Bayer, founder of Lisa Bayer Designs, is remembered as “a bright light in every room.”
Tiffany Loses, Birks Gains in 2016 Holiday Season
While Birks Group turned in a strong performance, Tiffany’s Trump Tower woes brought down sales.

New York--Holiday retail results keep filtering in, and while Birks Group turned in a strong performance, Tiffany & Co.’s sales were affected by Trump Tower-caused foot traffic woes at its New York flagship.
In the two-month period ended Dec. 31, Tiffany reported that both same-store sales and total sales ($483 million) in the Americas were down 4 percent year-over-year.
The company attributed the decline to lower spending in the region overall being compounded by the 14 percent drop in sales at its flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York due to post-election traffic disruptions, an issue the company also noted during its third quarter results.
Worldwide, the company saw comparable store sales decline 2 percent while net sales were basically flat at $966 million during the two-month period, with sales growth in Asia-Pacific and Japan offsetting the weaker performances in the Americas and Europe.
In the Asia-Pacific region, total sales were up 7 percent to $200 million and comps were down 4 percent, while in Japan sales rose 16 percent to $143 million and comps were up 21 percent on higher spending by local customers.
In Europe, total sales of $119 million were 10 percent below the prior-year period and comps declined 11 percent over 2015 as demand across the continent remained weak among both locals and foreign tourists.
Tiffany CEO Frederic Cumenal said that the holiday season results were “somewhat lower” than what they had expected.
He also noted that while Tiffany doesn’t expect 2016’s macroeconomic challenges to ease this year, it will continue to focus on enhancing the in-store experience for customers and adding to the product lineup.
Meanwhile, the Birks Group, which operates 46 luxury jewelry stores across Canada, Florida and Georgia, also released its holiday results.
The company said U.S. comps during the season (Oct. 30 to Dec. 31) increased by 16 percent while Canadian comps grew 3 percent on a constant-exchange-rate basis. The growth in both areas was due largely to the company’s growth in average sales transaction and conversation rates.
Overall same-store sales for the company increased 11 percent year-over-year on a consolidated constant- exchange-rate basis.
The company attributed its strong holiday season to a focus on Birks-branded products, marketing campaigns and the in-store customer experience.
The Latest


The highest-grossing lot was a Tiffany & Co. ring set with a flawless, emerald-cut diamond of 10 carats.

The next three editions of AGTA GemFair Tucson will feature a five-day show that includes Sunday.

You deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.

Former Sotheby’s executive Tom Heap has taken on the London-based role.


The group of women allegedly robbed two Catbird stores and one Gorjana location on the afternoon of March 9.

After celebrating 25 years in 2025, the campaign marks a new chapter for the jewelry brand with the message that “Identity Creates Value.”

Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.

Couture and Time to Watches announced the watch brands, from big names to independents, attendees will see at the show.

The flawless, Type IIa stone is estimated to achieve up to $2.8 million at the auction house’s high jewelry sale in April.

Costume designer Kate Hawley wore three archival Tiffany & Co. brooches, our Pieces of the Week, while accepting her first Oscar.

The jewelry retailer announced changes to its store network and brand portfolio during its fourth-quarter earnings call.

From a weaker labor market to inflation, NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews gave insight on what retailers can expect this year.

The historic stone, which sold at Elmwood’s in London, is the largest white diamond to be offered on the U.K. market in more than a decade.

Three-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach in Las Vegas on May 31.

The model and fashion editor’s gold evening bags were the top lots at the London sale, going for more than $25,000 each.

Fresh off winning the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, Nelson discusses the ring that launched his career and his plans for the future.

The “stunning” Type IIb stone was found via x-ray technology at its Karowe mine in Botswana.

“The Basics of Jewelry” has been updated to include modern topics and visuals.

Held just before the Oscars, the jewelry industry’s big awards show had its share of standout jewelry, gowns, and acceptance speeches.

The Brazilian mine’s new collection features cabochons in soft, muted shades like silver and lilac.

The Academy Award-winning actress stars in Tiffany & Co.’s latest commercial, which debuted Sunday night during the Oscars.

The organizational change follows Kering’s promise of a transformation after declining sales in 2025.

Natalie Francisco rounds up the top Oscars jewels, including Rose Byrne’s Taffin necklace with a more than 20-carat yellow-brown diamond.

Béatrice Goasglas has been with TAG Heuer since 2018. She is the first woman to head the 166-year-old, LVMH-owned watch brand.

The store features the first in-store build for the jeweler’s in-house “Bella Ponte” bridal brand.

The live fine jewelry auction will take place later this week, showcasing antique pieces, rare gemstones, and signed jewels.




















