Policies & IssuesJul 06, 2021
5 Things to Know About Signet’s Sustainability GoalsMajorsJul 13, 2021
Signet Lands on NRF’s Top 100 Retailers List
The jewelry giant took the No. 78 spot as its 2020 U.S. sales surged.
The National Retail Federation just published its Top 100 Retailers list. Signet Jewelers took the 78th spot.
New York—Signet Jewelers made the National Retail Federation’s Top 100 Retailers list, landing at No. 78.
The list, compiled by market research firm Kantar Group, ranks the fastest-growing retail companies in the United States, based on 2020 annual retail sales.
This year’s list excludes restaurant chains, which were eligible in previous years.
According to Kantar, the jewelry company’s 2020 U.S. retail sales totaled $4.65 billion, down 13 percent compared with 2019.
The U.S. market accounts for 89 percent of Signet’s worldwide sales, which totaled $5.23 billion in 2020.
Signet Jewelers, the parent company of Zales, Jared the Galleria of Jewelry, Kay Jewelers, and more, had 2,381 U.S. stores in 2020, a 9 percent drop compared with 2019.
The jewelry giant has been downsizing its store fleet in recent years, moving away from low-performing malls to off-mall locations. It also has plans to add kiosks in underserved markets.
In the No.1 spot on NRF’s list is Walmart, with U.S. sales of $430.82 billion, a 9 percent year-over-year increase.
“Walmart came up through the ecosystem of retail with winning combinations, such as putting stores where other stores aren’t and being the valued retailer for mass retail,” said David Marcotte, senior vice president for Kantar, in a press release.
Amazon came in second place with U.S. sales of $187.27 billion, a year-over-year increase of 34 percent.
Supermarket chain Kroger was next, followed by The Home Depot and Costco.
“Companies that invested heavily in buy online, pick up in store in 2018 and 2019 were losing money on it then,” said Marcotte. “In 2020, it all paid off. If you didn’t have that capability, you had to scramble to build it.”
Related stories will be right here …
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to shifting consumer expectations, said Marcotte.
Retailers will need to “express a different value than last year. Last year it was, ‘We’re open, and we have stuff.’ This year it is, ‘We’re open, we’re a good place to go and we have people who can answer your questions.’ That is much harder and expensive to execute on.”
Last year was a good year for grocery stores, with major grocery chains holding six of the top 20 spots on this list. Most saw sales increase by double-digits.
This pattern may not extend to 2021, he noted, as shoppers have more options for spending their money.
It was not a great year for those selling makeup, as working from home became the norm for many.
The impact on apparel depended on the category. Department stores like Macy’s and JC Penney struggled while athletic brand Lululemon saw double-digit growth as athleisure wear became the outfit of choice for those working from home.
Looking ahead, the future of retail remains uncertain as logistics and supply chain issues linger, said Marcotte.
“The bottom line for retailers is they have to succeed in an up-and-down market,” Marcotte said. “They don’t have a choice. Being flexible is very much part of that expertise that we see in the Top 100.”
To read the full list, visit the NRF website.
More on Majors
The Latest
ColumnistsSep 05, 2025
Peter Smith: A Lasting Lesson From Maurice Tempelsman Smith recalls a bit of wisdom the industry leader, who died last week, shared at a diamond conference years ago.
CollectionsSep 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jamie Turner’s ‘Victoria’ Necklace The “Victoria” necklace features a labradorite hugged by diamond accents in 18-karat yellow gold.
Policies & IssuesSep 05, 2025
Trump Takes Tariffs Case to the Supreme Court Two lower courts have moved to block the import taxes, which will remain in place as the legal battle continues.
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key IssuesJewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.
WatchesSep 05, 2025
Patrick Mahomes Is the New Hublot Brand AmbassadorThe Kansas City Chiefs quarterback shares Hublot’s dedication to pursuing greatness, the Swiss watchmaker said.
Weekly QuizSep 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingSep 04, 2025
Lucara Unveils Unusual 37-Carat Pink DiamondThe Type IIa stone, recovered from Botswana’s Karowe diamond mine last month, features unique coloration.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2025
27 Can’t-Miss Converge Sessions, Events From sunrise yoga to tariffs talks, these are some events to check out at the upcoming inaugural event.
WatchesSep 04, 2025
Breitling Takes Its NFL Game to the Next Level Breitling is now the NFL’s official timepiece partner, a move that puts the brand in front of the millions of Americans who watch football.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2025
The NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Returns in NovemberNYCJAOS is set for Nov. 21-23 in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.
SourcingSep 03, 2025
Gemfields Confirms Completion of Fabergé SaleU.S.-based investment company SMG Capital LLC is the new owner of the luxury brand.
TrendsSep 03, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Perfect BirthstoneSapphire’s variety of colors make it the perfect birthstone for September.
FinancialsSep 02, 2025
Lab-Grown Diamonds, Lower-Priced Fashion Jewelry Drive Signet Jewelers’ Q2 SalesThe retailer has raised its guidance after seeing total sales increase 3 percent in the second quarter, beating expectations.
MajorsSep 02, 2025
Birks CEO Jean-Christophe Bédos Steps DownNiccolò Rossi di Montelera, executive chairman of the board, was appointed as interim CEO.
MajorsSep 02, 2025
Harry Winston Opens Its Largest Flagship in JapanThe three-floor space also features the jeweler’s largest VIP salon in Japan and offers an exclusive diamond pendant.
CollectionsSep 02, 2025
Stephanie Gottlieb Debuts Silver Designs in ‘All Hours’ CollabThe collection is a collaboration between Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry and Oak and Luna, focusing on understated essentials.
AuctionsAug 29, 2025
Sotheby’s UAE Sale to Feature 32-Carat Fancy Vivid Orangy Pink DiamondThe highlight of a single-owner jewelry and watch collection, it’s estimated to fetch up to $7 million at auction this December.
FinancialsAug 29, 2025
Movado’s Q2 Sales Rebound Despite Tariff ImpactCEO Efraim Grinberg noted a resurgence in the fashion watch market.
CollectionsAug 29, 2025
Piece of the Week: Mark Davis’ ‘Bullseye’ Necklace The “Bullseye” necklace, with vintage bakelite and peridot, August’s birthstone, is the perfect transitional piece as summer turns to fall.
Supplier BulletinAug 28, 2025
Clientbook Is Helping Jewelers Turn Clienteling Challenges into Wins with Hands-On Training and CoachingSponsored by Clientbook
GradingAug 28, 2025
GIA’s New ‘Quality Assessment’ for Lab-Grown Diamonds Is Coming It will classify lab-grown stones into one of two categories, “premium” or “standard,” in lieu of giving specific color and clarity grades.
SourcingAug 28, 2025
Botswana Declares Public Health Emergency Amid Diamond Sales SlumpPresident Duma Boko addressed the country’s medical supply chain crisis in a recent televised address.
MajorsAug 28, 2025
Borsheims Names New Jewelry BuyerFormer Free People buyer Afton Robertson-Kanne recently joined the retailer.
IndependentsAug 28, 2025
Sissy’s Log Cabin Donates School Supplies to Memphis StudentsThe jeweler teamed up with two local organizations for its inaugural “Back to School and Bling” event.
EditorsAug 27, 2025
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Is a Fairy Tale for Vintage Diamond CutsThe singer’s new bling, reportedly a natural old mine-cut diamond, is no paper ring.
SourcingAug 27, 2025
11,685-Carat Emerald Recovered From Zambia’s Kagem MineDubbed the “Imboo,” or “buffalo,” emerald, the rough gemstone is part of Gemfields’ latest emerald auction, which is taking place now.
