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

Former Emerald President and CEO Hervé Sedky has transitioned to the role of senior advisor.

Smith offers retailers guidance on creating an environment where natural and lab-grown diamonds can both thrive.

The 12-piece capsule collection transforms from brooches to pendants.

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

A Botswana government official told lawmakers Anglo has selected The Global Diamond Consortium, an entity chaired by Penny, to buy De Beers.


The new tariff, imposed after a Trump administration study, is 25 percent and will stack on top of existing tariffs.

The collection from 2014 has been reinterpreted into high jewelry with its signature triangular-shaped elements.

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

She will also take on the role of vice president of jewelry for SmartWork Media, a newly created position.

Organizers are looking for presentations on topics like manufacturing, technology and research, bench work, gemstones, and sustainability.

Woodley is seen in the campaign wearing our Piece of the Week, the “Frida” collar featuring 13 pieces of hand-carved Venetian glass.

A WeBuyVintage jewelry expert uncovered how much the flea market find was actually worth.

The founder of natural colored diamond wholesaler Pancis Gems shares stories from his five decades in the industry.

Submissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.

Valeriya Guzema and Mariana Lenha look back on the last decade and discuss the Ukrainian brand’s first U.S. store.

The diamond mine, which opened nearly 30 years ago in Canada’s Northwest Territories, is expected to shut down by mid-August.

The graduate, Grace Barden, credited the program with helping her secure a job as a bench jeweler.

The event, scheduled for next month in New Orleans, will include dinner, a custom jewelry design contest, and education sessions.

The yet-to-be named stone is the 10th diamond weighing more than 1,000 carats to come out of Lucara’s Karowe mine.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

























