Financials

Kering’s 2020 Revenue Sinks Despite Online Growth

FinancialsFeb 17, 2021

Kering’s 2020 Revenue Sinks Despite Online Growth

But jewelry brands Boucheron and Qeelin continued to perform well in the Asia Pacific region.

20210217_Kering_header.jpg
A Nudo Cascade necklace by Kering-owned brand Pomellato, featuring peridot, white topaz, and tsavorite garnet

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

down 8 percent while sales in Western Europe fell 28 percent.

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.”
Lenore Fedowis the senior editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.

The Latest

Doja Cat and Selena Gomez at the 2025 Oscars
EditorsMar 03, 2025
Drop Necklaces, Archival Pieces Take Over at the 2025 Oscars

From Doja Cat to Mikey Madison and Selena Gomez, many of this year’s Academy Awards attendees donned drop necklaces.

Polished diamonds
Policies & IssuesMar 03, 2025
Customs Indefinitely Postpones Requirement to Disclose Country of Mining

Originally slated to take effect in April, official U.S. Customs and Border Protection documents now show the implementation date as “TBD.”

Woman pushing a shopping cart
SurveysMar 03, 2025
Consumer Confidence Fell in February Amid Concerns About the Future

The recent jump in the prices of household staples, like eggs, and the potential impact of tariffs worried consumers.

ja-btyb-topimage.png
Brought to you by
Have a Plan for Emergencies

Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere , and Jewelers of America has what you need to be prepared for it all.

AGA Gemological Education Scholarship Program Graphic
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2025
AGA Now Accepting Applications for Its Gemological Education Scholarship

The application period for the program is now open for aspiring gemologists around the world.

Weekly QuizFeb 27, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Porcupine Quilled 3-Band Earrings
CollectionsFeb 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Ironhorse Quillwork Earrings

The work of Indigenous designer Joe Big Mountain, these earrings are similar to the pair Lily Gladstone just wore to the SAG Awards.

Memorial ring for Sir Richard Rainsford
AuctionsFeb 28, 2025
300-Year-Old Ring With Ties to Witch Trial Judge Up for Auction

A metal detectorist uncovered the ring created in memory of Sir Richard Rainsford, who presided over some of England’s last witch trials.

national-jeweler_top-image_2.png
Brought to you by
A Diamond ETF is the Way to Reinvigorate Natural Diamond Sales

The jewelry industry faces challenges from lab-grown diamonds. A diamond ETF can restore natural diamonds' value and drive investor demand.

20250228_MNQ 2025 Jewelry Trends Forecast.jpg
Recorded WebinarsFeb 28, 2025
Watch: 2025 Jewelry Trends Forecast

Fine jewelry consultant and publicist Francesca Simons joins Amanda Gizzi and Natalie Francisco to discuss the trends set to rise this year.

Winnie Harlow, Kyle Kuzma, Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry Engagement Ring
TrendsFeb 27, 2025
Model Winnie Harlow Says ‘Yes’ to 3-Stone Engagement Ring

Harlow’s partner, NBA player Kyle Kuzma, worked with Vobara to design the ring, which features oval and pear-shaped diamonds.

Winona Ryder Iman Pandora Campaign
MajorsFeb 27, 2025
Winona Ryder, Iman Star in New Pandora Campaign

The Danish jeweler released the next chapter of its “Be Love” campaign, which celebrates love in all its forms.

Gemfields higher quality emerald auction
SourcingFeb 27, 2025
Gemfields Holds Mini Auction for Higher-Quality Emeralds

The 13 lots on offer were comprised of material that previously went unsold at the miner’s November auction.

JA Learning Workshop logo
Events & AwardsFeb 27, 2025
JA to Host Workshop During Alabama Jewelers Association Convention

The learning workshop and the convention are both scheduled to take place April 26 and 27 in Montgomery, Alabama.

European Union flags
Policies & IssuesFeb 26, 2025
EU Once Again Pushes Back Deadline on Diamond Traceability

The EU, like the U.S., also now will require diamond importers to provide information about where exactly the diamonds were mined.

De Beers CEO Al Cook, Botswana Minster of Minerals and Energy Bogolo Joy Kenewendo
SourcingFeb 26, 2025
De Beers, Botswana Make New Diamond Sales Deal Official

The formal signing of the agreement comes nearly two years after De Beers and Botswana initially announced they had reached a new deal.

Alexander Lacik and Beth Gerstein
Events & AwardsFeb 26, 2025
JFC Names 2025 ‘Facets’ Honorees

The charity will celebrate Pandora CEO Alexander Lacik and Brilliant Earth CEO Beth Gerstein at its annual event in Las Vegas.

National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsFeb 25, 2025
Peter Smith: Here’s What I Think

Retailers need to have the right merchandise, marketing, and people in place to stay on top in a sea of uncertainty, Peter Smith writes.

Tacori shop-in-shop at Smyth Jewelers
EditorsFeb 25, 2025
Out & About: Visiting Tacori’s New Shop-in-Shop

Senior Editor Lenore Fedow traveled to Smyth Jewelers in Maryland to see the first of 15 revamped in-store boutiques Tacori is rolling out.

QVC Group Inc logo
MajorsFeb 25, 2025
Qurate Has a New Name

The parent company of HSN and QVC is undergoing a restructuring.

Michael B. Jordan in David Yurman Spring 2025 Chevron Campaign
CollectionsFeb 25, 2025
Michael B. Jordan Stars in David Yurman’s Spring Campaign

The company’s newest brand ambassador Eiza González will also be featured in the ads for the women’s campaign.

Stephen Webster Green Cuprian Tourmaline earrings
SourcingFeb 24, 2025
Colored Stone Market Update: Tracking Industry Trends in Tucson

Declining supply and growing demand persist in the colored gemstone market, presenters from Gemworld said at AGTA GemFair Tucson.

Reena Jumbo It’s a Lobster Clasp Necklace
TrendsFeb 24, 2025
Renna’s Lobster Clasp Looks Like a Claw, Now It's Patented by Law

The designer’s new patent transforms the everyday clasp into her jumbo “Lobster Clasp,” modeled after the look of a crustacean’s claw.

Jewelers Vigilance Committee annual luncheon 2025 logo
Events & AwardsFeb 24, 2025
Bogolo Joy Kenewendo to Speak at Annual JVC Luncheon

Kenewendo, Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy, will discuss the future of diamonds.

Canada’s Diavik Diamond Mine in warmer months
SourcingFeb 24, 2025
Diavik’s Production Down 17% in 2024

Sales at the Rio Tinto-owned mine also slid by a double-digit percentage, falling 37 percent in a difficult market for diamonds.

Jade Ruzzo Tennessee Drop Earrings
CollectionsFeb 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jade Ruzzo’s ‘Tennessee’ Oval Drop Earrings

Heidi Gardner, an SNL cast member, wore the smoky quartz earrings on the “SNL50: The Anniversary Special” red carpet on Sunday.

Rough emerald mined by Gemfields
SourcingFeb 21, 2025
Zambia Lifts 15% Export Duty on Gemstones, Metals

The reversal comes less than two months after the Zambian government reinstated the tax in an effort to bring in more money.

Jeffrey Cohen, Steven Lagos, Michael Benavente, Monica Elias
MajorsFeb 21, 2025
24 Karat Club of New York Names New President

The organization also announced its newly elected officers and directors.

×

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