NRF’s annual survey found that 45 percent of consumers plan to purchase jewelry for a loved one this Mother’s Day.
Signet’s Holiday Saved by Online Shoppers
The jewelry giant’s online sales surged 61 percent year-over-year during the holiday season.

Akron, Ohio—Signet Jewelers Ltd.’s overall 2020 holiday sales were flat, though online sales soared by double digits.
On Thursday, the jewelry giant reported a preliminary sales total of $1.8 billion for the nine-week period ended Jan. 2, flat to last year.
Same-store sales—which includes both physical and e-commerce sales—rose 6 percent year-over-year. Online sales surged 61 percent year-over-year, while brick-and-mortar sales fell 4 percent.
As of Jan. 2, Signet had 2,866 locations. It has closed 355 of the 380 stores it plans to shutter this fiscal year.
“Our results were driven by new digital and fulfillment capabilities, increasingly personalized and insight-based marketing, banner portfolio differentiation, and a strong merchandising strategy that included competitive newness and a strengthened core assortment, all of which increased conversion, attracted new customers, and increased market share,” CEO Virginia Drosos said in the release announcing the retailer’s holiday results.
In North America, same-store sales were up 8 percent. The number of transactions rose 4 percent while average transaction value was up 2 percent.
Online sales in the region shot up 58 percent while brick-and-mortar sales were down around 1 percent.
Sales in bridal and fashion categories climbed by double digits on a same-store sales basis, said Signet, due to new products and a strong core assortment.
In the U.K., the governmental lockdown sent same-store sales tumbling 19 percent year-over-year, though online sales nearly doubled, up 93 percent.
Signet increased its e-commerce fulfillment capacity to five times that of the last holiday season, delivering 98 percent of customer orders on time in North America.
New selling capabilities, including buy online pick-up in-store (BOPIS), ship from store (SFS) and virtual selling, were also highlights of the retailer’s holiday season.
Looking at its U.S. banners, including Zales and Kay Jewelers, all posted positive same-store sales.
At Zales and Piercing Pagoda, popular with gift-givers and self-purchasers, fashion jewelry sales were especially strong.
At Kay Jewelers, bridal jewelry, particularly the newer Leo’s Ideal Cut and First Light lines, was a top seller.
At Jared, the Royal Asscher and Pnina Tornai collections were the standouts.
Existing lines, like Center of Me at Kay and Vera Wang at Zales, also did well.
Looking to the fourth quarter, Signet expects to see same-store sales increase 4 to 5 percent, with total sales of $2.10 billion to $2.12 billion.
The Latest

The “Vault” charm, our Piece of the Week, expands on the memories that can be stored in a locket by connecting to your phone.

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

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

The jeweler’s Mother’s Day campaign highlights the women who work there—mothers, grandmothers, women who want to be mothers, and dog moms.


Sponsored by Jewelers Mutual

The proposed agreement follows the moissanite maker’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing last month.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

The Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. timepiece Astor brought aboard the ill-fated ship sold for double its estimate at a Freeman’s auction.

The “Dalí’s Garden” collection was inspired by a surreal dream Neeley had after cooking a recipe from Salvador Dalí’s 1973 cookbook.

Natalie Feanny has been appointed to the role.

The pair falsely claimed their jewelry was made by Navajo artists, but it was imported from Vietnam.

Julien’s Auctions is selling the musician’s fine and fashion jewelry alongside her clothing, gold records, and other memorabilia.

Rachel King’s book dives into the history of the pendant believed to have belonged to Henry VIII and his first wife, Katherine of Aragon.

The company will have deals on precious metals testers as well as the latest in lab-grown diamond detection technology and security.

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel is a character in the “Coco Game” collection of watches and the queen in its first haute horlogerie chessboard.

The annual list honors rising professionals on the retail and supply sides of the jewelry industry.

Seized in Kentucky, the packages include fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, and Fendi jewelry.

Rodolfo Lopez-Portillo faces 25 years to life in prison after being found guilty in the March 2022 beating death of Arasb Shoughi.

“Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems” highlights the relationships among 22 influential designers, brands, and gem dealers.

The AJS Spring 2027 show will be held in Savannah, Georgia, with future shows taking place in other Southeast cities.

The jewelry retailer plans to open 20 new stores this year and expand into new product categories.

Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.

The retailer reported an 8 percent decline in annual sales as it struggles under the weight of billions of dollars of debt.

The “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.

The alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.

The “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.





















