Financials

Pandora Cuts Guidance Again After Poor Q3, Weak Start to Q4

FinancialsNov 07, 2018

Pandora Cuts Guidance Again After Poor Q3, Weak Start to Q4

U.S. sales were down 12 percent, with strong sales online not enough to offset the company’s in-store performance.

20181008_Pandora.jpg
Pandora introduced “Reflexions” in October, a mesh-style collection that features its first new bracelet in five years. The company said Tuesday amid poor third quarter results that Reflexions “has been very well received by the consumers.”

Copenhagen, Denmark—Pandora reported Tuesday that U.S. sales dropped alongside worldwide sales in Q3, causing the company to cut its fiscal guidance for the year again.

Total sales of Pandora jewelry in the United States fell 12 percent year-over-year in the third quarter to DKK 1 billion ($153.2 million).

Like-for-like sales rose 4 percent due to online sales, though the company noted that the performance of its e-commerce site was not enough to override slow in-store sales and the changing in the timing of shipments. The Christmas collection was in stores already in the third quarter 2017 but won’t ship until the fourth quarter this year.

Globally, Pandora saw revenue decrease 3 percent in local currency to DKK 5 billion ($765.8 million). Like-for-like sales growth also slipped 3 percent.

Gross margin fell from 74.2 percent to 72.3 percent, and EBITDA was DKK 1.4 billion ($214.4 million) down from DKK 2.0 billion ($306.3 million) in the third quarter 2017.

Revenue from Pandora-owned stores was up 34 percent in local currency, but that was due mainly to new store openings; like-for-like growth only increased 1 percent.

E-store sales grew 52 percent and now account for 8 percent of total revenue, up from 5 percent a year ago.

Revenue from the company’s wholesale channel fell 27 percent, impacted by Pandora buying back franchise stores over the past year and closing more accounts at independent jewelers, and wholesalers cutting back on inventory due to poor sales.

Following what Chief Financial Officer Anders Boyers called an “unsatisfactory” third quarter and a “weak” start to the fourth, the company lowered its expectations for the year.

It said it now expects full-year revenue growth of 2 to 4 percent, down from the 7 to 10 percent predicted at the beginning of the year and the revised forecast of 5 to 7 percent sales growth delivered in the second quarter.

Pandora also announced Tuesday it was launching a turnaround plan that includes buying back fewer franchise stores, opening new stores only in markets that are not oversaturated like China, India and Latin America, focusing on omnichannel and cutting costs companywide.

After laying out an ambitious plan that included aggressive store growth and branching out from its core beads and charm bracelets into new jewelry like plated karat gold pieces, the Copenhagen-headquartered company finds itself in a state of disarray.

Sales continue to disappoint and Pandora is searching for a new CEO; it

will be the company’s sixth leader since going public in 2010.

The last CEO, Anders Colding Friis, stepped down at the end of August after less than four years on the job. Boyers and Chief Operating Officer Jeremy Schwartz are running the company together until a replacement is found.

Following Friis’ departure, rumors began to swirl that a private equity firm will acquire Pandora and take it private.
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

D. Geller & Son store mural
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store Mural

The artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.

Hand taking jewelry out of jewelry box
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying Events

Its team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.

Hand holding a gas pump
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in June

Falling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.

Brought-To-By-Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center Stage

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

Rio Grande Millgrain Wedding band and Round Diamond Engagement Ring
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal Collection

The new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.

Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Rockefeller Center Rink Rolex Clock
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller Center

The clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.

Kristen Cannon
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49

The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.

DCA-NJ-article-1872x1052-060826.jpg
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce Solutions

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

G Shock Pokemon watch in Pokeball
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock Watch

The new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.

Saks Fifth Avenue door sign
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New Name

The luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.

Jade Ruzzo Lady Collection Compact Mirror Necklace
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a Lady

The “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.

Blue Nile Montana sapphire jewelry
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire Collection

The new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.

American Gem Society
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification Exam

All active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.

Briony Raymond Carousel Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard Stones

The new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.

Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry Ridgeland Mississippi exterior
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi Flagship

Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.

Sean Milliner
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology Manager

Sean Milliner has joined the company.

GIA London Canary Wharf campus
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London Campus

Classes will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.

Hogback diamond ring
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home

A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.

Kris Averi Rainbow Prism Thorn Ring
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ Ring

The rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.

A tray of Rembrandt charms
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’

The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.

Bernard James Knickerbockers Special Edition Aura Band
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with Ring

The Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.

Brandee Dallow
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEO

Dallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.

SCAD Jewelers Mutual Studio exterior
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler Shortage

Senior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.

Mejuri Steel Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With Steel

Its new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.

Watches and Wonders 2027
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2026
Watches & Wonders Announces 2027 Dates

The week-long event in Geneva is slated for April 2027.

New Gem Legacy board members Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood
SourcingJun 25, 2026
Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood Join Gem Legacy Board

The three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.

Smart Age CEO and National Jeweler columnist Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsJun 24, 2026
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online Cart

Jewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

×

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