Financials

Tiffany Has Better Than Expected Quarter

FinancialsNov 30, 2016

Tiffany Has Better Than Expected Quarter

But the jeweler’s overall outlook remains cautious and it acknowledged that post-election activity around Trump Tower is impacting foot traffic at its flagship store.

2016_Tiffany-flagship.jpg
This file photo shows Tiffany & Co.’s flagship store on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. The company said Tuesday that heightened security around Trump Tower has had some effect on foot traffic at the store. (Photo courtesy of Tiffany & Co.)

New York--Tiffany & Co. reported Tuesday that worldwide sales rose 1 percent year-over-year in the third quarter on the back of strong sales of gold “T” collection jewelry and stabilizing silver sales.

However, the retailer reported a 2 percent drop in comps, weakness in sales of higher-end jewelry and loss of foot traffic at its Fifth Avenue flagship store at an inopportune time of year.

Tiffany’s total sales reached $949.3 million in the third quarter ended Oct. 31, up from $938.2 million in the prior-year period.

Net earnings were up 5 percent. 

In the Americas, total sales were down 2 percent in the quarter to $417 million, with a modest decline in the number of units sold offset by an increase in price per unit. 

Same-store sales also declined 2 percent.

During the company’s earnings call Tuesday morning, Vice President of Investor Relations Mark Aaron said that U.S. consumers spent less because of macro, market and political uncertainties, while increased spending from tourists from Japan and other countries offset lower spending by Chinese tourists. 

Regarding the jeweler’s Fifth Avenue flagship, which has been the subject of numerous post-election impact stories given its proximity to President-elect Donald Trump’s eponymous tower, he said: “What we’ve seen has been some adverse effect on traffic in our flagship store, as well as a continuation of sales softness relative to last year and to our other U.S. stores this year.” 

Overall, Aaron called the retailer’s third quarter results “mixed,” with some bright spots in terms of geography and product categories but softness in other areas making it “premature to say that there has been a meaningful turn in the business.”


As of Oct. 31, Tiffany had 313 stores worldwide, including 125 in the Americas, compared with 305 stores a year ago, including 125 in the Americas.

On Tuesday’s call, new Chief Financial Officer Mark Erceg, who started with the company in October, said Tiffany plans to have opened a total of 11 company-operated stores in the full fiscal year, while closing six and relocating six others, including its store in the mall in King of Prussia, Pa. 

Overall, Tiffany’s square footage will increase by 3 percent on the year.

He said the company remains cautious in its near-term outlook given that global economic conditions remain volatile.
Erceg too noted “minor disruptions” in foot traffic at the company’s flagship store, which accounted for less than 10 percent of global sales in every quarter last year.

However, given the importance of the holiday selling season, he said Tiffany remains “understandably cautious” in analyzing how this situation might impact sales in the coming weeks. 

Tiffany is maintaining its previous guidance of a low single digit drop in sales for the fiscal year.
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

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.

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.

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.

Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
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.

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.

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.

J.R. Dunn Jewelers employees
IndependentsNov 24, 2025
J.R. Dunn Jewelers Names New President

Second-generation jeweler Sean Dunn has taken on the role.

Amber Pepper
MajorsNov 21, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Names New CEO

Amber Pepper’s main focus will be on digital innovation and engaging younger consumers.

Origin De Beers Group logo
SourcingNov 21, 2025
De Beers’ Branded, Traceable Diamonds Roll Out to 19 Retailers

Called “Origin by De Beers Group,” the loose, polished diamonds are being sold in a total of 30 stores in the United States and Canada.

Melissa Kaye Rocky Infinity Emerald Necklace
CollectionsNov 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Melissa Kaye’s ‘Rocky Infinity’ Necklace

The lariat necklace features a 4.88-carat oval-cut Zambian emerald in 18-karat yellow gold.

Phillips auction of The Vanderbilt Sapphire brooch
AuctionsNov 20, 2025
Vanderbilt Jewels Shine at Phillips Sale, Pink Diamond Withdrawn

A 43-carat sapphire brooch from the Vanderbilt collection was the top lot of the Geneva sale.

Rebecca Rau Jewels Green Flame Necklace
CollectionsNov 20, 2025
Rebecca Rau Jewels Debuts With ‘Then & Now’ Collection

Rau is a fourth-generation art and antique dealer from M.S. Rau gallery whose first jewelry collection merges artifacts with modern design.

Purvi Shah
Policies & IssuesNov 20, 2025
RJC Names New Executive Director

Former De Beers sustainability leader Purvi Shah will take over the role in February 2026.

La Joux-Perret manufacturing facility in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland
WatchesNov 20, 2025
LVMH Takes Minority Stake in Citizen Group-Owned Movement Maker

La Joux-Perret is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and makes solar quartz as well as mechanical watch movements.

Julia Griffith
GradingNov 20, 2025
Julia Griffith Joins SSEF as Head of Education

She previously taught at Gem-A and is the founder of The Gem Academy.

Helena Bonham Carter in Larkspur & Hawk Once Upon a Time Campaign
CollectionsNov 19, 2025
Larkspur & Hawk Celebrates 25 Years With Helena Bonham Carter Campaign

The British actress and her daughter modeled pieces from the brand’s new “Palette” capsule for its “Once Upon a Time” holiday campaign.

Google reviews on a phone screen and a laptop
TechnologyNov 19, 2025
Google Has a New Form for Reporting ‘Review Bombing’ Attacks

Plus, the tech giant shares the steps retailers should take if they believe they’re a victim of a review extortion scam.

Shaftel Diamonds logo and jeweler’s bench
IndependentsNov 19, 2025
Houston Jeweler Keith Shaftel Retires, Next Generation Steps In

Danny and Gaby Shaftel are now Shaftel Diamonds’ CEO and chief operating officer, respectively.

Midas chain mini studs
TrendsNov 19, 2025
Midas Chain Releases 2025 Holiday Style Guide

The jewelry manufacturer’s seasonal offering features its new “Melodie” bangles, as well as mini stud earrings and layering pieces.

×

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