Financials

Tiffany’s Q1 Sales Dragged Down By Weak Tourist Spending

FinancialsJun 04, 2019

Tiffany’s Q1 Sales Dragged Down By Weak Tourist Spending

Trade tensions between the United States and China took a toll on the jeweler.

2018_Tiffany-flagship-blue.jpg
Tiffany & Co., which has its U.S. flagship on Fifth Avenue in New York, reported a 3 percent drop in worldwide sales in its first quarter, with sales in the Americas declining 4 percent.

New York—Tiffany & Co. reported a dip in worldwide sales in the first quarter, weighed down by weak tourist spending.

Net sales in the first quarter, which included both Valentine’s and Mother’s Day, totaled $1 billion, compared with $1.03 billion in the previous first quarter, a 3 percent drop.

Worldwide same-stores sales fell declined by 2 percent.

“Our first quarter results reflect significant foreign-exchange headwinds and dramatically lower worldwide spending attributed to foreign tourists,” CEO Alessandro Bogliolo said in the news release on the results.

Trade tensions between the United States and China also have taken a toll on the retailer, as tariffs haven risen to 25 percent on jewelry sent to China from the U.S., as noted in the filing.

Gross profit fell about 5 percent to $619.2 million, or about 62 percent of sales, compared with $650.9 million, or 63 percent of sales, a year ago.

“The sharp decline we saw [in foreign tourist spending] really presented itself for the first time in June of last year and we have been running down significantly since that point in time,” Chief Financial Officer Mark J. Erceg said during the company’s earnings call Tuesday morning.

Net sales in the Americas, where the most Tiffany stores are located, were down 4 percent to $406 million. Same-store sales in the region fell 5 percent.

European sales fell 4 percent to $102 million while same-store sales were down 7 percent.

Asia-Pacific sales dropped 1 percent to $324 million as tourist spending slowed, and same-store sales were down by 5 percent.

Sales in Japan fell 4 percent to $145 million, again linked to lower tourist spending, while same-store sales were down 4 percent.

Sales from the “other” segment, which includes five Tiffany stores in the United Arab Emirates, were a bright spot on the balance sheet, climbing 17 percent to $26 million as wholesale diamond sales grew.

However, same-store sales in the UAE fell by 17 percent.

By category, sales of pieces from Tiffany’s jewelry collections, which includes lines like “Tiffany T” and “Paper Flowers,” increased 1 percent.

Sales of engagement jewelry fell 6 percent while jewelry from designers such as Elsa Peretti, Paloma Picasso and Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger dropped 14 percent.

As of April 30, there were 321 Tiffany stores in operation compared with 314 a year ago. There are 124 stores in the Americas, one more than a year ago.

Looking ahead, Tiffany expects worldwide net sales to increase by a low-single-digital percentage over last year.

Earnings

per share are expected to continue to decline in the second quarter of the year due to the effect of lower foreign tourist spending, though CEO Bogliolo noted in a statement that sales to local customers, particularly in China, are on the rise.

“At the core of our business, global sales attributed to local customers, led by sales in China, grew over last year’s very strong sales results,” he said.

He said growth in sales to local customers “reflects progress” and said Tiffany is set to improve in the second half of the year.
Lenore Fedowis the senior editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.

The Latest

Marie Lichtenberg Lasso Locket Bracelets Campaign
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New Bracelets

The brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.

“My Next Question: The Podcast” graphic featuring Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.

Saks New York City holiday lights
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEO

The department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.

JamAlert 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell Jammers

Criminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.

Colman Domingo
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand Ambassador

The award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.

Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Burnell’s Fine Jewelry Kristi Regan, Nathan Regan, Sean Hamlin, Erin Carson
IndependentsJan 14, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Wins 2025 ‘Wag’ Award

Edge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.

National Jeweler columnist Sherry Smith, vice president of coaching strategy and development at the Edge Retail Academy
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026

In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.

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.

Orr’s Jewelers David Gordon, Marcia Gordon, Aliza Gordon, Leslie Gordon
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip District

The family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.

Stock image of a gavel and books
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store Robbery

Ivel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.

Rio Grande diamonds
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond Melee

The supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.

Hana Kaneko rings
Events & AwardsJan 13, 2026
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter Event

The new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.

MNQ FINAL - NJ web - 1872 x 1052 px.png
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the Podcast

A monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals

Lisa Manobal, Priyanka Chopra Jonas
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden Globes

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.

Peter Yanzter, former executive director of AGS Labs
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77

Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.

Macy’s New York Herald Square
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This Year

The store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.

Jewelers Mutual logo
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance Program

Through EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

×

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