MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
FinancialsMar 25, 2015
Signet to open 35 Zale stores this fiscal year
The new owner of Zale Corp. will open more Zales and Piercing Pagoda stores than it closes, marking the first time in years that the chain’s physical footprint won’t shrink.
New York--Signet Jewelers Ltd. executives said Thursday that it plans to open more Zales and Piercing Pagoda stores this year than it closes, marking the first time in years that Zale Corp.’s physical footprint won’t shrink.
The announcement came Thursday as Signet reported its fourth quarter and full-year results for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31. Signet owns Zale Corp. as well as Sterling Jewelers, operator of Kay Jewelers and Jared the Galleria of Jewelers.
Both Sterling and Zale recorded a 4 percent increase in comps in the fourth quarter, boosted by strong sales of both bridal and fashion diamond jewelry.
CEO Mark Light said during the company’s quarterly earnings call that bridal performed well for Sterling as did Le Vian and Diamonds in Rhythm. For Zale, it was Vera Wang Love, the Celebration diamond collection and Unstoppable Love.
Both Diamonds in Rhythm and Unstoppable Love are fashion diamond jewelry lines with center stones set at an angle so they are always moving and, thereby, catching the light.
Light also mentioned that the company plans to open about 25 new Zales stores this fiscal year and 10 Piercing Pagoda stores. It will be the first time in years that the chain’s physical footprint hasn’t shrunk.
“We think there’s tremendous opportunity to continue to grow the Zale brand,” he said, noting that there are more than 1,000 Kay Jewelers stores while Zale’s store count remains in the “700 zone.”
Including its U.K. operations, Signet recorded a 4 percent increase in same-store fourth quarter sales while total sales climbed 46 percent to $2.28 billion, primarily driven by the Zale acquisition completed in May.
For the full year, same-store sales were up 4 percent for Signet and total sales climbed 36 percent from $4.21 billion to $5.74 billion.
Light called it an “absolutely incredible year for Signet.”
The company became a De Beers sightholder, opened outlet stores for both Jared and Ernest Jones in the U.K. and acquired Zale Corp., a transaction that Light, quite accurately, called the “most significant M&A transaction in the history of jewelry retail.”
“Rarely in retail does No. 1 acquire No. 2 and still have significant runway for opportunity,” he said, noting that this is due to the “highly fragmented nature of our marketplace.”
More on Financials
The Latest
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
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 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
