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

Cultus Artem River of Heaven Necklace
CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ Desert

The “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.

Sean Dunn, Amy Greenberg, Elise Greenberg, Coleman Clark, Mitchell Clark
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame Inductees

This year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.

Jesse Itzler
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote Speaker

The author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.

PG-05-SHOT-2-LUCIDA.033 1.png
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in Vegas

As gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.

JCK Rocks Nelly Graphic
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With Nelly

Three-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.

Weekly QuizMay 28, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
A screen shot of The Clear Cut's website
MajorsMay 28, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Buy The Clear Cut

Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.

Itä Aguaviva Tassel Pendant, Ashaha Anzar Cuff, Cultus Artem Quetzal Ring
CollectionsMay 28, 2026
Meet The 17 Newcomers to Couture’s Design Atelier

These up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.

1872x1052-NextGem-2026-National-Jeweler-Advertorial.jpg
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry Retailers

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

GCAL 8x Cushion Cut diamond
GradingMay 28, 2026
GCAL By Sarine Launches 8X Cushion Cut

The lab’s proprietary diamond cut grade has been expanded to include the popular fancy shape.

Stock image of police cars with their lights on
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
5 Security Tips for Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week 2026

This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.

Smart Age Solutions CEO and National Jeweler columnist Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsMay 27, 2026
What Jewelers Can Learn From Luxury Fashion’s Digital Playbook

High-end fashion houses know how to emotionally connect with customers online. Retail jewelers should take note, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Couture The Iridescence designers Aziza-Abdullah Nicole, Cindy Liebe, Danyell Roscoe, Jessica Liu, Marie Helena from Rebel Jewelry, Julia de Souza, and Xiao Wang
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
Couture’s ‘The Iridescence’ Will Showcase 7 Emerging Jewelry Designers

The designers are the third cohort of mentees from the show’s Belonging @ Couture mentorship program.

National Jeweler columnist Sherry Smith, partner at The Retail Smiths
ColumnistsMay 26, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show Buying

Buying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.

JCK Talks panel on stage
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
12 JCK Talks Sessions to Add to Your Las Vegas Schedule

The trade show’s education series returns, with sessions on retail trends, AI, watches, marketing, corporate responsibility, and more.

CBG Curated Designer Project Logo
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
CBG Brings Its Curated Designer Project to Las Vegas Show

The Curated Designer Project has expanded to highlight eight independent jewelry designers during CBG’s Las Vegas show.

Walters Faith
TrendsMay 26, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Cooldown Is Coming

Bring a cool tone to your summer jewelry with these white metal pieces.

Shot of attendees at a JA New York jewelry trade show
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2026
Instore Buys JA New York Show

The deal closed this week, which means Instore will produce the JA NY show slated to take place this fall.

Leigh Maxwell Bauble Earrings
CollectionsMay 22, 2026
Leigh Maxwell Celebrates 5 Years at Couture With ‘Bauble’ Collection

The “Bauble” capsule collection of colorful one-of-a-kinds includes our Piece of the Week, the “Bauble” earrings, featuring rose zircon.

Stuller 2026-2027 packaging and display catalog
MajorsMay 22, 2026
Stuller’s New Packaging, Display Catalog Is Out

The updated catalog has a newly dedicated section for gift wrapping.

My Next Question, Episode 5: Amanda Gizzi, Michelle Graff, Frank Everett
PodcastsMay 21, 2026
Episode 5: Sotheby’s Frank Everett Puts the Auction Market in Perspective

Everett covers colored stones’ surging popularity, the mellow return of the “Mellon Blue,” and his “The Devil Wears Prada” doppelgänger.

Springer’s Jewelers new flagship rendering
IndependentsMay 21, 2026
Springer’s Jewelers’ New Flagship Will Serve Next-Gen Luxury Shoppers

Fourth-generation CEO Lilly Mullen wants to emphasize experience, connection, and personalized service.

Nina Pugliese
Events & AwardsMay 21, 2026
JA Announces Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship

The new award, created in partnership with Henne Jewelers, honors the late designer’s legacy through supporting jewelry education.

WFDB International Summit
SourcingMay 21, 2026
Botswana, Angola Join WFDB

The addition of the diamond-producing countries as nation affiliated members broadens the federation’s global representation, WFDB said.

Jewelry scam flyer and police officer handing flyer to elderly man
CrimeMay 20, 2026
NYPD Warns of Jewelry Swap Scams Targeting Seniors

The NYPD is warning elderly New Yorkers to keep their jewelry hidden when walking outside to avoid being a target.

New Adornment & Theory jewelry store in West Town, Chicago
IndependentsMay 20, 2026
Adornment & Theory’s New Store Feels Like Home

Designer Viviana Langhoff has realized her dream of owning a space for her Chicago jewelry store that looks and feels like her brand.

Couture Show Logo
Events & AwardsMay 20, 2026
Here Is Couture’s 2026 Education Lineup

The sessions will run from Friday, May 29, to Sunday, May 31, with one being a live taping of an episode of Couture’s podcast.

Morgan P. Richardson
Lab-GrownMay 20, 2026
Savannah Friedkin Jewelry Names New CEO

Former Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry executive Morgan P. Richardson is joining the lab-grown diamond jewelry brand.

×

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