Financials

Tiffany Holiday Sales Slip as Chinese Tourist Demand Wanes

FinancialsJan 18, 2019

Tiffany Holiday Sales Slip as Chinese Tourist Demand Wanes

Worldwide same-store sales were down 2 percent while comps in the Americas fell flat.

2018_Tiffany-True.jpg
Tiffany & Co.’s engagement ring sales were down 3 percent over the holiday season while sales of jewelry collections ticked up 2 percent and designer jewelry sales fell 8 percent. Pictured here is the new engagement ring style the retailer introduced last year, Tiffany True.

New York—Tiffany’s sales fell short this holiday season as demand from Chinese tourists dipped, putting a damper on its full-year profit outlook.

Fewer people found an iconic Tiffany & Co. blue box under their trees, with worldwide net sales for the New York-based jeweler slipping 1 percent to $1.04 billion compared with $1.05 billion last year.

Worldwide same-store sales fell by 2 percent compared with the 5 percent uptick in the previous holiday season.

“We attribute the difference partly to lower sales to foreign (primarily Chinese) tourists globally, and to softening demand attributed to local customers in the Americas and Europe, which we believe may have been influenced more than expected by external events, uncertainties and market volatilities,” stated CEO Alessandro Bogliolo said.

Sales in the Americas, where the most Tiffany stores are located, dipped 1 percent to $514 million as both locals and foreign visitors spent less. Same-stores sales remained equal to last year.

European sales were down 4 percent to $132 million, with same-store sales dropping 5 percent.

Asia-Pacific sales declined 3 percent to $226 million as same-stores sales were down 4 percent. While Tiffany pointed to strong growth in mainland China, it noted that demand softened in other markets that rely heavily on foreign tourist spending.

Japan was the shining exception, reporting a 4 percent increase in sales to $150 million as local customers spent more. Same-stores sales also were up 4 percent.

Sales from the “other” segment, which includes five Tiffany stores in the United Arab Emirates, sank 11 percent to $132 million, despite having an additional location in the region this holiday season.

There were 321 Tiffany stores in operation as of Dec. 31, five more than the previous year.

Breaking it down by category, sales of jewelry collections, lines like Tiffany T and Paper Flowers, rose by 2 percent while engagement jewelry sales fell 3 percent.

Sales of jewelry from designers Elsa Peretti, Paloma Picasso and Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger dipped 8 percent.

For the year ahead, Tiffany expects full-year profit to be between $4.65 and $4.80 per share, at the lower end of its previous guidance.

Annual sales are expected to rise 6 to 7 percent, compared with its prior guidance of a high-single-digit increase.

Signet Jewelers also reported a dip in sales this holiday season and lowered its full-year profit forecast as well.

Bogliolo, an industry veteran who took the reins at Tiffany in July 2017, said the plan is to double down

on the six-step turnaround plan announced in 2018, which includes “amplifying an evolved brand message” and “delivering an exciting omnichannel customer experience”.
Lenore Fedowis the senior editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.

The Latest

De Beers Group CEO Al Cook
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply

The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.

Russ Whitehouse
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse Retires

The industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.

Pride in the Industry LGBTQ+ Voices in Jewelry panel
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry Voices

The panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.

PG-05-SHOT-2-LUCIDA.033 1.png
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in Vegas

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

Marie Lichtenberg Smash Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, Literally

Inspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.

Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Katherine Whitacre
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for Southeast

The company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.

Collage of new Stuller items
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine Jewelry

The jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.

1872x1052-NextGem-2026-National-Jeweler-Advertorial.jpg
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry Retailers

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

De Beers Group’s Sally Morrison
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer

Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”

Lauren K Gemma pendant
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone Trio

Those born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.

Overnight Mountings Ring Builder Platform
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder Platform

The platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.

Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 Years

Jim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.

Stock image of a person shopping at the grocery store
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows

When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.

Rebel Jewelry Tunnel Charm
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride Month

The “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.

Three gold rings set with yellow- and brown-hued diamonds
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural Diamonds

The jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.

A Marvelous Journey: The Collection of Maurice Tempelsman
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to Auction

Up for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.

Dakota Badia and Nancy Badia
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in Aspen

The Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.

AGS at Peter Yantzer Building dedication
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule Ceremony

The organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.

Neiman Marcus downtown Dallas store
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in September

Saks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.

The Retail Smiths founder and National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About You

Smith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.

Screenshot of the Tracr website homepage
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned Platform

The Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.

The 1916 Company Coast to Coast Roadshow
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, Again

The retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.

Jessica Alba in Gabriel & Co. campaign
IndependentsJun 03, 2026
Jessica Alba Is the New Face of Gabriel & Co.

The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.

Anna Maccieri Rossi Ora Wood Sunrise Cuff, Marie Lichtenberg High Jewelry Bandana, Anna Maccieri Rossi Carpe Diem Pendant
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will Survive

The price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, chairperson of the Diamonds for Development Fund
SourcingJun 02, 2026
Leader Appointed for Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.

James Marks
WatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’s

Sotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.

Sothebys 10-carat blue diamond, 120 carat Harry Winston diamond necklace
AuctionsJun 02, 2026
Sotheby’s to Auction 10-Carat Blue Diamond, 1960s Harry Winston Necklace

A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.

×

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