The “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
In US, Declining Mall Traffic Continues to Ding Pandora
Second-quarter sales were down 2 percent in the United States, due in part to a 5 percent drop in mall traffic.

Copenhagen, Denmark--Pandora reported Tuesday that sales in the United States, its largest market worldwide, were down slightly in the second quarter.
Year-over-year, Q2 sales in the United States slipped 2 percent in local currency.
Pandora said the retail environment in the U.S. remained “challenging” amid the continuing decline in mall traffic, though it did record an 8 percent increase in like-for-like sales at its concept stores and online due to more effective promotions, improved in-store execution and an increase in the number of transactions.
The company said: “Pandora’s U.S. store network is located predominately in high-quality malls less affected by declines in footfall, but additional measures are being taken to proactively improve the store network where needed,” adding that it is scouting locations for 100 new concept stores in higher-end malls, on high streets and in lifestyle centers.
As of the second quarter 2017, Pandora had 359 concept stores in the U.S., compared with 349 in the first quarter and 335 in the same period last year.
Globally, Pandora saw revenue increase 12 percent to DKK 4.83 billion ($767 million).
Net profit for the period totaled DKK 1.10 billion ($174.7 million), down from DKK 1.22 billion ($193.8 million) in the same period last year.
Sales of rings, earrings, pendants and necklaces were up 23 percent and accounted for nearly a quarter of the company’s total revenue. Revenue from charms increased 6 percent and bracelets were up 19 percent.
Pandora said it is maintaining its full-year guidance of DKK 23-24 billion ($3.65-$3.81 billion) in sales for the year.
It also plans to open more than 300 concept stores worldwide (up from its previous goal of 275). Of those, 25 percent, or about 75 stores, will open in the Americas.
Half of all concept stores opened will be owned by Pandora, while 25 percent will be operated by franchisees. Third-party distributors will open the remaining 25 percent.
The Latest

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

























