The winner of the inaugural David Yurman Gem Awards Grant will be announced live at the 2026 Gem Awards gala.
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.

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
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.
The Latest

As summer winds down, celebrate the sunny disposition of the month’s birthstones: peridot and spinel.

Moshe Haimoff, a social media personality and 47th Street retailer, was robbed of $559,000 worth of jewelry by men in construction outfits.

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

Xavier Dibbrell brings more than a decade of experience to the role.


The addition of Yoakum, who will lead Kay and Peoples, was one of three executive appointments Signet announced Thursday.

The insurance company’s previous president and CEO, Scott Murphy, has split his role and will continue as CEO.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

The nearly six-month pause of operations at its Kagem emerald mine earlier this year impacted the miner’s first-half results.

The necklace uses spinel drops to immortalize the moment Aphrodite’s tears mixed with her lover Adonis’ blood after he was fatally wounded.

The diamond miner and marketer warned last week that it expected to be in the red after significantly cutting prices in Q2.

Jewelers of America’s 35th annual design contest recognized creativity, artistry, style, and excellence.

Tratner succeeds Andie Weinman, who will begin stepping back from the buying group’s day-to-day operations.

The president made the announcement via Truth Social Wednesday, adding that India also will face a penalty for its dealings with Russia.

Its opening marks the completion of the retailer’s new 11,000-square-foot store in the Texas capital.

Respondents shared concerns about tariffs and commentary on the “Big Beautiful Bill.”

“Making a Killing in Diamonds” tells the story of Mimi Rosen, the disappearance of a scientist, and the murder of lab-grown diamond CEO.

Senior Editor Lenore Fedow learned a lot when she took a behind-the-scenes factory tour with the jewelry brand earlier this year.

The first-time exhibitors, set to debut at the New York City show, share a devotion to craftsmanship, storytelling, and material integrity.

The online auction house’s September sale will feature rough Brazilian emeralds of various qualities.

She’ll lead an executive committee consisting of President-Elect Bryan Moeller, Mitchell Clark, Bill Farmer, and Larry Rickert.

Announced Sunday, the deal will set the tax on goods imported into the United States from the European Union at 15 percent.

A new edition of the Italian brand’s “Ipanema” collection has debuted with gemstones that evoke Brazil’s breathtaking views.

The retailer will refer its customers to WonderCare, founded by venture capitalist and watch collector Kevin O’Leary.

The jeweler’s largest store yet is set to open in Little Rock next fall.

Anne Hathaway was seen wearing the toggle necklace three times while filming scenes for “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”

Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong is scheduled for Sept. 15 to 21, and buyer pre-registration will be available until Sept. 7.