AuctionsApr 27, 2026
12 Years Later, the ‘Ocean Dream’ Diamond Resurfaces at Christie’sThe largest known fancy vivid blue-green diamond could fetch more than $12 million at its second auction appearance.
FinancialsMay 15, 2014
Earnings roundup: Macy’s, Nordstrom
Macy’s Inc. and Nordstrom Inc. reported mixed results for the first quarter ended May 3, with weather taking a toll on sales and off-price outlets continuing to outshine regular stores.
New York--Macy’s Inc. and Nordstrom Inc. reported mixed results for the first quarter ended May 3, with weather taking a toll on sales and off-price outlets continuing to outshine regular stores.
Macy’s same-store sales for the 13-week period were down 2 percent year-over-year, as business during the first three months of the year remained weak, while Nordstrom reported that total company comps were up 4 percent as compared with last year.
Highlights from both company’s first quarter results, reported Thursday, are below.
Macy’s
Macy’s Inc. said comps were down 2 percent in the first quarter. Together with sales from departments licensed to third parties, first quarter comps fell 1 percent.
Total sales also were down 2 percent for the retailer during the period, declining from $6.39 billion in 2013 to $6.28 billion in 2014.
Macy’s operating income totaled $443 million, or 7 percent of sales, for the first quarter, compared with $435 million for the prior-year period.
“Overall, business trends were soft in January through March, with the exception of the Valentine’s Day shopping period,” said Macy’s Chairman and CEO Terry Lundgren. “The trend improved in April when the weather began to turn in northern climate zones. We see this as a good sign moving forward into the second quarter. In addition to weather, first quarter comparisons were negatively impacted by a calendar shift for our popular ‘Friends & Family’ event and the fact that we were up against a very strong first quarter last year.”
The company operates about 840 stores under the names of Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s and their corresponding online presences, as well as 13 Bloomingdale’s Outlet stores.
During the first quarter 2014, Macy’s consolidated two stores in the same mall in Houston into one location as part of a mall redevelopment project.
The company said it continues to expect same-store sales growth in fiscal 2014 in the range of 2.5 to 3 percent.
Nordstrom
Total company comparable sales for Nordstrom Inc. were up 4 percent in the first quarter. Nordstrom comps, which includes full-line stores and direct businesses, increased 3 percent during the period, led by accessories, women’s shoes and cosmetics.
Full-line comps only were down 2 percent.
Nordstrom’s off-price division, Nordstrom Rack, meanwhile, recorded a strong performance, with same-store sales up 6 percent compared with the prior-year period.
Total company net sales were up 7 percent compared with 2013 to $2.8 billion.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
Nordstrom Rack net sales surged ahead 20 percent to $126 million compared with the same period last year, and Nordstrom continues to focus on the division. The company announced plans to open only three full-line stores but 17 Nordstrom Rack locations during the remainder of 2014. In the first quarter, Nordstrom opened 10 new Rack stores.
Nordstrom said Thursday that it predicts comps will increase between 2 and 4 percent for the full fiscal year 2014, and that net sales will rise in the range of 5.5 to 7.5 percent.
More on Financials
The Latest
ColumnistsApr 27, 2026
Stop Treating Mother’s Day Like an AfterthoughtEmmanuel Raheb says jewelers need to start marketing early and make it easy for customers to pick a gift for mom.
IndependentsApr 27, 2026
Longnecker Jewelry Celebrates 30 YearsIn honor of the milestone, the Nebraska jeweler has debuted Leslie & Co., its new in-house jewelry brand.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
MajorsApr 27, 2026
JBT Re-Elects Jeff Corey as Board ChairThe trade organization, which held its annual elections earlier this year, also added five new board members.
Weekly QuizApr 23, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysApr 24, 2026
Mother’s Day 2026 Jewelry Spending to Top $7B, NRF SaysNRF’s annual survey found that 45 percent of consumers plan to purchase jewelry for a loved one this Mother’s Day.
TechnologyApr 24, 2026
TwentyFour’s Digital-Age Locket Is a Virtual VaultThe “Vault” charm, our Piece of the Week, expands on the memories that can be stored in a locket by connecting to your phone.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Events & AwardsApr 24, 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.
IndependentsApr 23, 2026
Meet the Real Moms of Day’s JewelersThe jeweler’s Mother’s Day campaign highlights the women who work there—mothers, grandmothers, women who want to be mothers, and dog moms.
Supplier BulletinApr 23, 2026
JM® Shipping Solution: Smarter Shipping for High-Value GoodsSponsored by Jewelers Mutual
Lab-GrownApr 23, 2026
Charles & Colvard May Sell Assets for $1.5MThe proposed agreement follows the moissanite maker’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing last month.
AuctionsApr 23, 2026
John Jacob Astor IV’s Titanic Pocket Watch Fetches $1MThe Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. timepiece Astor brought aboard the ill-fated ship sold for double its estimate at a Freeman’s auction.
CollectionsApr 23, 2026
Adam Neeley’s High Jewelry Collection Steps Into Salvador Dalí’s GardenThe “Dalí’s Garden” collection was inspired by a surreal dream Neeley had after cooking a recipe from Salvador Dalí’s 1973 cookbook.
IndependentsApr 23, 2026
Windsor Jewelers Names New Buying DirectorNatalie Feanny has been appointed to the role.
CrimeApr 22, 2026
New Mexico Couple Pleads Guilty to Selling Fake Native American JewelryThe pair falsely claimed their jewelry was made by Navajo artists, but it was imported from Vietnam.
AuctionsApr 22, 2026
Roberta Flack’s Jewelry Is Going Up for AuctionJulien’s Auctions is selling the musician’s fine and fashion jewelry alongside her clothing, gold records, and other memorabilia.
CollectionsApr 22, 2026
British Museum Curator Pens Book on ‘The Tudor Heart’Rachel King’s book dives into the history of the pendant believed to have belonged to Henry VIII and his first wife, Katherine of Aragon.
Events & AwardsApr 22, 2026
Here’s What Sy Kessler Has on Tap for Las Vegas The company will have deals on precious metals testers as well as the latest in lab-grown diamond detection technology and security.
WatchesApr 21, 2026
Coco Chanel Enters the Game with New Watch CollectionGabrielle “Coco” Chanel is a character in the “Coco Game” collection of watches and the queen in its first haute horlogerie chessboard.
IndependentsApr 21, 2026
Meet Jewelers of America’s 2026 ‘20 Under 40’ ClassThe annual list honors rising professionals on the retail and supply sides of the jewelry industry.
CrimeApr 21, 2026
Customs Nabs 1,500 Pieces of Counterfeit Jewelry Bound for NYCSeized in Kentucky, the packages include fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, and Fendi jewelry.
CrimeApr 20, 2026
Queens Man Convicted in Bludgeoning Death of Pawn Shop OwnerRodolfo Lopez-Portillo faces 25 years to life in prison after being found guilty in the March 2022 beating death of Arasb Shoughi.
TrendsApr 20, 2026
Beth Bernstein, Sonia Esther Soltani Pen New Jewelry Book“Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems” highlights the relationships among 22 influential designers, brands, and gem dealers.
Events & AwardsApr 20, 2026
Atlanta Jewelry Show’s Spring Event Is Hitting the RoadThe AJS Spring 2027 show will be held in Savannah, Georgia, with future shows taking place in other Southeast cities.
MajorsApr 20, 2026
Kendra Scott Names New CFO, Chief Business OfficerThe jewelry retailer plans to open 20 new stores this year and expand into new product categories.
TrendsApr 17, 2026
New (Groundbreaking) Floral Jewelry for Spring 2026Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.
