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

Faustino Alamo Dominguez and his son, Luis Angel Alamo, of Joyeria Angelo’s in Chicago
CrimeFeb 27, 2026
Man Charged in Murders of Father, Son Jewelers in Chicago

Chicago police and members of the U.S. Marshals Service tracked down the 35-year-old suspect earlier this week in St. Louis.

Ekapa mine
SourcingFeb 27, 2026
South African Diamond Mine Closes Amid Search for Missing Workers

Owners of the Ekapa Mine reportedly filed for liquidation about a week after a mudslide trapped five workers who have yet to be found.

Savannah College of Art and Design Bench Jeweler
MajorsFeb 27, 2026
Jewelers Mutual to Donate $10M to Savannah College of Art and Design

A 10-year alliance has also begun to address the shortage of bench jewelers through scholarships, enhanced programs, and updated equipment.

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.

Renato Cipullo Splendente R Stone Letter Pendant
CollectionsFeb 27, 2026
Renato Cipullo Turns Gold into Hardstones

The “Splendente” collection has evolved to feature hardstone letter pendants, including our Piece of the Week, the onyx “R.”

Weekly QuizFeb 26, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Lady Wardington and diamond clip brooch
AuctionsFeb 26, 2026
Noonans to Auction Lady Wardington’s Jewelry

The jewelry collection belonged to “one of society's most glamorous and beautiful women of the mid-20th century,” said the auction house.

Rough diamonds from De Beers
SourcingFeb 26, 2026
Anglo American CEO Gives Insight Into De Beers Sale

The update came as Anglo took its third write-down on the diamond miner and marketer, which lost more than $500 million in 2025.

dca-laptop.jpg
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry Education

With refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.

Smart Age Solutions CEO Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsFeb 26, 2026
Practical Ways Jewelers Can Leverage AI in 2026

Emmanuel Raheb discusses the rise of “GEO” and the importance of having well-written, quality content on your website.

5 Star Jewelry Simi Valley California
CrimeFeb 26, 2026
Three Sentenced in California Jewelry Heist

Each received around four years for burglarizing a jewelry store and a coffee shop in Simi Valley, California, last May.

Catherine (Cathy) Aulick’s GIA Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award Winning Necklace Design
Events & AwardsFeb 26, 2026
GIA Names 2026 Jewelry Design Contest Winner, Retires Annual Award

Catherine Aulick, a GIA graduate, received the ninth and final Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design.

Diamond engagement rings by designer Lorraine West
TrendsFeb 25, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and Why

We asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.

New Forevermark store in India
SourcingFeb 25, 2026
7 Trends That Could Define the Diamond Industry’s Future

Experts from India weigh in the politics, policies, and market dynamics for diamantaires to monitor in 2026 and beyond.

Brilliant Earth Beverly Hills showroom
EditorsFeb 25, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills Store

Beth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”

My Next Question podcast with Marion Fasel and Natalie Francisco
PodcastsFeb 25, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?

Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.

Breitling Navitimer B19 Chronograph 43 Perpetual Calendar
WatchesFeb 25, 2026
Private Equity Firms Write Down Value of Breitling, Report Says

The Swiss watchmaker is battling declining sales amid a rapid retail expansion, according to a Financial Times report.

Rahaminov Diamonds Matriarch Campaign
CollectionsFeb 25, 2026
Rahaminov Diamonds’ New Campaign Honors Its Matriarch

The campaign celebrates Giustina Pavanello Rahaminov, the co-founder’s wife and matriarch of the family-owned brand, for her 88th birthday.

Borsheims Rachel Bennett
IndependentsFeb 25, 2026
Borsheims Names 2025 ‘Ike-It’ Award Winner

Rachel Bennett, a senior jeweler who has been with Borsheims since 2004, earned the award.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesFeb 24, 2026
IEEPA Tariffs Terminated, New 10% Tariff Already Imposed

After the Supreme Court struck down the IEEPA tariffs, President Trump imposed a 10 percent tax on almost all imports via a different law.

Sherry Smith, National Jeweler columnist and principal partner at The Retail Smiths
IndependentsFeb 24, 2026
Sherry Smith Now Principal Partner at The Retail Smiths

The industry veteran, who was with The Edge Retail Academy for 14 years, joins her husband at the company he founded in 2022.

Yafa Signed Jewels Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace and Earrings
IndependentsFeb 24, 2026
Yafa Signed Jewels to Open Store in Miami

The vintage signed jewelry retailer chose Miami due to growing client demand in the city and the greater Latin American region.

Jin Lee Chrono24
WatchesFeb 24, 2026
Chrono24 Names New VP, U.S. General Manager

Former Flight Club executive Jin Lee will bring his experience from the sneaker world to the pre-owned watch marketplace.

Eddie Sakamoto
SourcingFeb 23, 2026
Designer Eddie Sakamoto, a Humble Artist, Dies at 72

Sakamoto, who died in mid-January following a sudden illness, is remembered for his humility and his masterful, architectural designs.

NYCJAOS spring show 2026
Events & AwardsFeb 23, 2026
NYCJAOS Announces Four-Day Spring Show

The April event will feature a new VIP shopping day requiring a special ticket.

Dua Lipa Bulgari Brand Ambassador
TrendsFeb 23, 2026
Dua Lipa Is Bulgari’s New Ambassador

Bulgari chose the British-Albanian singer-songwriter for her powerful and enduring voice in contemporary culture, the jeweler said.

US Supreme Court building
Policies & IssuesFeb 20, 2026
Supreme Court Rules Against Most of President Trump’s Tariffs

In a 6-3 ruling, the court said the president exceeded his authority when imposing sweeping tariffs under IEEPA.

Headshot of National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsFeb 20, 2026
Peter Smith: Happiness, Cavemen, and Jewelry Sales

Smith encourages salespeople to ask customers questions that elicit the release of oxytocin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.

×

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