Jewelry trade show veterans share strategies for engaging buyers, managing your time effectively, and packing the right shoes.
Bulgari, Hublot Bolster LVMH’s Q4 Watch, Jewelry Sales
The luxury titan’s watches and jewelry segment brought in nearly $5 billion in 2019.
Paris—LVMH ended its fiscal year on a high note, reporting double-digit revenue growth despite a rough second half in the Hong Kong market.
Full-year revenue clocked in at €53.67 billion ($59.15 billion), a 10 percent organic increase compared with 2018.
Fourth-quarter revenue totaled €15.27 billion ($16.84 billion), an 8 percent organic increase compared with the previous fourth quarter.
The luxury titan reported “good growth” in Asia, Europe and the United States, but noted it faced a “difficult environment” in Hong Kong.
Fourth-quarter revenue in LMVH’s watches and jewelry segment totaled €1.14 billion ($1.26 billion), a 1 percent organic increase year-over-year.
Full-year revenue in the segment climbed 3 percent to €4.41 billion ($4.86 billion).
LVMH called its acquisition of Tiffany & Co. “a strategic highlight of the year.”
RELATED CONTENT: What Tiffany’s Acquisition Means for the Jewelry Industry
Bulgari reported “strong growth” as it continues to increase its market share.
The brand introduced new pieces for its high jewelry segment as well as for the Serpenti, B.Zero 1 and Diva’s Dream collections.
Bulgari’s Fiorever line, a floral-inspired collection launched in 2018, was a significant contributor to the growth in the watches and jewelry segment, LVMH said.
In addition, the Serpenti Seduttori watch, a standout in the category, was “exceptionally well-received.”
Chaumet’s iconic collections were growth drivers. The brand is nearing the reopening of its renovated store on Paris’ famed Place Vendôme.
TAG Heuer has undergone a renovation of its own, continuing to reposition its distribution network.
The brand is working to “ensure an increasingly selective presence and enhanced commercial impact,” said LVMH in its annual report.
Hublot saw “strong growth,” with the Classic Fusion, Big Bang and Spirit of Big Bang lines performing well. The brand also noted the exposure it gained via the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France over the summer.
Zenith introduced the new Inventor model into its Defy line.
LVMH held its first watch exhibition at the Bulgari Hotel in Dubai, which it deemed a “great success.”
Outside of watches and jewelry, LVMH reported growth across all divisions, which include fashion and leather goods; wines and spirits; perfume and cosmetics; and selective retailing.
The fashion and leather goods division saw the strongest growth, with revenue up 17 percent organically to €22.24 billion ($24.51 billion). The company noted the “remarkable” performances of Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior.
Looking ahead, LVMH said it is “cautiously confident” in spite of “an uncertain geopolitical context.”
CEO Bernard Arnault addressed the potential impact of the coronavirus
“The first reaction is: ‘Don’t panic, let’s calmly analyze the situation’,” he said, as per a Reuters report.
Arnault said he was told by Chinese authorities that the peak of the virus is expected to pass within weeks and settle down by the end of March.
“If it dies out in two months or two months and a half, it’s not terrible. If it takes two years, that’s a different story,” he said.
Unrest in Hong Kong forced fourth-quarter revenue in the region down nearly 40 percent, Arnault also noted.
LVMH’s retail network includes 4,915 stores as of Dec. 30.
The Latest
This little guy’s name is Ricky and he just sold for more than $200,000 at Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction.
Though its website has been down for a week, Christie’s proceeded with its jewelry and watch auctions on May 13-14, bringing in nearly $80 million.
Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
Despite the absence of “The Allnatt,” Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction totaled $34 million, with 90 percent of lots sold.
Lilian Raji gives advice to designers on how to make the most of great publicity opportunities.
The mining company wants to divest its 70 percent holding in the Mothae Diamond Mine in an effort to streamline its portfolio.
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
Why do so many jewelers keep lines that are not selling? Peter Smith thinks the answer lies in these two behavioral principles.
The “Argyle Phoenix” sold for more than $4 million at the auction house’s second jewels sale.
The annual list recognizes young professionals making an impact in jewelry retail.
Owner David Mann is heading into retirement.
While overall sales were sluggish, the retailer said its non-bridal fine jewelry was a popular choice for Valentine’s Day.
The mining giant also wants to offload its platinum business as part of an overhaul designed to “unlock significant value.”
Christie's is selling one of the diamonds, moving forward with its Geneva jewelry auction despite the cyberattack that took down its website.
The ad aims to position platinum jewelry as ideal for everyday wear.
Retailers can customize and print the appraisal brochures from their store.
The move follows a price-drop test run in Q4 and comes with the addition of a “quality assurance card” from GIA for some loose diamonds.
The site has been down since Thursday evening, just ahead of its spring auctions.
The late former U.S. Secretary’s collection went for quadruple the sale’s pre-sale estimate.
Three fifth graders’ winning designs were turned into custom jewelry pieces in time for Mother’s Day.
Kimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.
As a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.
Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
The company’s Easton location will remain open.
Brian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.