Financials

Tiffany Loses, Birks Gains in 2016 Holiday Season

FinancialsJan 18, 2017

Tiffany Loses, Birks Gains in 2016 Holiday Season

While Birks Group turned in a strong performance, Tiffany’s Trump Tower woes brought down sales.

2016_Tiffany-flagship.jpg
Tiffany said its decrease in sales in the United States was due in part to the post-election, Trump Tower-caused foot traffic problems seen at its Fifth Avenue flagship store in New York.

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.

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

The Latest

Lisa Bayer
Events & AwardsMar 24, 2026
Lisa Bayer, Illustrator and Beloved Member of the Muse Family, Dies at 64

Bayer, founder of Lisa Bayer Designs, is remembered as “a bright light in every room.”

Tiffany & co diamond ring
AuctionsMar 24, 2026
White Diamonds Shine In Christie's Jewels Online Sale

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

AGTA GemFair Tucson
SourcingMar 24, 2026
AGTA Solidifies Tucson Dates For 2027-2029

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

GIA iD100®
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

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

Tom Heap
WatchesMar 24, 2026
Christie’s Names New Senior Specialist, Watches

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

Weekly QuizMar 19, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
NYPD robbery media
CrimeMar 23, 2026
NYPD Looking for 3 Jewelry Store Robbery Suspects

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

Marco Bicego Art of Craft Campaign Imagery
TrendsMar 23, 2026
Marco Bicego’s New Campaign Showcases ‘The Art of Craft’

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

TopImageCrop.jpg
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.

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

Couture Time to Watches logo
Events & AwardsMar 23, 2026
These Watch Brands Are Heading to Couture This Year

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

Jwaneng Diamond
AuctionsMar 20, 2026
Sotheby's, De Beers Unveil ‘Jwaneng 28.88’ Diamond

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

Tiffany & Co.’s Three Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. Archives Brooches
TrendsMar 20, 2026
‘Frankenstein’ Costume Designer Is Bejeweled In Brooches for Oscars Win

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

Women wearing Zales jewelry
FinancialsMar 19, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Close 100 Stores, Shutter James Allen Banner

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

Hand holding shopping bags
SurveysMar 19, 2026
NRF Forecasts 4% Retail Sales Growth in 2026

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

26.36 carat round brilliant cut white diamond
AuctionsMar 19, 2026
26-Carat Diamond Tops $1M at Auction

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.

JCK Rocks Nelly Graphic
Events & AwardsMar 19, 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 in Las Vegas on May 31.

Lady Wardington and diamond-clip brooch
AuctionsMar 18, 2026
Collection of the ‘Severely Beautiful’ Lady Wardington Fetches $161K

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

My Next Question Episode 3 guest Johnny Nelson
PodcastsMar 18, 2026
Episode 3: An Interview With Jewelry Designer Johnny Nelson

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

Lucara blue diamond
SourcingMar 18, 2026
Lucara Recovers Nearly 37-Carat Blue Diamond

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

Stuller The Basics of Jewelry
MajorsMar 18, 2026
Stuller Releases New Edition of Jewelry Education Book

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

Mark and Candy Udell on stage at the 2026 Gem Awards
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2026
The Best Moments From the 2026 Gem Awards

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

Winter Tourmaline
SourcingMar 17, 2026
Cruzeiro Mine Debuts ‘Winter Tourmaline’

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

Natalie Portman in Tiffany & Co. Jewelry
TrendsMar 17, 2026
Natalie Portman Is Tiffany & Co.’s New Ambassador

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

Jean-Marc Duplaix
MajorsMar 17, 2026
Kering Establishes Jewelry Division, Appoints CEO

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

Anne Hathaway and Rose Byrne
EditorsMar 16, 2026
2026 Oscars Jewelry: One Necklace After Another

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

Tag Heuer CEO Béatrice Goasglas
WatchesMar 16, 2026
TAG Heuer Has a New CEO

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

Ben Bridge Jeweler Honolulu boutique
IndependentsMar 16, 2026
Ben Bridge Debuts New Honolulu Boutique

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

Bonhams fine jewelry Paris
AuctionsMar 16, 2026
Bonhams Paris To Offer Antique, Signed Jewels

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

×

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