Financials

‘Softness’ in U.S. Brings Tiffany Q4 Comps Down in Americas

FinancialsMar 18, 2016

‘Softness’ in U.S. Brings Tiffany Q4 Comps Down in Americas

Due to lower foreign spending and softness in sales to U.S. consumers, same-store sales and total sales decreased in the company’s Americas regions in both the fiscal fourth quarter and the full-year period.

20160318_Tiffanys.jpg

New York--Tiffany & Co. reported Friday that comps in the Americas in the fiscal fourth quarter ended Jan. 31 were down 8 percent, with total sales in the region also declining by 6 percent in the period.

The company attributed this to lower foreign spending in the U.S. because of the strength of the U.S. dollar, as well as a softness in sales to U.S. customers.

In the full-year period, comparable store sales and total sales in the Americas were down 4 percent and 2 percent, respectively.

Aside from the softness in the U.S., other parts of the Americas region showed some strength, with total sales on a constant-exchange-rate basis rose in Canada and Latin America.

On a global basis, comps were down 5 percent in the fourth quarter and flat for the 12-month period. Worldwide net sales, meanwhile, rose 2 percent due to higher sales in Asia-Pacific, Japan and Europe.

In the Asia-Pacific region, comps in the fourth quarter were down 8 percent while total sales declined 3 percent. Meanwhile, in the full year, same-store sales were about flat while total sales on a constant-exchange-rate basis rose 3 percent.

Japan reported a positive performance, with fourth quarter total sales rising 12 percent and comparable store sales rising 10 percent. For the full year, on a constant-exchange-rate basis total sales and comparable store sales rose 10 percent and 5 percent, respectively.

The majority of the sales growth in both of these periods for Japan reflected higher sales to foreign tourists, Tiffany said.

In Europe, total sales in the fourth quarter increased 2 percent and comps declined 3 percent, due to varying performance across the region, including sales growth in the U.K. and a decline in France.

On a constant-exchange-rate basis, total sales and comparable store sales in the region for the full year rose 12 percent and 9 percent, respectively, due to broad-based sales growth reflecting higher spending by local customers and foreign tourists.

Tiffany’s opened 16 company-operated stores in the full year and closed four locations. As of Jan. 31, they 307 total stores: 124 in the Americas, 81 in Asia-Pacific, 56 in Japan, 41 in Europe and five in the UAE. This is compared with 295 stores a year ago: 122 in the Americas, 73 in Asia-Pacific, 56 in Japan, 39 in Europe and five in the UAE.

“We are assuming that sales and

earnings growth in 2016 will continue to be pressured by various factors including a further strengthening of the dollar, along with volatile and uncertain economic and equity market conditions that will likely affect consumer spending,” CEO Frederic Cumenal said, adding that the company will continue to focus on growing sales on a constant-exchange-rate basis across all regions, jewelry categories and price points.
Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Florence Pugh Wearing Bulgari at 2026 Primetime Emmy Awards
EditorsSep 15, 2026
2026 Emmys Jewelry: An Either/Or Proposition

Stars wore either a necklace or earrings at 78th Primetime Emmy Awards but rarely both, Natalie Francisco notes.

Technology Therapy Group founder and CEO Jennifer Shaheen
ColumnistsSep 15, 2026
The Levels Your Website Must Clear Before AI Recommends You

Jennifer Shaheen compares this new era of AI-powered SEO to a video game: your website must clear one level before advancing to the next.

Armadani Retail Support Program Marketing Imagery
IndependentsSep 15, 2026
Armadani Launches Retail Support Program for Holiday Season

The program highlights “Made in Italy” fine jewelry with digital merchandising, sales education, and local marketing support.

Cover.jpg
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk About

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

Signet Jewelers Joan Hilson
EditorsSep 15, 2026
Q&A: Signet Jewelers’ Joan Hilson on Diamond Demand, the Holidays

Hilson, Signet’s chief operating and financial officer, discussed Q2, resurgent natural diamond demand, and why Blue Nile is a standout.

Weekly QuizSep 10, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
The Retail Smiths Principal Sherry Smith
ColumnistsSep 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your Christmas

The stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.

The “Pragnell Kimberley Sunshine Diamond,” 22.09 carats and fancy yellow
AuctionsSep 14, 2026
22 Carats of ‘Sunshine’ Are Up for Auction

The 22.09-carat fancy yellow “Pragnell Kimberley Sunshine Diamond” is part of the fall jewelry sale at Heritage Auctions.

1872-x-1052-July-ad (1).png
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying Events

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

Greenwich St. Jewelers Adornos photography exhibit
IndependentsSep 14, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers to Unveil Photography Exhibition

“Adornos: Jewelry, Memory & What We Pass Down” honors the jewelry’s importance to New York City’s Latine communities.

Stock image of rough emeralds mined by Gemfields
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Gemfields Sells All Lots at First Emerald Auction in 9 Months

The company’s managing director of sales said the results demonstrate “continued strong demand for commercial-quality emeralds.”

Kealeboga Pule and Black Coffee
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Pledges Support for Eye Care Program

The nonprofit awarded a grant to the Gift of Sight initiative spearheaded by South African musician Black Coffee.

Greenwich St. Jewelers Scattered Sapphire Cigar Band
CollectionsSep 11, 2026
A Sapphire ‘Stardust’ Ring From Greenwich St. Jewelers

The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

Make A Wish East Tennessee
MajorsSep 11, 2026
The Wishing Place by JTV Opens

The jewelry retail broadcast network has sponsored a new space for Make-A-Wish East Tennessee on its campus in Knoxville.

The Edge logo
Events & AwardsSep 11, 2026
The Edge Awards Scholarships to 2 Young Jewelry Professionals

The recipients were recognized at the 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States’ annual banquet.

Steven Lagos and Keith Rolfe
MajorsSep 10, 2026
Lagos Founder Steven Lagos Steps Down as CEO

Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.

Alberto Perez-Elias mugshot
CrimeSep 10, 2026
FBI Offers $50K Reward for ‘Most Wanted’ Fugitive in $1M Jewelry Heist

Alberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged in the armed robbery of a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and remains at large.

Kat Florence Paraibas
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Massive Matched Pair of Paraíba Tourmalines Head to Sotheby’s

The “Kat Florence Luminas” will be offered together as one lot and could fetch up to $637,000.

AGTA logo
SourcingSep 10, 2026
AGTA Announces 4 Newly Elected Directors

Four directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.

New Julien’s Auctions CEO Ken Citron
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Former Sotheby’s, Christie’s Exec Appointed CEO of Julien’s Auctions

Ken Citron joins the celebrity memorabilia-focused auction house ahead of its first week-long series of events in Abu Dhabi.

Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers family
IndependentsSep 09, 2026
Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers Closes After Nearly 80 Years

The Los Angeles-based, family-owned jeweler was founded by Lenny and Sunny Friedman in 1946.

Fura rubies
SourcingSep 09, 2026
Fura Gems Notes ‘Remarkable’ Interest in Larger Rubies at Latest Sale

The auction, held in Bangkok, was 96 percent sold by lot, with nearly 411,000 carats of Mozambiquan rubies sold.

Stuller Fine Jewelry 2027-2028 catalog
MajorsSep 09, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Catalog Includes Its New Demi-Fine Collection

Fine Jewelry 2027-2028 has more than 900 new styles, including silver, gold-filled, gold-plated sterling silver, and vermeil jewelry.

2018_Stuller-lab-grown.jpg
Policies & IssuesSep 09, 2026
8 Key Changes the FTC Made to the Jewelry Guides: A Refresher

Learn more about the new terms for lab-grown diamonds and composite gemstones, and the major changes in store for precious metals jewelry.

Frederick (Ricky) Wilkinson Bromberg
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.

Zahn Z Zaha rainbow sapphire ring
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.

The Retail Smiths principal and National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsSep 08, 2026
Peter Smith: Humor Is No Laughing Matter

Laughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.

Gretchen Koback Pursel
MajorsSep 08, 2026
Former Tiffany & Co. Exec Joins Exemplar Luxury Group

Gretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.

×

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