The report shows that couples are searching for vintage and antique rings, gold jewelry, pearls, and colorful pieces.
Kering’s 2020 Revenue Sinks Despite Online Growth
But jewelry brands Boucheron and Qeelin continued to perform well in the Asia Pacific region.
Paris—Kering ended its fiscal year on a low note, posting a decline in revenue, but the luxury titan’s online sales continue to climb.
The company behind Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent and other high-end brands saw a decline in overall revenue in the fourth quarter and the full year.
Fourth-quarter revenue totaled €4 billion ($4.82 billion), an 8 percent decline compared with €4.36 billion ($5.25 billion) a year ago.
Full-year revenue fell to €13.1 billion ($15.76 billion), an 18 percent decrease compared with €15.88 billion ($19.11 billion) a year ago.
Retail sales overall were down 16 percent year-over-year, attributed to store closures and a halt in tourism, though the company saw a “sharp rebound” in the second half led by North America and Asia Pacific.
Wholesale sales were down 17 percent on a comparable basis.
Online sales, meanwhile, were particularly strong, up 68 percent year-over-year, accounting for 13 percent of total sales.
In North America, online sales grew 89 percent on a comparable basis, accounting for 24 percent of retail sales compared with 13 percent a year ago.
“In a year of disruption, Kering demonstrated remarkable resilience and agility,” said CEO François-Henri Pinault in a press release about the results.
“We achieved a solid top-line recovery in the second half, we protected our margins while continuing to invest in our houses and growth platforms, our cash flow generation remained elevated, and we further strengthened the group’s financial structure.”
The company’s watch and jewelry brands, including Pomellato and Boucheron, fall into its “other houses” division, alongside Alexander McQueen and Balenciaga.
Full-year revenue in the “others” division totaled €2.28 billion ($2.74 billion), a 9 percent decrease on a comparable basis, while quarterly revenue totaled €693.1 million ($834 million), a 1 percent decrease compared with last year.
In this division, retail sales were down 5 percent for the full year while wholesale revenue fell 13 percent.
Alexander McQueen and Balenciaga were top performers, posting double-digit growth in retail and wholesale as the brands expanded their store network in Asia Pacific and North America while seeing a boost in online sales.
The jewelry houses suffered due to their exposure to the Western European market, an area still under COVID-19-related restrictions, while sales growth in Asia was strong.
Boucheron performed well in the Asia Pacific region, and Qeelin sales climbed due to a strong recovery in mainland China, said Kering, while its watch brands are focusing on prime distribution.
By region, overall sales in North America were
Sales in the Asia Pacific region slipped 7 percent while sales in Japan sank 29 percent.
Kering did not provide financial guidance for the year ahead, but Pinault said: “More than ever, I am convinced that our strategy and business model are perfectly in sync with the current and future trends of the luxury universe.”
The Latest
He’s remembered as a “font of passion,” leaving behind a legacy of dedication to his craft and community.
The first one will take place next month during the Jewelers of Louisiana’s and Mississippi Jewelers Association’s conventions.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
The redesigned boutique features interactive displays and a workshop space for hands-on learning about watchmaking.
There is a willingness to comply with new government-mandated regulations, with an insistence that they should be practical and realistic.
A combination of factors is driving growth in the industry despite the precipitous drop in prices across the board.
Ho Brothers offers scalable solutions for the future of custom jewelry.
The zone’s modernization will enhance and increase India’s jewelry manufacturing capabilities while aiding small and mid-sized businesses.
By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
Optimism about the current state of the economy was offset by anxiety around inflation and the political environment.
The former WJA executive director is MFM’s new managing director.
DDG encourages retailers to educate customers on the positive impact of purchasing natural diamonds.
Highlighting the most iconic Tiffany collections, it’s inspired by the company’s late window designer, Gene Moore.
Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen explore how jewelers can save time and money by using AI to analyze engagement and create content.
The retailer previously turned down an $8.4 billion offer in 2018.
The Florida store’s owner Miguel Gonzalez is retiring.
The lab stresses the importance of accurate identification, as the difference in price is “substantial.”
The brand also plans to expand its retail footprint from 138 to 200 stores over the next three years.
One is reserved for a NAJA member, the other for a non-member.
Longtime employees Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice have received promotions.
Three guests joined National Jeweler and Jewelers of America to discuss trending time periods, spotting reproductions, and more.
Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere join the company with 50 years of combined experience.
The trendy, metallic earrings wink at classic spring colors.
JSA said a man and woman pulled the safe out of an Oakland jewelry store but couldn’t quite get it into their van.
The miner’s March auction generated $19 million.
Helen McCluskey will succeed H. Todd Stitzer when he meets his 12-year term limit in June.