Financials

Early Holiday Shoppers Bolster Signet’s Q3 Sales

FinancialsDec 03, 2020

Early Holiday Shoppers Bolster Signet’s Q3 Sales

The company geared up for the holiday rush, equipped with five times the shipping capacity it had this time last year.

2020_Signet_curbside.jpg
Signet’s same-store sales were up 15 percent in the third quarter. The retailer is offering in-store, online, “Buy Online, Pick-Up in Store,” services and curbside delivery options for the holiday season. (Photo courtesy of Signet Jewelers)
Akron, Ohio—Signet Jewelers Ltd.’s sales posted strong third-quarter results with sales and same-store sales climbing double digits.

In the third quarter ending Oct. 31, sales totaled $1.3 billion, up 10 percent year-over-year, with same-store sales climbing 15 percent, the retailer reported Thursday morning.

Brick-and-mortar sales were up 7 percent. Online sales were up 71 percent year-over-year to $238.8 million.

Year-to-date, Signet’s sales have totaled $3.04 billion, down 24 percent year-over-year, with same-store sales sliding 20 percent.

"Our success came from a combination of factors including significant digital, product, and marketing innovations; our ability to capture pent-up demand as our stores reopened; and intentional efforts to capture early holiday shopping to help mitigate traditionally high in-store traffic days in December,” said CEO Gina Drosos in a press release.

Signet has been growing its digital capabilities, implementing a full-time virtual selling team to work virtually with customers from their homes or in stores. A total of 600,000 virtual appointments have been held so far.

“When consultants are involved, we see higher conversion rates and higher transaction value,” said Drosos on an earnings call Thursday morning.

In North America, where Signet’s banners include Kay, Jared and Zales, third-quarter same-store sales were up 16 percent to $1.18 billion.

Brick-and-mortar same-store sales in the region were up 8 percent, while online sales were up 73 percent.

The average transaction value (ATV) was up about 1 percent while the number of transactions was up 14 percent.

In the U.K., same-store sales were up 8 percent.

Brick-and-mortar sales rose about 1 percent while e-commerce sales were up 58 percent. ATV increased 18 percent while the number of transactions dropped 8 percent.

Product-wise, Drosos noted the popularity of brands like Neil Lane, Le Vian, and Vera Wang as well as its newer launches, like its collaboration with bridal gown designer Pnina Tornai and the Royal Asscher collection.

Customized pieces and sentimental gifts, including the Everything You Are line, available at Kay Jewelers and Zales, are also performing well.

Sales in the bridal category rose 13 percent to $612.5 million year-over-year in the third quarter and fell 22 percent to $1.4 billion in the first nine months.

Sales of fashion jewelry were up 16 percent to $420.2 million year-over-year in the third quarter and fell 21 percent to $1.04 billion in the year so far.

In the watches category, quarterly sales were down 13 percent to $67 million year-over-year and down 38 percent to $155.2 million so far this year.

By banner, Piercing Pagoda was the star of the show with quarterly sales climbing 37 percent to $93.7 million. Year-to-date sales were down 9 percent to $204.4 million.

E-tailer James Allen posted quarterly sales of $76.6 million, up 26 percent year-over-year. Year-to-date sales were up 11 percent to 184.7 million.

Zales’s quarterly sales were up 13 percent to $251.4 million while year-to-date sales were down 22 percent to $618.8 million.

Jared’s quarterly sales rose 10 percent to $232.7 million. Year-to-date sales were down 24 percent to $546.6 million.

Kay Jewelers posted quarterly sales of $490.5 million, up 4 percent year-over-year. Year-to-date sales were down 27 percent to $1.15 billion.

Looking at its store count, Signet had 2,893 stores, 22 fewer than the previous third quarter and 315 fewer than the end of fiscal 2020. There will be 380 closures in total for the fiscal year.

As for the holiday season ahead, Signet said same-store sales were up 3 percent so far in the fourth quarter through Nov. 30.

The company has five times the shipping capacity it did last year in preparation for a rise in orders.

For the Thanksgiving weekend, same-store sales were down by low single digits due to weak retail store traffic, though it was somewhat offset by higher conversion rates, a shift to the digital platform, and higher transaction value.

However, the two weeks leading up to Christmas are the strongest for the company, said Signet, adding that same-store sales could be hurt by low traffic, COVID-19 social distancing capacity constraints, and store closures in response to the pandemic.

The company declined to provide financial guidance for the remainder of fiscal 2021 and said it believes the pandemic will have “a more significant negative effect” in December than November.

Signet will announce its holiday sales results Jan. 14, 2021.
Lenore Fedowis the senior editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.

The Latest

Barry Berman
IndependentsJul 15, 2026
New Jersey Jeweler Barry Berman Dies at 81

The founder of Fords Jewelers, Berman is remembered for his love of connecting with his community.

Hamptons Jewelry Show exhibitors Maison Mèrenor, Jochen Leën, Studio Javo
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2026
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Return in July

The open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.

Pomellato Eye of Tanzanite Necklace and Pin-Up Ring
CollectionsJul 15, 2026
Pomellato’s New High Jewelry Is Liberating

Bold color, expressive gem-setting, and sculptural form define the three chapters that make up “Stile Libero.”

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.

Foundrae London Store Showcases
IndependentsJul 14, 2026
Foundrae Opens First Standalone Store Outside US

The New York-based jewelry brand has expanded overseas, opening a store in London’s Mayfair district.

Weekly QuizJul 09, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
The Retail Smiths Principal Partner and National Jeweler columnist Sherry Smith
ColumnistsJul 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: What Today’s Jewelry Consumer Is Telling Us

Rising revenue does not automatically mean a healthy business, particularly in the current economic landscape, Smith writes.

Mindi Mond New York emerald shoulder duster earrings
TrendsJul 14, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Shoulder Dusters

These long, fluid drop earrings are sure to catch the eye.

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.

FBI Most Wanted image of Alberto Perez-Elias
CrimeJul 14, 2026
Man Charged in $1M Jewelry Store Heist Lands on FBI Most Wanted List

Alberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged with robbing a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and is the only one still at large.

Aerial view of Amazon
Events & AwardsJul 14, 2026
Conference on Mining, Sustainability Kicks Off in NYC

Initiatives in Art and Culture is hosting its 16th annual Gold and Diamond Conference, with the theme of “Resilience.”

Stephanie Gottlieb Casual Carats Lab-Grown Dimond and Silicone Rings
Lab-GrownJul 13, 2026
Stephanie Gottlieb Changes Her Mind on Lab-Grown Diamonds

The designer, who once said she’d never sell lab-grown diamonds, debuted two capsule collections designed to be fun and easy to wear.

File photo of the Venetia Diamond Mine in South Africa
SourcingJul 13, 2026
De Beers Announces Potential Layoffs, 2-Year Production Pause at Venetia

The diamond miner and marketer is undergoing another round of cost-cutting measures ahead of its sale by Anglo American.

JIS sign in convention center lobby
Events & AwardsJul 13, 2026
Registration Opens for JIS Fall 2026 Show

The annual trade-only buying event is slated for Oct. 16-19 in Miami Beach, Florida.

“Elements” bracelet best of show AGTA Spectrum 2025
Events & AwardsJul 13, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026

AGTA also has announced the lineup of judges for the colored gemstone cutting and jewelry design contest’s various categories.

Arena Club Twilight and Eclipse Time Boxes
TechnologyJul 10, 2026
There’s a New Blind Box for Luxury Watches

Collectibles platform Arena Club’s new Time Boxes could contain a Rolex or Patek Philippe watch.

Jade Trau Constellation Plié Collar
TrendsJul 10, 2026
Jade Trau Creates a Constellation of Diamonds

The “Constellation Plié” collar, our Piece of the Week, features diamonds arranged in a constellation of shining stars.

Former De Beers CFO of Brands and Consumer Markets Shaun Wills
SourcingJul 10, 2026
CFO of De Beers’ Consumer-Facing Division Leaves Company

Shaun Wills joined the company in 2024 and was chief financial officer of the De Beers Brands and Consumer Markets division.

Brilliant Earth watches
WatchesJul 10, 2026
Brilliant Earth Expands Into Watches

In honor of its 20th anniversary, the jewelry brand has released a limited-edition collection of Swiss-made timepieces.

Boucheron Human Being Collection Tattoo Necklace
CollectionsJul 09, 2026
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Is an Ode to the Human Touch

“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.

Baume & Mercier watch
WatchesJul 09, 2026
Damiani Group Finalizes Acquisition of Baume & Mercier

Richemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.

Joopiter Logo
AuctionsJul 09, 2026
Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter Hires Former Bonhams Exec to Head New Watch Division

Nate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.

Enoch Michael
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
Halstead Names 2026 Grant Winner

Enoch Platero, founder and designer behind Enoch Michael, is the first Native American jeweler to win the award.

Karen Fox and Jenna Siegel
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
AGS, GIA Name 2026 Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner

AGS also announced the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

Kendra Scott
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor

The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.

Hands crossed with rings on
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers List

Plus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.

René Lalique “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum

René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.

Arien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 Execs

Arien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.

×

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