Financials

Online Sales Soar, Strengthening Signet’s Q4

FinancialsMar 18, 2021

Online Sales Soar, Strengthening Signet’s Q4

The jewelry giant saw e-commerce sales increase 71 percent year-over-year in its fourth quarter.

20210318_Signet header.jpg
Signet’s total sales rose 2 percent overall in the fourth quarter, but fell 15 percent for the full year.
Akron, Ohio—Signet Jewelers Ltd. posted a strong fourth quarter but the specialty jeweler’s full-year sales fell by double digits due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.

 Related stories will be right here … 

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.

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

The Latest

Stock image of crime scene with police cars and crime scene tape
CrimeMay 13, 2026
JSA’s 2025 Crime Report Shows ‘Concerning’ Rise in Violence

While the overall number of crimes was down, there were more incidences in which robbers pulled out guns, mace, or rammed cars into stores.

Jack Sutton Jewelers
IndependentsMay 13, 2026
New Orleans Jeweler Closing Canal Place Store

Jack Sutton Fine Jewelry is closing its store inside the downtown shopping center after 40 years in business.

Winston Red Diamond painting by Reena Ahluwalia
SourcingMay 13, 2026
Smithsonian Acquires ‘Winston Red’ Diamond Painting

Reena Ahluwalia’s painting of the rare red diamond is the first contemporary painting to join the National Gem Collection.

1872x1052-NextGem-2026-National-Jeweler-Advertorial.jpg
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry Retailers

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

Anna Maccieri Rossi Ora Wood Sunrise Cuff, Marie Lichtenberg High Jewelry Bandana, Anna Maccieri Rossi Carpe Diem Pendant
TrendsMay 13, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will Survive

The price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.

Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
The Retail Smiths founder and National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsMay 12, 2026
It’s Official: We’re Getting ‘Brain Rot’ From Watching Short-Form Videos

Peter Smith gives tips on leading meetings, developing marketing, and making trade show appointments in the age of short attention spans.

Jessica McCormack Medallion Capsule Collection Campaign
CollectionsMay 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Debuts Antique Coin-Inspired Medallions for Summer

The 11-piece “Medallions” capsule collection features five motifs: a crying eye, a heart on fire, a spiral, a flower, and a swallow.

Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las Vegas

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

People shopping in a jewelry store
IndependentsMay 12, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers Today

From Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.

Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2026
The Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award Is Back

The partners have announced the second cycle of the program, which has expanded to include a $25,000 student scholarship.

Merle, Juanita, and Brent Staats of Staats Jewelers
IndependentsMay 11, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Closing After 70 Years

The owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.

Former Macy’s CEO Jeffrey Gennette
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Former Macy’s CEO Joins Signet Jewelers Board

Jeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.

Buddha Mama gold earrings hexagon emerald
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Lucky May

May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.

Clientbook Logo
TechnologyMay 11, 2026
Clientbook’s New Tool Helps Jewelers Plan In-Store Events

The new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.

Pandora lab grown diamond necklace
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond Claims

NDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.

Ronnie VanderLinden and Feriel Zerouki
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President

The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.

Glenn Spiro Old Moghul Golconda Earrings
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met Gala

She wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.

Kennedy’s Jewelers tourmaline necklace
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award Winners

Two pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.

Kashmir sapphire ring
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry Sale

Led by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.

Billy Welshoff
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account Executive

In his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.

José Gaztelu
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEO

José Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.

Jewelers of America Logo
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship Program

It has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.

White and yellow rough diamonds from the Ekati Diamond Mine
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain Future

The owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.

Saks Fifth Avenue door sign
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans Closer to Approval

The retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.

Heuer Monaco Le Mans
AuctionsMay 06, 2026
Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby's

Of the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.

Met Gala 2026 Beyonce, Lisa Manobal, Hailey Bieber
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met Gala

Megan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.

Doug Hucker
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His Roots

Following decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.

×

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