Financials

Pandora Lowers Yearly Outlook Following Rough Q3

FinancialsNov 05, 2019

Pandora Lowers Yearly Outlook Following Rough Q3

Like-for-like sales were down across its top seven markets, including a 9 percent dip in the United States.

20191105_Pandora_bracelet.jpg
Sales of Pandora’s charms were down 12 percent year-over-year in the third quarter.

Copenhagen, Denmark—Pandora had a rough third quarter and has lowered its financial outlook for the year as the cost of its brand relaunch and weak sales in China weigh heavy on its balance sheet.

Like-for-like sales dipped 10 percent year-over-year, including double-digit declines in key markets such as the U.K. and China. (Like-for-like represents true comparable sales out of stores that have been open for at least a year, excluding currency fluctuations.)

Quarterly revenue totaled 4.42 billion Danish kroner ($656.63 million), falling 11 percent compared with 4.98 billion kroner ($740.85 million) in the third quarter of last year.

“The deliberate actions of the commercial reset hurt our short-term financial performance, but it’s unquestionably the right thing to do,” CEO Alexander Lacik said in an earnings call Tuesday morning.

“We will exit 2019 in much better shape in key areas with less dependence on promotions, more balanced inventory levels, and a more efficient product assortment.”

Like-for-like online sales jumped 12 percent, accounting for 10 percent of total revenue, slightly higher than the 8 percent in the previous third quarter.

Total revenue in the United States fell 14 percent year-over-year while like-for-like sales sank 9 percent. The U.S. remains Pandora’s top market, accounting for 20 percent of global revenue.

Pandora attributed the weak performance in the U.S. to a reduction of promotional activity—it cut back on the number of sale days by 40 percent—but noted that adjusting for the reduction, like-for-like sales were “in line with the overall retail traffic development in the U.S.”

Organic growth— sales into stores (sell-in) plus sales from newly opened stores (also excluding currency fluctuations)— in the U.S. sank 18 percent, which the company said represents a “significant reduction” in inventory among its wholesale partners, which was larger than it expected this quarter.

Pandora described its performance in China as “disappointing,” seeing a 7 percent dip in total revenue and a 16 percent drop in like-for-like sales.

Double-digit growth in sales on Tmall, a popular e-commerce site, was offset by weak sales for Chinese Valentine’s Day this August. The holiday accounts for around 32 percent of its third-quarter revenue, Pandora said.

The company has responded with a “Win-in-China” initiative, an element of its Programme Now turnaround effort, which includes commercial initiatives, like brand positioning, and optimizing its media spend.

Like-for-like sales were down across the board in Pandora’s top seven markets, including a 10 percent dip in the U.K., its second-largest market by revenue share,

and a 12 percent dip in Italy.

By category, sales of charms fell 12 percent year-over-year while sales of bracelets and rings were both down 13 percent.

Revenue from its earrings and necklaces and pendants segments slipped 6 percent.

Looking ahead, Pandora lowered its financial guidance for the full year, forecasting negative organic revenue growth in the 7 to 9 percent range, compared with its previous guidance of a 3 to 7 percent decline.

The company attributed the change in part to higher-than-expected cuts in inventory levels with its wholesale partners.

In a press release, Lacik called the third quarter “an important milestone for Pandora,” noting consumers have responded positively to the company’s rebranding initiatives, adding that Pandora is expecting “solid” Christmas sales.

“We continue to believe that we will see an improvement in like-for-like in Q4, although the exact magnitude is clearly subject to uncertainty,” he said.

In addition to its quarterly results, Pandora announced Monday the nomination of Peter Ruzicka as its new member and chair of its board of directors.

His appointment is subject to election at its general meeting, which is scheduled for Dec. 4.
Lenore Fedowis the senior editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.

The Latest

Sothebys Romanov sapphire
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s Geneva

The rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.

Fake Audemars Piguet watch
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet Watches

It is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.

Jewelers of America new board members
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board

Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.

overnight btyb 1026.png
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to Sell

With customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.

Kristi Yamaguchi Wearing Always Dream Collection
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ Collection

The jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.

Weekly QuizOct 29, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
2026 AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards Best Of Winners
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum Awards

Spectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.

Edina Kiss Eye Pendants on Charm Necklace
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’

Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.

DeBeersICONS_TITLE1_CUSTOMCONTENT_1872x1052 (1).jpg
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural Diamonds

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

Alexis Hoopes
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising Officer

Alexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.

Rolex store exterior Bellevue Washington
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington State

The Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.

Norma Wellington spider web pendant
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks

Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.

Ann Cahoon
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Gesswein Hires Longtime Bench Jeweler, Educator Ann Cahoon

Cahoon was appointed strategic account and educational program manager at Gesswein, which recently joined Continental Buying Group.

Tiffany & Co. Love Is a Gift Holiday Campaign with Amanda Seyfried
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Amanda Seyfried Stars In Tiffany & Co.’s Holiday Campaign

Tiffany & Co.’s latest ambassador makes her debut in its “Love Is a Gift” holiday campaign.

Graphic of cauldron and cat with jewelry in bubbles
EditorsOct 28, 2026
These Wicked Jewels Will Cast a Spell on You

For her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow highlights bewitching jewels fit for a witch that go from day to unholy night.

Jaythan Gilder and Stolen Tiffany & Co. Earrings
CrimeOct 28, 2026
Man In Florida Who Swallowed Tiffany & Co. Earrings Convicted

Jaythan Gilder was found guilty of robbery and grand theft after stealing and then ingesting nearly $800,000 worth of Tiffany & Co. jewelry.

Gas station
SurveysOct 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Up in October as Gas Prices Ease

Consumer confidence remains on the long-term downward trend that’s persisted over the past few years, said a Conference Board economist.

Stuller Magic of the Moment Holiday Campaign
MajorsOct 28, 2026
Stuller’s Holiday Campaign Lets the ‘Magic of the Moment’ Shine

The holiday campaign includes key jewelry trends, a curated holiday gift guide, and resources to help jewelers prepare for holiday shoppers.

De Beers Desert Diamonds Icons Campaign Designer Showcase
SourcingOct 27, 2026
De Beers Celebrates the Holidays With New ‘Desert Diamonds’ Campaign

The “Icons” holiday campaign spotlights four classic diamond jewelry styles reimagined in “Desert Diamond” tones.

Mervis Diamond Importers store
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Solomon Brothers Acquires Mervis Diamond Importers

Solomon Brothers, which has three stores in the Metro Atlanta area, said it may continue to acquire other independent jewelers.

Woman holding testing swab
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Gabriel & Co. Supports Charity Partner DKMS With Gala, New Jewels

The fine jewelry brand raised $2.3 million at its annual gala that supports the nonprofit’s fight against blood cancer and blood disorders.

Sarin Bachmann and Julie Walsh
Events & AwardsOct 27, 2026
JFC Announces 2027 ‘Facets’ Honorees

The annual fundraising event is slated for June 6, 2027, at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas.

Ali Ahn in Bliss Lau Vantage Collection Campaign
CollectionsOct 26, 2026
Bliss Lau’s ‘Vantage’ Point Is the Hawaiian Horizon

In her “Vantage” collection, Lau explores heritage, identity, and inner strength through designs featuring blue-green Guatemalan jade.

Behind the scenes shot of Tiffany & Co.’s Design and Innovation Workshop
MajorsOct 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Takes Consumers Behind the Scenes

The jeweler gave the public backstage tours of its flagship store and its design and innovation workshop as part of LVMH’s open house.

Jewelers for Children Halloween contest
Events & AwardsOct 26, 2026
Support JFC’s ‘Monster Mash Challenge,’ If You Dare

Vote for which jewelry professional should dress up as a monster to support Jewelers for Children’s annual Halloween fundraiser.

Image from PGI USA Platinum Born campaign
MajorsOct 23, 2026
PGI USA Set to Close at Year’s End

The closure is part of a global restructuring that also includes PGI winding down its operations in Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.

Rachel Chalchinsky of Color Source Gems Survivor Tribute Ring
SourcingOct 23, 2026
Rachel Chalchinsky’s ‘Survivor Tribute’ Ring

The ring, our Piece of the Week, was designed by eight-year breast cancer survivor Rachel Chalchinsky of Color Source Gems.

Jewelers of America new logo
TechnologyOct 23, 2026
JA Unveils New Website, Logo

The website offers enhanced member benefit access, industry directories, educational resources, a job board, and access to the MJSA Journal.

×

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