Financials

Tiffany sees third quarter comps fall

FinancialsMar 03, 2016

Tiffany sees third quarter comps fall

Despite sales growth in Canada and Latin America, weak tourist spending in the United States resulted in a poor third quarter in the Americas for Tiffany & Co.

2016-Tiffany-T-collection.jpg
While Tiffany’s overall sales were slow in the third quarter, the retailer reported strong sales of gold fashion jewelry worldwide with its T collection (pictured here) particularly popular.

New York--Despite sales growth in Canada and Latin America, weak tourist spending in the United States resulted in a poor third quarter in the Americas for Tiffany & Co., the retailer reported Tuesday.

The New York-based retailer’s same-store sales in the Americas were down 6 percent during the period ended Oct. 31, while total sales on a constant-exchange-rate basis fell 5 percent. 

Despite strong sales of statement jewelry, there were “varying degrees of softness across most other jewelry categories” compared with last year’s strong third quarter, executives said in Tuesday’s earnings conference call.

Year-to-date comps and total sales also were down in the region, declining 2 percent and 1 percent, respectively.

The retailer said the declines were due in large part to lower foreign tourist spending in the U.S., attributed to the strong dollar, while sales to U.S. customers were relatively flat to last year due to a difficult year-over-year comparison as well as continued softness in consumer spending. 

Tiffany executives also noted during the call that the retailer is in the process of some major U.S. store renovations. It just completed an upgrade of its store on Michigan Avenue in Chicago and now is focusing on its stores in San Francisco’s Union Square and on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. 

Globally, total same-store sales inched up 1 percent while total sales on a constant-exchange-rate basis rose 4 percent to $938 million in the third quarter. Sales growth in Japan, Europe and Asia-Pacific was partly offset by the lower sales in the Americas.

Worldwide, Tiffany said it recorded considerable growth in sales of high-end statement jewelry through its VIP customer events. Engagement jewelry performed well in Japan and Europe but was soft globally. 

Gold fashion jewelry sales also were strong, reflecting the success of the Tiffany T collection.

The company noted that it is focused on expanding and refreshing existing collections, including reintroducing designs in its “Return to Tiffany”collection to improve its silver sales at price points below $500.

Meanwhile, Tiffany’s Infinity collection has been expanded in silver and gold, and the retailer also expanded the Victoria collection with new designs in platinum and diamonds as well as the Tiffany Bow collection with designs in gold and diamonds. 

Executives also said that they have been happy with sales of the new CT60 and East West watch collections launched earlier this year. 

In the nine-month period ended

Oct. 31, Tiffany’s global same-store sales were up 2 percent and total sales rose 4 percent. The company said that it raised prices during the quarter, which moved it closer to restoring its global pricing structure to normal levels given the dollar’s continued strength. 

Tiffany opened two company-operated stores in the third quarter--in Santiago, Chile, and Macau--while closing one in Korea. Year-to-date, it has opened 10 net new stores.

As of Oct. 31, Tiffany operated 305 stores: 125 in the Americas, 79 in Asia-Pacific, 56 in Japan, 39 in Europe, and five stores in the United Arab Emirates and one in Russia. This is up from the 294 stores it operated a year ago: 122 in the Americas, 72 in Asia-Pacific, 56 in Japan, 38 in Europe, and five in the UAE and one in Russia.

Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Miley Cyrus and Maxx Morando Engagement Ring
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement Ring

Fellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.

Costco store
MajorsDec 03, 2025
Costco Joins Growing Wave of Retailers Suing for Tariff Refunds

The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.

Shoppers in a mall
SurveysDec 03, 2025
A Record 202.9M Shoppers Turned Out Thanksgiving Weekend

Black Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.

Recipients Collage 2025 - NJ (1872 x 1050 px) (1872 x 1052 px).png
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow Today

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

Faberge The Winter Egg
AuctionsDec 03, 2025
Fabergé’s 'The Winter Egg' Achieves Record $30M

The historic egg, crafted for Russia's ruling family prior to the revolution, was the star of Christie’s recent auction of works by Fabergé.

Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Briony Raymond holding Briony Raymond Eau De Parfum
CollectionsDec 02, 2025
Briony Raymond Introduces First Fragrance

The eau de parfum is held in a fluted glass bottle that mirrors the decor of the brand’s atelier, and its cap is a nod to its “Sloan” ring.

The Finsch diamond mine in South Africa, owned by Petra Diamonds Ltd.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Petra Diamonds Elevates Interim CEOs to Permanent Status

Vivek Gadodia and Juan Kemp, who’ve been serving as interim co-CEOs since February, will continue to lead the diamond mining company.

roseco-catalog.png
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line Catalog

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

Lee Krombholz, Michael Coan, Donna DeLucia, Joanna Joy Seetoo
MajorsDec 02, 2025
Lee Krombholz Takes Over as Chair of MJSA Education Foundation

In addition, a slate of new officers and trustees were appointed to the board.

Retail Jewelers Organization logo
IndependentsDec 02, 2025
RJO Welcomes Its 1,200th Retail Member

Witt’s Jewelry in Wayne, Nebraska, is the organization’s new milestone member.

Gemologist, geologist, and editor Brendan M. Laurs
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Brendan Laurs Honored With 2025 Bonanno Award

Laurs is the editor-in-chief of Gem-A’s The Journal of Gemmology and an expert on the formation of colored gemstone deposits.

Empress Eugénie pearl and diamond tiara
CrimeDec 01, 2025
Fourth Man Charged in Louvre Jewelry Heist

The man, who has a criminal history, is suspected of being the fourth member of the four-man crew that carried out the heist.

Van Cleef & Arpels zipper necklace Christies
AuctionsDec 01, 2025
Christie’s Presents ‘Splendor & Style’ Collection

The single-owner collection includes one of the largest offerings of Verdura jewels ever to appear at auction, said Christie’s.

Lustig Jewelers employees in store
IndependentsDec 01, 2025
Lustig Jewelers’ New Owner Is a Fellow Chicago Jeweler

Michael Helfer has taken the reins, bringing together two historic Chicago jewelry names.

Retrouvaí Classic Diamond Domino Necklace and Kwiat Entwine Platinum and Diamond Drop Earrings
MajorsDec 01, 2025
PGI Debuts Platinum-Filled Holiday Gift Guide

The guide features all-new platinum designs for the holiday season by brands like Harwell Godfrey, Ritani, and Suna.

Rosior Pumpkin Ring
TrendsNov 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rosior’s Pumpkin Ring

Rosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.

Greenwich St. Jewelers Embrace Your True Colors Holiday Campaign
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday Campaign

The “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.

Alejandro Cuellar
MajorsNov 26, 2025
Serafino Consoli Names New VP of Sales, Brand Development for the Americas

Luxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.

Grandview Klein scholarships
Events & AwardsNov 26, 2025
Grandview Klein Presents 4 Scholarships in Namibia

The company gave awards to four students at the Namibia University of Science & Technology, including one who is a Grandview Klein employee.

Margaret “Maggie” Hoisik
IndependentsNov 25, 2025
Pearl Stringer Margaret Hoisik Dies

She is remembered as an artist who loved her craft and was devoted to her faith, her friends, and her family.

Finestar manufacturing
SourcingNov 25, 2025
Finestar Opens Diamond Manufacturing Facility in Johannesburg

It joins the company’s other manufacturing facilities globally, including in India, Botswana, and Namibia.

State Property Toadstool Pendant
TrendsNov 25, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Polka Dots

The polka dot pattern transcends time and has re-emerged as a trend in jewelry through round-shaped gemstones.

Stock image of gavel and books
CrimeNov 25, 2025
Former Arizona AG Official Charged With Trafficking Stolen Jewelry

Vanessa Hickman, 49, allegedly sold a diamond bracelet that was mistakenly sent to her home.

GIA executives John Koivula, Kathryn Kimmel, Susan Jacques, Tom Moses, Alice Keller, James E. Shigley
Events & AwardsNov 25, 2025
GIA Awards Susan Jacques With Its Highest Honor

GIA’s former president and CEO was presented with the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.

20251124_MNQ social media etiquette header.jpg
Recorded WebinarsNov 24, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Social Media Etiquette

Social media experts spoke about protecting brand reputation through behaving mindfully online.

Breitling house of brands
WatchesNov 24, 2025
Breitling Reveals Plans for Gallet, Universal Genève

In 2026, the three will come together as “House of Brands,” with Gallet sold in Breitling stores and Universal Genève sold separately.

Cynthia Erivo in Muse’s Have a Heart x Cynthia Erivo Collection
CollectionsNov 24, 2025
Muse Debuts a Wicked 'Have a Heart x Cynthia Erivo' Sequel

The second drop, which includes more Elphaba-inspired pieces from additional designers, will continue to benefit nonprofit Dreams of Hope.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy