Financials

Tiffany’s Q1 Sales Dragged Down By Weak Tourist Spending

FinancialsJun 04, 2019

Tiffany’s Q1 Sales Dragged Down By Weak Tourist Spending

Trade tensions between the United States and China took a toll on the jeweler.

2018_Tiffany-flagship-blue.jpg
Tiffany & Co., which has its U.S. flagship on Fifth Avenue in New York, reported a 3 percent drop in worldwide sales in its first quarter, with sales in the Americas declining 4 percent.

New York—Tiffany & Co. reported a dip in worldwide sales in the first quarter, weighed down by weak tourist spending.

Net sales in the first quarter, which included both Valentine’s and Mother’s Day, totaled $1 billion, compared with $1.03 billion in the previous first quarter, a 3 percent drop.

Worldwide same-stores sales fell declined by 2 percent.

“Our first quarter results reflect significant foreign-exchange headwinds and dramatically lower worldwide spending attributed to foreign tourists,” CEO Alessandro Bogliolo said in the news release on the results.

Trade tensions between the United States and China also have taken a toll on the retailer, as tariffs haven risen to 25 percent on jewelry sent to China from the U.S., as noted in the filing.

Gross profit fell about 5 percent to $619.2 million, or about 62 percent of sales, compared with $650.9 million, or 63 percent of sales, a year ago.

“The sharp decline we saw [in foreign tourist spending] really presented itself for the first time in June of last year and we have been running down significantly since that point in time,” Chief Financial Officer Mark J. Erceg said during the company’s earnings call Tuesday morning.

Net sales in the Americas, where the most Tiffany stores are located, were down 4 percent to $406 million. Same-store sales in the region fell 5 percent.

European sales fell 4 percent to $102 million while same-store sales were down 7 percent.

Asia-Pacific sales dropped 1 percent to $324 million as tourist spending slowed, and same-store sales were down by 5 percent.

Sales in Japan fell 4 percent to $145 million, again linked to lower tourist spending, while same-store sales were down 4 percent.

Sales from the “other” segment, which includes five Tiffany stores in the United Arab Emirates, were a bright spot on the balance sheet, climbing 17 percent to $26 million as wholesale diamond sales grew.

However, same-store sales in the UAE fell by 17 percent.

By category, sales of pieces from Tiffany’s jewelry collections, which includes lines like “Tiffany T” and “Paper Flowers,” increased 1 percent.

Sales of engagement jewelry fell 6 percent while jewelry from designers such as Elsa Peretti, Paloma Picasso and Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger dropped 14 percent.

As of April 30, there were 321 Tiffany stores in operation compared with 314 a year ago. There are 124 stores in the Americas, one more than a year ago.

Looking ahead, Tiffany expects worldwide net sales to increase by a low-single-digital percentage over last year.

Earnings

per share are expected to continue to decline in the second quarter of the year due to the effect of lower foreign tourist spending, though CEO Bogliolo noted in a statement that sales to local customers, particularly in China, are on the rise.

“At the core of our business, global sales attributed to local customers, led by sales in China, grew over last year’s very strong sales results,” he said.

He said growth in sales to local customers “reflects progress” and said Tiffany is set to improve in the second half of the year.
Lenore Fedowis the senior editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.

The Latest

Nest doorbell camera footage of suspect in Nancy Guthrie abduction
CrimeFeb 13, 2026
JSA Offering $10K Reward in Nancy Guthrie Case

Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.

Butterfield Jewelers going out of business sale ad
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To Close

Butterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.

Paul Morelli Rosebud Necklace
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s Day

Paul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.

MJSA Apprenticeship Guide
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

Launched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.

Jewelers for Children
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New Beneficiaries

The nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.

Weekly QuizFeb 12, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Saks Fifth Avenue Club personal styling suite in Austin Texas
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are Closing

Parent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.

Tudor Heart pendant on display at British Museum
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of Aragon

It is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.

JamAlert 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell Jammers

Criminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.

AGTA Spectrum, Cutting Edge Buyers Choice winners 2025
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ Awards

The AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.

Kering Logo
Events & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused Award

The “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.

Halle Berry’s vintage diamond and sapphire engagement ring
TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set Stunner

Sourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.

Francesca’s storefront
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Again

The clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.

Zales x Sweethearts Capsule Collection Heart Charms
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day Collection

The “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.

2026 Gemvision Symposium
TechnologyFeb 11, 2026
Gemvision Symposium 2026 Slated for April

The event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.

The Jewelry Symposium
Events & AwardsFeb 11, 2026
TJS Announces Roundtable, Launches New App

Registration is now open for The Jewelry Symposium, set to take place in Detroit from May 16-19.

The Luanda Accord signatories at the African Mining Indaba in Cape Town, South Africa
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
At Meeting in South Africa, Support for Natural Diamonds Picks Up Steam

Namibia has formally signed the Luanda Accord, while two key industry organizations pledged to join the Natural Diamond Council.

Bad Bunny Performing Super Bowl LX Halftime Show
TrendsFeb 10, 2026
Bad Bunny Wears Football-Shaped ‘Desert Diamond’ for Halftime Performance

Lady Gaga, Cardi B, and Karol G also went with diamond jewelry for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show honoring Puerto Rico.

Miraki Jewels heart diamond signet ring
SurveysFeb 10, 2026
Shoppers to Spend Big on Jewelry This Valentine’s Day, Says NRF

Jewelry is expected to be the No. 1 gift this year in terms of dollars spent.

Stuller color of the year 2026 Signature Red jewelry and gemstones
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
AGTA To Debut ‘Stuller Color of the Year’ Spectrum Awards Category

The new category asks entrants for “exceptional” interpretations of the supplier’s 2026 color of the year, which is “Signature Red.”

Stock image of loose polished diamonds
Policies & IssuesFeb 09, 2026
U.S., India Trade Deal One Step Closer to Being Finalized

The White House issued an official statement on the deal, which will eliminate tariffs on loose natural diamonds and gemstones from India.

CASE Awards Graphic
Events & AwardsFeb 09, 2026
JA Now Accepting Entries for 2026 CASE Awards

Entries for the jewelry design competition will be accepted through March 20.

James Free Jewelers Dayton Ohio store
IndependentsFeb 09, 2026
James Free Jewelers Unveils Revamped Flagship

The Ohio jeweler’s new layout features a curated collection of brand boutiques to promote storytelling and host in-store events.

KIL NYC The Pierced Padlock Wounded
TrendsFeb 09, 2026
These 14 Jewels Will Melt Your Heart This Valentine’s Day

From heart motifs to pink pearls, Valentine’s Day is filled with jewelry imbued with love.

Stock image of a gavel
CrimeFeb 06, 2026
Florida Man Sentenced After Selling Fake Native American Jewelry for a Decade

Prosecutors say the man attended arts and craft fairs claiming he was a third-generation jeweler who was a member of the Pueblo tribe.

Cece Jewellery Bespoke Wuthering Heights Signet Rings on Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi
TrendsFeb 06, 2026
Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi Wear Matching Cece Jewellery Signet Rings

Our Piece of the Week picks are these bespoke rings the “Wuthering Heights” stars have been spotted wearing during the film’s press tour.

Pandora platinum
MajorsFeb 05, 2026
Pandora to Begin Selling Platinum-Plated Jewelry

The introduction of platinum plating will reduce its reliance on silver amid volatile price swings, said Pandora.

Entrance to the Jwaneng diamond mine in Botswana
SourcingFeb 05, 2026
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2026, Anglo Mulls Another Writedown

It would be the third impairment charge in three years on De Beers Group, which continues to grapple with a “challenging” diamond market.

×

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