Financials

Kering Sees ‘Solid Growth’ in Jewelry Sales in Q1

FinancialsApr 19, 2019

Kering Sees ‘Solid Growth’ in Jewelry Sales in Q1

Gucci was the star of the show overall, but Boucheron delivered a strong performance in the jewelry segment.

20190419_Kering_Gucci_flora_earrings.jpg
A pair of 18-karat gold and diamond “Flora” earrings from Kering-owned brand Gucci. Kering plans to introduce Gucci’s first high jewelry line in June.

Paris—Luxury titan Kering started off its fiscal year on a high note, reporting strong first quarter results as star brand Gucci continues to thrive.

Quarterly revenue totaled €3.79 billion ($4.26 billion), a 22 percent increase compared with €3.11 billion ($3.5 billion) in the previous first quarter.

Kering’s brand portfolio spans fashion, leather goods, watches and jewelry, and includes Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Saint Laurent, Balenciaga and Alexander McQueen.

“On top of very strong increases in the first quarter of last year, Gucci, Saint Laurent and our other houses all posted excellent revenue growth, fueled by the creativity of their offers and the innovativeness of their execution,” CEO François-Henri Pinault said.

The jewelry segment delivered “solid growth,” Kering said, with Boucheron leading the charge. The 160-year-old brand’s sales grew in all regions.

“The launch of the Jack de Boucheron line in the quarter further strengthens the house’s jewelry offerings, and the extensive coverage of the reopening of the Place Vendôme store supported its visibility far beyond Paris,” Chief Financial Officer Jean-Marc Duplaix said during the company’s earnings call.

Kering noted in its annual report in February that it has an investment plan underway to “reinforce the notoriety and presence of the brand” and has target openings in Asia in the works.

Strong retail trends were reported at Pomellato and DoDo as well as “continuous development” at Qeelin, its China-inspired brand.

In June, the company plans to launch the first high jewelry line for Gucci.

In the watch category, Kering said it will focus on selling current models and increasing its network of prime distributors.

New watch models debuted at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) in January were “very well-received,” the company said. Watches from Ulysse Nardin and Girard-Perregaux performed especially well, said Duplaix.

The company is working toward the two brands “sharing all manufacturing and support functions while they each retain their separate identities in the market,” he added.

Globally, Kering saw growth across all regions, including a 7 percent increase in North America, 30 percent in Asia- Pacific, 14 percent in Western Europe and a 12 percent increase in Japan.

The company touted its strong performance in Asia-Pacific, specifically in mainland China, at a time when other luxury retailers have struggled in the fight for Chinese tourist dollars.

Kering has high hopes for the year ahead, expecting sustained growth and improved cash flow generation in spite of the complex economic environment.

“The agility we have put at the heart

of our organization positions us well to continue achieving steady, sustainable and profitable growth,” Pinault said.

Prior to the release of its financials Wednesday, Kering and the Pinault family announced they were pledging €100 million to the rebuilding of Notre-Dame de Paris following the recent fire at the famed cathedral.
Lenore Fedowis the senior editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.

The Latest

Fabergé egg pendant near gloved hand
CrimeDec 17, 2025
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Swallowing Fabergé Pendant

The special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.

Ashley Zhang Jewelry Snake Necklace, Renato Cipullo Hematite Blaze Necklace, Vanessa Fernandez Studio Curva Wrap Hoops, Hernsdorf Tears of Aphrodite Necklace, Robinson Pelham Tsar Star Earrings, Marla Aaron Nymphenburg Lock, Lof The Valentine Ring
EditorsDec 17, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: The Best Piece of the Week Picks

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.

Lucy Hale in Jacquie Aiche’s Love and Desire Campaign
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday Campaign

The “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.

Recipients Collage 2025 - NJ (1872 x 1050 px) (1872 x 1052 px).png
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow Today

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

SSEF logo
GradingDec 17, 2025
SSEF Announces 2025 Scholarship Winners

Two awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.

Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Pandora Alexander Lacik and Berta de Pablos-Barbier
MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up Early

Berta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.

JAR pendant brooch, fancy intense blue diamond
AuctionsDec 16, 2025
Suzanne Belperron, JAR Shine in Sotheby’s First Auctions at New HQ

Sotheby’s held its first two jewelry sales at the Breuer building last week, and they totaled nearly $44 million.

roseco-catalog.png
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line Catalog

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

The Jewelry Symposium logo
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
TJS Now Accepting Scholarship Applications for 2026

Winners will receive free registration and lodging for its fourth annual event in Detroit.

National Jeweler columnists and PR professionals Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams
ColumnistsDec 16, 2025
Beyond Unboxing: Creative Reveals to Drive Reach and Engagement

Here are six ideas for making more engaging content for Instagram Reels and TikTok, courtesy of Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams.

Tiffany & Co. logo, Anna Martin, CD Peacock logo
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Names 2026 Award Recipients

The honorees include a notable jewelry brand, an industry veteran, and an independent retailer.

Stock image of gavel
CrimeDec 15, 2025
Men Receive Life Sentences in Home Invasion Murder of Jeweler

Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the 2024 murder of Hussein “Sam” Murray.

Eduard Stefanescu, left, and Sara Yood, right
Policies & IssuesDec 15, 2025
Sara Yood Named Co-Chair of RJC Standards Committee

Yood will serve alongside Eduard Stefanescu, the sustainability manager for C.Hafner, a precious metals refiner in Germany.

MS Rau Aspen rendering
IndependentsDec 15, 2025
M.S. Rau to Open Store in Aspen

The New Orleans jeweler is also hosting pop-up jewelry boutiques in New York City and Dallas.

Tiffany & Co. Paraíba tourmaline jewelry
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’s

Set in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.

David Webb holiday window
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window Display

The jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.

Oscar Heyman Yellow Green Sphene and Diamond Ring
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene Ring

Take luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.

IGI Design Contest Graphic
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting Submissions

This year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”

Jacquie Aiche Alien Heart Eye Inlay Necklace, Cicada Dragonfly Brooch, Harkness After the Rain Earrings
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool Blue

In its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.

GIA new colored stone report
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More Gemstones

Starting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.

Day’s Jewelers Salem New Hampshire store exterior
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth Store

The 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.

Americas Gold Chain Catalog Volume 3
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain Catalog

The new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.

F.P. Journe FFC prototype
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8M

The filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.

Rolex Miami store
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in Miami

The new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.

Stock image of consumers shopping in the winter
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November

Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.

National Association of Jewelry Appraisers logo
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference

“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.

Silas Smith and his Responsible Design Challenge Winning Pendant
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge Winner

Silas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.

×

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