Online Sales Soar, Strengthening Signet’s Q4
The jewelry giant saw e-commerce sales increase 71 percent year-over-year in its fourth quarter.

In the fourth quarter ended Jan. 30, sales totaled $2.2 billion, up 2 percent year-over-year, with same-store sales climbing 7 percent, the retailer reported Thursday morning.
Brick-and-mortar sales were down 4 percent year-over-year while online sales climbed 71 percent, accounting for 23 percent of all sales.
Signet’s Buy Online Pick-Up In Store feature, or BOPIS, was up and running by the fourth quarter, noted CEO Virginia Drosos on an earnings call Thursday morning.
It was a popular choice, particularly among male customers ahead of the holidays.
Drosos noted high rates of customer satisfaction and on-time fulfillment with BOPIS, with 86 percent of orders picked up within three hours in December.
For the full fiscal year, Signet’s sales totaled $5.2 billion, down 15 percent year-over-year, with same-store sales sliding 11 percent.
As the vaccine rollout brings customers closer to normal, discretionary spending may shift to other categories, noted Signet on the earnings call.
The retailer said it will increase its marketing spending to continue to fuel momentum.
Drosos said the company is keeping its ear to the ground as to what consumers are interested in, looking into rental and subscription jewelry services as well as new designers.
In North America, where Signet’s banners include Kay, Jared and Zales, fourth-quarter same-store sales were up 10 percent.
The company noted particular strength in the bridal and fashion categories.
All U.S. banners reported same-store sales growth for the second consecutive quarter, noted Signet.
Brick-and-mortar same-store sales in North America were up less than 1 percent, while online sales rose 66 percent.
Average transaction value (ATV) inched up 1 percent while the number of transactions was up 10 percent.
For the full year, same-store sales were down 10 percent. Online sales were up 56 percent while brick and mortar sales declined 19 percent. ATV was flat to last year while the number of transactions fell 8 percent.
In the U.K., fourth quarter same-store sales fell 28 percent.
Brick-and-mortar sales plummeted 56 percent as e-commerce sales more than doubled, up 115 percent. ATV increased 6 percent while the number of transactions dropped 30 percent.
For the full year, same-store sales were down 25 percent. Online sales were up 81 percent while brick and mortar sales declined 42 percent. ATV was up 9 percent while the number of transactions fell 30 percent.
Following the third year of its Path to Brilliance transformation plan, Signet said Thursday it is moving into the next phase, “Inspiring Brilliance.”
The plan includes growing services revenue, expanding its luxury and value segments, bolstering digital commerce, and utilizing its data.
As for store count, Signet had 2,833 stores at the close of its fiscal year on Jan. 30, 375 fewer than the end of fiscal 2020. It closed 395 stores this fiscal year, which is FY21 for Signet.
The company is planning to close more than 100 stores and open more than 100 in stronger locations this fiscal year.
Signet has been optimizing its store footprint in recent years, moving away from low-performing malls to off-mall locations. It also has plans to add kiosks in underserved markets.
Looking ahead to fiscal 2022, the company expects to see first-quarter revenue between $1.42 billion and $1.46 billion while full-year revenue is expected to total between $5.85 billion and $6 billion.
The Latest

NRF’s annual survey found that 45 percent of consumers plan to purchase jewelry for a loved one this Mother’s Day.

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.
























