EditorsNov 15, 2024
Why Fine Jewelry Belongs at New York Comic ConSenior Editor Lenore Fedow makes the case for why more jewelers should be appealing to nerds at the annual event.
FinancialsFeb 29, 2016
Earnings Roundup: TJ Maxx, JC Penney Come Out on Top
These two retailers reported some of the strongest year-end sales in retail, while competitors Macy’s and Kohl’s struggled.
The J.C. Penney store in Brooklyn, N.Y. The retailer recorded one of the strongest performances in retail last year, with fourth quarter comps up 4 percent.
New York--The TJX Companies Inc. and J.C. Penney reported some of the strongest fourth quarter and year-end sales results in 2015, a year in which many big retailers struggled.
The TJX Companies’ Marmaxx U.S. division (comprising T.J. Maxx and Marshalls) recorded a 6 percent increase in same-store sales in the fourth quarter, while total sales were up 8 percent. For the year, comps rose 4 percent and total sales were up 7 percent.
An increase in customer traffic helped to boost sales, with President and CEO Ernie Herrman, who took the reins from Carol Meyrowitz this year, noting that comps “significantly exceeded expectations.”
Meanwhile, J.C. Penney Co. Inc. continues to make a comeback. The Plano, Texas-based retailer saw fourth quarter comps increase 4 percent while total sales rose 3
percent. For the full year, same-store sales were up 5 percent and total sales climbed 3 percent.
Competing department store and off-price chains didn’t fare so well.
Macy’s continues to struggle, posting declines in same-store and total sales for the fourth quarter and full year. The retailer’s fourth quarter comps were down 4 percent year-over-year while total sales slid 5 percent.
For 2015, comps were down 3 percent while total sales decreased 4 percent.
Kohl’s also saw its same-store and total sales slip in the fourth quarter and for 2015 as a whole, with Chairman, President and CEO Kevin Mansell noting that the retailer’s fourth quarter comps were below expectations.
In 2016, Kohl’s is opening seven stores that are smaller than its traditional locations and two more Off-Aisle pilot stores, both in Wisconsin. Off-Aisle is an outlet store stocked with merchandise that was returned to other Kohl’s stores.
The retailer also is opening 12 outlet stores for sportswear brand Fila and will close a total of 18 underperforming stores, with specific locations expected to be announced by the end of March.
Among higher-end department stores, both Saks Fifth Avenue, which is owned by Canadian retail company Hudson’s Bay, and Nordstrom saw their off-price divisions outperform their full-line stores in both the fourth quarter and full year.
Saks Fifth Avenue’s same-store sales slipped 1 percent in the fourth quarter and full year while Saks Off 5th stores recorded comp increases of 2 percent and 6 percent for the fourth quarter and full year, respectively.
Nordstrom’s fourth quarter same-store sales were up 1 percent while total sales in the period rose 5 percent. For the full year, comps increased 3 percent and total sales climbed 8 percent.
In both periods, however, Nordstrom Rack outperformed the retailer’s full-line stores.
Competing department store and off-price chains didn’t fare so well.
Macy’s continues to struggle, posting declines in same-store and total sales for the fourth quarter and full year. The retailer’s fourth quarter comps were down 4 percent year-over-year while total sales slid 5 percent.
For 2015, comps were down 3 percent while total sales decreased 4 percent.
Kohl’s also saw its same-store and total sales slip in the fourth quarter and for 2015 as a whole, with Chairman, President and CEO Kevin Mansell noting that the retailer’s fourth quarter comps were below expectations.
In 2016, Kohl’s is opening seven stores that are smaller than its traditional locations and two more Off-Aisle pilot stores, both in Wisconsin. Off-Aisle is an outlet store stocked with merchandise that was returned to other Kohl’s stores.
The retailer also is opening 12 outlet stores for sportswear brand Fila and will close a total of 18 underperforming stores, with specific locations expected to be announced by the end of March.
Among higher-end department stores, both Saks Fifth Avenue, which is owned by Canadian retail company Hudson’s Bay, and Nordstrom saw their off-price divisions outperform their full-line stores in both the fourth quarter and full year.
Saks Fifth Avenue’s same-store sales slipped 1 percent in the fourth quarter and full year while Saks Off 5th stores recorded comp increases of 2 percent and 6 percent for the fourth quarter and full year, respectively.
Nordstrom’s fourth quarter same-store sales were up 1 percent while total sales in the period rose 5 percent. For the full year, comps increased 3 percent and total sales climbed 8 percent.
In both periods, however, Nordstrom Rack outperformed the retailer’s full-line stores.
More on Financials
The Latest
CollectionsNov 15, 2024
Marie Lichtenberg Battles Counterfeits with New ‘Raiz’in Scapular’ DesignsThe latest “Raiz’in” drop showcases a newly designed “Scapular” necklace and donates a portion of the proceeds to Make-A-Wish France.
WatchesNov 15, 2024
Piece of the Week: Citizen’s Commemorative Pocket WatchNo. 1 out of 100, the timepiece was created to mark Citizen’s 100th anniversary and will be auctioned off at Sotheby’s next month.
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
Recorded WebinarsNov 15, 2024
Watch: 10 Tips to Keep Your Jewelry Store Secure On the latest episode of “My Next Question,” two experts share best practices for store security during the holidays and year-round.
Weekly QuizNov 14, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsNov 14, 2024
18th-Century Diamond Necklace Sells for Nearly $5M Sotheby’s sold the necklace, which potentially has ties to Marie-Antoinette, for $4.8 million to a woman bidding via phone.
MajorsNov 14, 2024
Saks Fifth Avenue Cancels Holiday Light DisplayInstead of its usual elaborate display, the store will illuminate its façade and frame the windows to highlight its flagship’s architecture.
Brought to you by
Enhance Your Expertise with IGI’s In-Person Courses in NYCThis fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.
WatchesNov 14, 2024
Grand Seiko Partners With Ben Bridge on First Hawaii Store The new Grand Seiko boutique is located in Honolulu’s Waikiki neighborhood.
SourcingNov 13, 2024
Gem Legacy Adventures Announces 2025 Trip Eleven spots are available for travelers to visit Northern Tanzania and Southern Kenya from July 25 to Aug. 4.
AuctionsNov 13, 2024
Aga Khan Emerald Sells for $8.8M, Sets RecordThe emerald brooch-turned-pendant returned to auction after 55 years, setting a world record for most expensive emerald sold at auction.
AuctionsNov 13, 2024
‘Exceptional’ Burmese Ruby Ring Tops $5M at Auction Phillips also sold a 1.21-carat fancy red diamond dubbed the “Red Miracle” for more than $1 million at its jewelry auction in Geneva.
MajorsNov 13, 2024
Ariana Grande, Anya Taylor-Joy Star in Holiday Jewelry CampaignsFrom Swarovski to Tiffany & Co., jewelry retailers are enlisting celebrities to highlight their holiday offerings.
MajorsNov 13, 2024
Royal Chain’s New Catalog Is Out NowThe 2024-2025 book introduces hundreds of new designs.
GradingNov 12, 2024
GIA’s Next-Day Services Return for the HolidaysOffered by the lab since 2016, the holiday season special is good from now through mid-December.
CollectionsNov 12, 2024
Mikimoto and Chrome Hearts Blend Aesthetics in New CollaborationThe “Mikimoto Chrome Hearts” jewelry brings pearls from Mikimoto together with distinctive motifs from Chrome Hearts.
CollectionsNov 08, 2024
Piece of the Week: Larkspur & Hawk’s ‘Tapestry Lily’ Earrings These earrings use flat-backed white quartz to create a window onto an antique ribbon embroidered with a floral design.
Events & AwardsNov 08, 2024
AGTA Reveals Spectrum, Cutting Edge Award Winners for 2024This year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards included a new category for engagement rings and a new award highlighting female designers.
TrendsNov 07, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: Golden and Blue November HuesThe month’s birthstones, citrine and blue topaz, reflect the changing colors of the season.
CollectionsNov 07, 2024
Sidney Garber Collaborates With Carey Lowell on Capsule CollectionThe “Carey Lowell x Sidney Garber” collection stems from the friendship between the jewelry designer and ceramicist.
MajorsNov 07, 2024
Ritani Debuts ‘No-Fuss’ Holiday TV CampaignThe two ads highlight diamond engagement rings and diamond studs with a straightforward approach.
Policies & IssuesNov 07, 2024
Diamonds Do Good To Distribute $250K+ In Grants Next YearIn 2025, the nonprofit plans to continue its support of longstanding partners while also allocating some funds to a new initiative.
AuctionsNov 06, 2024
Two Rolexes With Ties to Titanic Head to AuctionThe Rolex watches are from the collection of “Titanic” co-producer Alfred “Al” Giddings and will go up for sale at Sotheby’s next month.
FinancialsNov 06, 2024
Pandora Posts Double-Digit Revenue Growth in Q3The Danish jewelry company plans to open up to 150 concept stores this fiscal year.
GradingNov 06, 2024
GIA to Close Lab in Ramat Gan, IsraelThe location will close by the end of the year due to it being financially unsustainable, GIA said.
MajorsNov 06, 2024
David Yurman’s Holiday Campaign Celebrates ‘Moments of Joy’The new campaign stars Sterling K. Brown, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Winnie Harlow, Kyle Kuzma, Arizona Muse, and Iris Law.
CollectionsNov 05, 2024
Jacquie Aiche is Hosting an Online Treasure HuntOne lucky winner will receive a “Lizzie” diamond bracelet.
