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

An interior shot of the Musee Lalique in Wingen-sur-Moder, France
CrimeAug 06, 2026
Lalique Museum to Remain Closed Following $5M Heist

Museum officials are looking to the public to help cover the “exceptional” costs involved in recovering from the July 5 smash-and-grab.

1872-x-1052-July-ad (2).png
Supplier BulletinAug 06, 2026
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying Events

Sponsored by Stratus Estate Buyers

Claire’s new piercing experience
MajorsAug 06, 2026
Claire’s Revamps Piercing Services for Second Time in Three Years

The overhaul includes enhanced employee safety training and trendy earring styles, including lab-grown diamond studs.

1872-x-1052-July-ad (1).png
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying Events

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

Handwork: Handcrafted Objects that Made America Book Cover
TrendsAug 06, 2026
New Book on Handcrafted American Objects Highlights Jewelry

“Handwork: Handcrafted Objects that Made America” features historic and contemporary works, including a Diné squash blossom necklace.

Weekly QuizAug 06, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Ani Khachian
MajorsAug 06, 2026
AJA East Coast Names Ani Khachian as First Female President-Elect

The Armenian Jewelers Association’s East Coast chapter has also elected its 2026–2027 board of directors.

JCPenney storefront
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Private Equity Firm Wants to Buy 100+ JCPenney Stores

Onyx Partners has submitted a second offer to buy the department stores after its first offer fell through last year.

Brought-To-By-Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center Stage

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

The Roaring Jewel Martini
IndependentsAug 05, 2026
Atlanta Jeweler Introduces $10K Martini

Solomon Brothers Jewelers has partnered with local cocktail bar Roaring Social on a new martini garnished with a tennis necklace.

Benjamin Siegel of Hamilton Jewelers
IndependentsAug 05, 2026
Another Member of the Siegel Family Joins Hamilton Jewelers

Benjamin Siegel, son of President and CEO Hank Siegel, started working for the family business this week.

Bulgari San Diego Store Exterior
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Bulgari Opens Store in San Diego

The new space features a modern design that blends Bulgari’s Roman heritage with San Diego’s coastal spirit.

Mugshots of four men
CrimeAug 04, 2026
Crew of Thieves Break Into Indiana Jeweler’s Home

Four men were charged in connection with the break-in and accused of stealing $365,000 in cash, jewelry, and designer goods.

André Branch
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Pandora Hires Former Signet Board Member to Lead North American Market

André Branch has more than 25 years of experience with various brands, most recently serving as CEO of Ariana Grande’s cosmetics company.

Gemlok earrings
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Sasha Primak Acquires Gemlok

New York-based atelier Gemlok is best known for creating the innovative “bridge” setting that became popular in the bridal market.

Santana Now Unidad Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsAug 04, 2026
Musician Carlos Santana Launches Jewelry Brand

Santana Now's debut collection, “Unidad,” features symbolic motifs as well as pieces of wood from the Woodstock stage.

Stock image of a gavel and books
CrimeAug 03, 2026
Florida Man Gets 15 Years in Trio of Jewelry Store Robberies

The 50-year-old man pleaded guilty earlier this year to robbing two jewelry stores and a pawn shop of more than $700,000 in merchandise.

Spider-Man Citizen watch and pin on a web
WatchesAug 03, 2026
Citizen's New Spider-Man Watch Is a Collector’s Dream

The watch’s dial features an original design by Marvel comics illustrator Adam Kubert.

Chatham Men’s Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsAug 03, 2026
Chatham Releases First Men’s Collection

The new collection of lab-grown diamond and colored gemstone jewelry provides a “fresh perspective” on the category, Chatham said.

Pomellato Marvelous Griffe earrings
TrendsAug 03, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Spinel vs. Peridot

While some August babies are team peridot, the month's time-honored birthstone, others are team spinel, the newer alternative.

Edina Kiss Popsicle Pendant and Karina Choudhrie Ice Cream Charm
TrendsJul 31, 2026
These Pieces of the Week Are Sweet

Edina Kiss’ “Popsicle” pendant and Karina Choudhrie’s “Ice Cream” charm satisfy that summer craving for a sweet piece of jewelry.

Macy’s Herald Square store sign
MajorsJul 31, 2026
Macy’s Iconic Red Shopping Bag Sign Torn Down

The massive billboard has been in the same spot on the department store’s Herald Square flagship store for decades.

Gemfields emeralds
SourcingJul 31, 2026
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Jumps 72%

The miner’s ruby and emerald auctions brought in a combined $102.9 million.

Stock image of a polished diamond being held by tweezers
SourcingJul 30, 2026
De Beers Sale in ‘Final, Most Challenging’ Phase, Anglo CEO Says

The goal is for the De Beers sale to be finished by the second half of 2026, with the subsequent approvals process expected to take a year.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Jewelers of America President and CEO David Bonaparte in Washington, D.C.
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2026
JA Heads Back to Washington as New Wave of Tariffs Takes Effect

David Bonaparte, along with Tim Haake and Ronnie VanderLinden, continue to lobby for tariff exemptions for diamonds, gemstones, and pearls.

Hands pushing shopping cart
SurveysJul 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Slips in July

Survey respondents were concerned about the rising prices of food and groceries as well as unemployment.

Paola De Luca Presents Trendvision Book
Events & AwardsJul 30, 2026
Vicenzaoro Releases 2026 Education Lineup

The trade show, slated for Sept. 4-8 in Vicenza, Italy, will feature sessions on trends, AI, gemology, and manufacturing.

Jewels by Grace Hillsborough Show
Events & AwardsJul 30, 2026
Hillsborough Show Moves to New Location for 2026

The public shopping event featuring art, jewelry, watches, and rare collectibles, will take place in Santa Clara, California, this fall.

×

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