Financials

Pandora to Close 50 Stores Following Weak Q1 Results

FinancialsMay 07, 2019

Pandora to Close 50 Stores Following Weak Q1 Results

Quarterly revenue in the United States fell 12 percent as charm demand waned.

20190507_Pandora_necklace.jpg
A sterling silver “Knotted Heart T-Bar Necklace” ($275) from Pandora. While its charms segment performed poorly, Pandora’s necklaces and pendants segment saw double-digit growth.

Copenhagen, Denmark—Pandora had a rough start to its fiscal year, reporting weak first quarter results as slowing demand for its charms sent like-for-like sales tumbling.

Quarterly revenue totaled 4.80 billion Danish kroner ($719 million), slipping 6 percent compared with 5.12 billion kroner ($820.5 million) in the previous first quarter.

Like-for-like in-store sales were down 10 percent as foot traffic fell 14 percent.

The in-store sales decline mainly occurred at jewelry stores and other outlets that carry Pandora, rather than at the company’s own stores, Q1 results show.

Revenue from company-owned retail outlets was up 16 percent in the quarter, accounting for 64 percent of its total sales. Wholesale, which accounted for 31 percent of total sales, decreased 34 percent in the quarter.

Online sales rose 7 percent. Pandora’s online store generated 10 percent of total revenue in the quarter with almost 1 million orders placed.

On a regional basis, quarterly revenue in the U.S. dipped 12 percent to 977 million DKK ($146 million).

Revenue in the Americas overall, which includes Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean as well as the United States, was down 5 percent.

Revenue from the EMEA region, which includes Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, declined 11 percent while sales in the Asia-Pacific region fell 6 percent.

China was one of the only regions to see revenue growth, up 15 percent in the first quarter. Pandora released a 15-piece Peach Blossom collection, exclusively available in China, in April.

Breaking it down by category, Pandora’s charms are still its bread and butter, accounting for 51 percent of its sales, but their popularity seemingly continues to wane.

Revenue from its charms segment sank 17 percent in the first quarter, while the necklaces and pendants segment saw double-digit growth, up 14 percent in the quarter.

Revenue from rings and earrings were also on the rise in the low-to-mid single digits while bracelets, a carrier for the charms, saw a slight dip in revenue.

Pandora is in the midst of Programme NOW, its two-year turnaround plan that aims to cut costs and revitalize the brand.

On Tuesday, the company announced it will close 50 “low-margin” concept stores, including those that are not profitable or diluting margins.

“The brand as well as the company has reached a point of maturity and it is not without some serious challenges,” new CEO Alexander Lacik said in the company’s earnings release. “The recently announced transformation Programme NOW, which I fully support, is a

great transition into the future.”

Also as part of the transformation plan, Pandora will reduce the size of its sell-in packages, buy back inventory from wholesale partners and run fewer sales.

The company said it has saved 100 million DKK so far, scaling back on everything from consultancy costs and employee benefits to workforce scheduling and lease agreements.

Pandora Chief Financial Officer Anders Boyer noted that while the first quarter “emphasizes the need for our planned brand relaunch,” the company’s initial commercial pilots and marketing tests show “good results.”

The company’s fiscal year financial guidance remains the same, with organic growth expected to decline 3-7 percent with like-for-like sales improving slightly.
Lenore Fedowis the senior editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.

The Latest

Sylvie Jewelry Auranova Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsApr 25, 2025
Sylvie Looks to Water in New Sculptural Bridal Collection

“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.

Deborah Meyers Experience The Birds Earrings
EditorsApr 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Deborah Meyers Experience’s ‘The Birds’ Earrings

Designer Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.

Melee diamonds from De Beers
SourcingApr 25, 2025
De Beers Sales, Production Fall in Q1 Amid Uncertainty

The company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.

ejap cohort 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program Announces Second Cohort of Aspiring Jewelry Entrepreneurs

Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.

LIM-401 2024 National Jeweler Supplier Bulletin- iD100 Web and Eblast FINAL (1).jpg
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

Weekly QuizApr 24, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Wolf CEO Simon Wolf
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. Expansion

Simon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.

Iowa jeweler Herman Ginsberg
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99

A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.

gia1d100 btyb.jpg
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

The risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.

Young Diamantaires
SourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to Nonprofit

The organization also announced its board of directors.

Mined + Found "Hope" Matchbox Locket
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So Charming

Charms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.

Bulgari’s expanded factory in Valenza, Italy
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in Italy

Located in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.

Jason McNary accepting FGI Fine Jewelry Rising Star award for Paola Sasplugas
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ Award

Paola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.

1999 Cosmograph Daytona, Ref.16516
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to Auction

A platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.

Carmelo Anthony and Jaylen Brown David Yurman campaign
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen Brown

The basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.

Woman wearing Zales jewelry
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine Jewelry

The Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.

JAR Apricot Blossom bracelet
AuctionsApr 22, 2025
Christie’s to Auction JAR Jewelry Collection

The 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.

National Jeweler columnist Lilian Raji
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of Mouth

Lilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.

Avi Levy
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth Officer

GCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.

Scottsdale Fine Jewelers store exterior
IndependentsApr 22, 2025
Brinker’s Jewelers Acquires Fellow Independent

The Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Cartier Exhibition Installation at Victoria & Albert Museum
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
An Exhibition Exploring the History of Cartier Is Now on Display

“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Bill and Birdie Levine of Van Cott Jewelers
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 Years

Van Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.

IJO Director Samantha Larson
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
IJO Names New Director of Vendor Relations, Merchandise Strategy

Industry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.

Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
Jewelers of Louisiana, Mississippi Jewelers Association to Co-Host Convention

The two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.

Daymond John
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las Vegas

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

Dukachi Easter Bread Pendant
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ Pendant

The Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.

Bremer Jewelry
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated Store

The jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.

Tiffany & Co. Strong Like Mom campaign
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day Campaign

The “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.

×

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