capital plan for U.S. small store format openings for the current fiscal year. Walmart now expects to add approximately 270 to 300 small stores during the fiscal year, doubling the initial forecast of 120 to 150 stores.
Nordstrom
Same-store sales for Nordstrom Inc. were up 3 percent in the fourth quarter ended Feb. 1. Total sales for the period were basically flat at $3.6 billion.
The company identified the strongest categories for the period as cosmetics, accessories, men’s shoes and women’s apparel.
Full-year sales reached $12.17 billion, up from the $11.76 billion recorded in the year earlier, a 3 percent increase.
For fiscal 2014, Nordstrom said that it anticipates same-store sales to increase in the range of 2 to 4 percent, and for total sales to increase between 6 and 8 percent.
Nordstrom currently operates 260 stores in 35 states, including 117 full-line stores, 140 Nordstrom Racks, two Jeffrey boutiques and one clearance store. Nordstrom also reaches customers through Nordstrom.com and in the online private sale marketplace, HauteLook.
More on Financials
The Latest
IndependentsSep 08, 2026
Ricky Bromberg, Longtime President of Bromberg & Co., Dies at 67 Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.
TrendsSep 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Hot Take on September’s Birthstone With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
ColumnistsSep 08, 2026
Peter Smith: Humor Is No Laughing MatterLaughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.
Weekly QuizSep 03, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.
MajorsSep 02, 2026
Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of AmericasArnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry BoxThe stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.
ColumnistsSep 01, 2026
Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal ProblemEngagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Kering Names New Pomellato, DoDo CEOsFormer Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA GlobalThe veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.
CrimeAug 31, 2026
$4M Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Necklace Snatched From Vienna Museum Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).
GradingAug 31, 2026
GIA, Gübelin Gem Lab Confirm New Paraíba Tourmaline Deposit in EthiopiaThe labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.
Events & AwardsAug 31, 2026
Wisconsin Museum to Host Jewelry Exhibition“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.
CollectionsAug 31, 2026
Catbird Launches First Men’s Jewelry CollectionThe “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.
