Financials

Tiffany Sees Americas Comps Rise 1% in Q3

FinancialsNov 29, 2017

Tiffany Sees Americas Comps Rise 1% in Q3

Total sales in the region also were up 1 percent, bolstered by a strong performance from the fashion jewelry segment.

20171129_Tiffany-cafe.jpg
Tiffany said in its third quarter earnings call that it believes consumers will continue to be attracted to the in-store experience. The retailer recently opened the Blue Box Café at its Fifth Avenue flagship, pictured here, when it renovated the store’s fourth floor.

New York--Strong sales in the fashion jewelry and high, fine and solitaire segments helped turn around business for Tiffany & Co. in its third quarter.

Same-store sales in the Americas were up 1 percent in the period ended Oct. 31, while total sales in the region reached $421 million in the third quarter, a 1 percent increase over the prior year.

On a constant-exchange-rate basis, total sales rose 1 percent in the third quarter, with comparable store sales about flat.

The jeweler attributed the sales performance to higher spending by local customers, even as sales to foreign tourists continued to slow. Tiffany noted an increase in the number of jewelry units sold across all categories in the Americas, with the exception of engagement jewelry.

Worldwide, meanwhile, comps were down 1 percent year-over-year, while sales increased 3 percent to $976 million.

On a constant-exchange-rate basis, global sales increased 3 percent and comparable store sales were equal to the prior year.

Net earnings for the quarter increased 5 percent from $95 million in the third quarter last year to $100 million. Gross margin was nearly flat at 61 percent.

Mark Aaron, vice president of investor relations, said during the company’s earnings call Wednesday morning that it was encouraged by the growth of higher jewelry sales volume rather than ticket prices.  

He also noted they saw continued growth in fashion jewelry and resumption of growth in high, fine and solitaire jewelry, led by iconic diamond jewelry designs, especially the popular Victoria, yellow diamonds and Soleste collections.

This was offset by sales of engagement jewelry, which continued to “underperform.”

In response to the trend of consumers wanting to customize their rings, Tiffany has introduced a program in the United States and Canada that allows them to choose their own diamond cut, setting and metal.

Meanwhile, the company’s e-commerce sales grew more than overall sales during the quarter, but Aaron noted that, while it will continue to invest in online and digital marketing, Tiffany believes most customers “still are and will continue to be attracted to the in-store experience.”

Most recently, Tiffany’s Fifth Avenue flagship in New York has seen a lot of activity, including the reopening of its just-revamped fourth floor, which is home to accessories and tableware collection. It also now houses the Blue Box Café, which, Aaron said, based on long lines every day, is “fast becoming a New York tradition.”

Tiffany also recently

opened two pop-up shops in New York City--in Rockefeller Center and Grand Central Terminal--offering a selection of jewelry and gifts curated by Creative Director Reed Krakoff. Aaron said the company is “excited about the sales potential and brand exposure from those two shops.”

Globally, the company saw mixed results in its sales performances during the most recent quarter.

In Asia-Pacific, total sales rose 15 percent to $283 million in the third quarter while comps were up 2 percent. Tiffany said the sales growth in the region resulted from increased wholesale and retail sales.

In Japan, meanwhile, total sales of $139 million in the third quarter were down 8 percent compared with the prior-year period. Same-store sales also were down 8 percent during the three-month period. According to Tiffany, the sales decline reflected the negative effect of a weaker yen versus the dollar.

Total sales in Europe were up increased 5 percent in the third quarter to $110 million, while comps were down 3 percent. The retailer noted total retail sales growth across most of continental Europe, with a decline in sales in the U.K.

Year-to-date, Tiffany has opened seven company-operated stores and closed five.

As of the end of October, it operated 315 stores (125 in the Americas, 86 in Asia-Pacific, 54 in Japan, 46 in Europe and four in the UAE), compared with 313 stores in the prior year (125 in the Americas, 85 in Asia-Pacific, 55 in Japan, 43 in Europe and five in the UAE).

Tiffany management said it expects worldwide net sales for fiscal 2017 to be up over the prior year by a low-single-digit percentage.
Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Kendra Scott CEO Chris Blakeslee
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO

Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.

Wrapped holiday present boxes
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard Say

The credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.

Christie’s Kimberly Miller
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for Luxury

Kimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.

Recipients Collage 2025 - NJ (1872 x 1050 px) (1872 x 1052 px).png
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow Today

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

Lionheart Serenity Opal Amulet Charm
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal Charm

The “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.

Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie in Pandora Bridgerton campaign
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms

“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.

Ana Khouri logo
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry Excellence

Founded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”

roseco-catalog.png
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line Catalog

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

Stuller’s Color of the Year for 2026, “Signature Red”
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s White

The jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.

Gracie Abrams Chanel Coco Crush
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry Campaign

The singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.

Bobbi L. Avery, Jeffery Bolling, Britney Phillips, and Lindsay Salvo
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board Directors

The nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.

Headshot of National Jewler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?

As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.

Pinar Hakim Rainbow Seahorse Pendant, Nue Fine Jewelry Irene Charm, Susannah King Venus Ring
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC Show

The trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.

Akiva Gil garnet ring
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for Garnet

January’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.

Diamonds Do Good 2025 Impact Report
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact Report

The annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.

Police cars with lights on
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District Brawl

Footage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.

Rio Grande xTool F2 Ultra Portable Laser Engraver Bundle
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026

The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.

Zales storefront
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New Look

The Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”

Linda Coutu
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of Sales

Linda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.

AGA board 2026-2029
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Board

The governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.

Jenna Blake diamond Fan earrings
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s Edition

Sparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.

Ben Nighthorse Campbell
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92

The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.

Jacquie Aiche Alien Heart Eye Inlay Necklace, Cicada Dragonfly Brooch, Harkness After the Rain Earrings
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool Blue

In its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.

Saks Fifth Avenue flagship window installation
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global

Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.

Couture Retailer Liaison Jan Mohr
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71

Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.

Shekhar Shah Real Gems
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of Directors

Shekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.

Lalaounis good luck charm 2026
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to Resilience

This year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.

×

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