Financials

Tiffany’s Sales Take a Hit in the Americas

FinancialsDec 05, 2019

Tiffany’s Sales Take a Hit in the Americas

The jeweler fell short of revenue and same-store sales expectations in Q3 due to weak demand in the Americas and unrest in Hong Kong.

20191024_Tiffany_Five_Golden_Rings.jpg
The “Five Golden Schlumberger Rings” ($210,000) featured in Tiffany & Co.’s new high-end holiday gift guide. The jeweler fell short of revenue and same-store sales expectations in the third quarter.

New York—Tiffany & Co. missed the mark on revenue and same-store sales in the third quarter as demand in the Americas weakened and the toll of the Hong Kong protests outweighed growth in mainland China.

It was the American jeweler’s first earnings report since announcing its pending acquisition by French luxury titan LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton in a deal valued at $16.2 billion.

Net sales in the third quarter were unchanged at $1.014 billion, compared with $1.012 billion a year ago.

Same-store sales were also flat.

The jeweler fell short of analyst expectations of $1.037 billion in revenue with same-store sales growth of 1 percent.

Excluding the Hong Kong market, worldwide sales increased 4 percent with same-store sales rising 3 percent.

Gross profit dipped 1 percent to $625.7 million, or 62 percent of sales, compared with $629.3 million, or 62 percent of sales, a year ago.

“Our underlying business remains healthy with sales attributed to local customers on a global basis growing in the third quarter, led by strong double-digit growth in the Chinese Mainland offset in part by softness in domestic sales in the Americas,” CEO Alessandro Bogliolo said in a press release.

(Tiffany did not hold an earnings call discussing the results.)

Net sales in the Americas, where the most Tiffany stores are located, were down 4 percent to $423 million due in part to a decline in sales from both local customers and tourists.

Same-store sales in the region also fell 4 percent.

European sales fell 3 percent to $111 million, attributed to the effect of foreign currency translation, while same-store sales were unchanged.

Asia-Pacific sales were flat at $294 million, also attributed to foreign currency translation, while same-store sales were down 2 percent.

Tiffany highlighted its double-digit growth in mainland China while noting the effect of “significant disruptions” in Hong Kong related to the ongoing political unrest in the region.

Higher spending by locals was offset by a dip in tourist spending.

In Japan, third-quarter sales soared 19 percent to $169 million with same-store sales also up 19 percent.

Tiffany attributed the growth to customers getting in last-minute shopping before the country’s consumption tax hike took effect in October, rising from 8 percent to 10 percent on most goods.

Sales from the “other” segment, which includes five Tiffany stores in the United Arab Emirates, fell 13 percent to $17 million while same-store sales were down 3 percent.

By category, sales from Tiffany’s jewelry

collections, which includes lines like “Tiffany T” and “Paper Flowers,” and sales from its engagement jewelry, were unchanged.

Sales of jewelry from designers Elsa Peretti, Paloma Picasso and Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger increased 1 percent.

Bogliolo noted in the second-quarter earnings call in August that the company plans to “properly refresh our product assortment,” by fiscal 2021.

The jeweler recently added colorful pieces to its “Tiffany T” collection, introduced a men’s collection, launched his and hers Tiffany & Love fragrances, and the new “Very, Very Tiffany” holiday campaign and catalog featuring luxe, high-ticket gift items.

As of Oct. 31, there were 323 Tiffany stores in operation worldwide, including 124 in the Americas, compared with 321 a year ago.

Tiffany did not provide guidance for the year ahead, but Chief Financial Officer Mark Erceg noted in the second quarter that if the ongoing unrest in Hong Kong continues, the jeweler’s full-year sales and EPS (earnings per share) could come in at the lower end of its guidance range.
Lenore Fedowis the senior editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.

The Latest

Stock image of a gavel
CrimeFeb 05, 2025
‘The Timepiece Gentleman’ Sentenced to 5-Plus Years Behind Bars

Luxury watch dealer Anthony Farrer pleaded guilty late last year to defrauding clients in a scheme with Ponzi-type elements.

Seal & Scribe “Freedom Moon” Ring
TrendsFeb 05, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Feeling Fabulous in February

Celebrate February birthstones and the gem shows in Arizona this month with a versatile stone like amethyst.

Diamond Council of America logo
MajorsFeb 05, 2025
DCA Promotes Kristen Scheetz to Director of Education, Membership

Scheetz has been with the nonprofit since 2007.

Top Image.png
Brought to you by
3 Ways to Capitalize on America’s Newfound Love of Colored Gems

Colored stones are stepping into a jewelry spotlight typically reserved for diamonds—are you ready to sell color?

Trucks at the Orapa diamond mine in Botswana
SourcingFeb 04, 2025
New Deal With Botswana Is Done, De Beers Confirms

The agreement will allocate an increasing proportion of the country’s rough diamonds to the government of Botswana over the next decade.

Weekly QuizJan 30, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Van Clef & Arpels Diane (Diana) Clip
Events & AwardsFeb 04, 2025
Van Cleef & Arpels’ Astronomy-Inspired Jewelry to Land at AMNH

“Cosmic Splendor: Jewelry From the Collections of Van Cleef & Arpels,” opens April 11 at the American Museum of Natural History.

Chocolate box ring by Mined + Found
SurveysFeb 04, 2025
Valentine’s Day Jewelry Spending Forecast to Hit Record High, Says NRF

Those celebrating Valentine’s Day this year are expected to spend a record $27.5 billion on jewels, flowers, candy, and more.

Resolutions - 2025.jpg
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers

The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.

Lady Gaga Tiffany & Co.  necklace worn to the 2025 Grammys
EditorsFeb 03, 2025
Best Jewelry Moments From the 2025 Grammy Awards

From Lady Gaga’s 1930s Tiffany & Co. necklace to Taylor Swift’s “T,” Michelle Graff recaps the night’s most memorable jewelry looks.

HSN+ QVC+ logos on a television, laptop, and phone screen
MajorsFeb 03, 2025
Qurate to Close HSN’s Florida HQ Amid Restructuring

Layoffs will reportedly start next month as HSN plans to move into QVC’s location in Pennsylvania.

Jewelry designer Lauren Harwell Godfrey looking at colored gemstones
EditorsFeb 03, 2025
Q&A: 5 Jewelry Designers on Shopping the 2025 Tucson Gem Shows

A group of creatives talked to Associate Editor Lauren McLemore about their approach to the annual Tucson gem, mineral, and fossil shows.

Elizabeth Taylor diamond bracelet
AuctionsJan 31, 2025
Elizabeth Taylor’s Diamond Bracelet Outshines Estimate at U.K. Auction

The auction also featured the sale of a Cartier necklace made when Egyptomania was sweeping Great Britain.

Lalaounis Blossom Rosette charm
CollectionsJan 31, 2025
Piece of the Week: Lalaounis’ Good Luck Charm for 2025

The “Blossom Rosette” blooms with love, beauty, and hope for the year ahead.

Harvey Rovinsky, former owner of Bernie Robbins Jewelers
IndependentsJan 31, 2025
Harvey Rovinsky, Longtime Owner of Bernie Robbins Jewelers, Dies at 77

Rovinsky is remembered as a great mentor who made the employees of his stores feel like family.

Three diamonds in a row
Events & AwardsJan 31, 2025
Facets of Fire Has a Diamond Challenge for Retailers

For every jeweler who tries their luck, the company will make a donation to Jewelers for Children.

Women’s Jewelry Association logo
MajorsJan 30, 2025
WJA Chapter Leaders Resign as Fallout From DEI Remarks Snowballs

The boards of at least five chapters have resigned in response to controversial statements the WJA national board president made last month.

Jewelry writer and curator Melanie Grant
Policies & IssuesJan 30, 2025
RJC Executive Director Melanie Grant Is Stepping Down

An experienced jewelry writer and curator, Grant led the organization for two years.

Pharrell Williams and Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams Tahitian Pearl Necklace
CollectionsJan 30, 2025
Pharrell Williams Brings Tahitian Pearls to His New Tiffany & Co. Collection

Five new designs were added, all donning Tahitian cultured pearls and spear-like trident motifs, along with the new “Titan” setting.

Converge 2025 logo
Events & AwardsJan 30, 2025
Registration Open for Converge 2025

The inaugural event is being co-hosted by the American Gem Society and the Gemological Institute of America.

Annie Doresca, Jake Duneier, John W. Ford Sr., Margot Grinberg, and Ivette Stephanopoulos
MajorsJan 30, 2025
24 Karat Club of New York Elects 5 New Members

Jewelers of America’s Annie Doresca and AGTA CEO John W. Ford Sr. are among the new members.

Boucheron Scarabée Rhinocéros ring/brooch and Chardon necklace
CollectionsJan 29, 2025
Boucheron’s High Jewelry Takes the Form of ‘Untamed Nature’

The jeweler’s latest high jewelry collection looks into the Boucheron archives to create a “living encyclopedia of high jewelry.”

Olivier Kessler-Gay
MajorsJan 29, 2025
Chanel Names New General Manager of Watches, Fine Jewelry for US

Olivier Kessler-Gay will take over the role on March 3.

Stock image of couple shopping for jewelry
SurveysJan 29, 2025
Consumer Confidence Slips for Second Consecutive Month

It hit a four-month low in January due to concerns about the job market, though consumers remain bullish about the stock market.

Chris Ploof 6 Mokume Gane Rings
Events & AwardsJan 29, 2025
Chris Ploof To Teach Mokume Gane at AJS

The jewelry designer and master metalsmith will present on the ancient Japanese metalworking technique at the Atlanta Jewelry Show in March.

WFDB Moments campaign
SourcingJan 28, 2025
WFDB Joins Efforts to Promote Natural Diamonds With New Campaign

The “Moments” social media campaign emphasizes the emotional ties between natural diamonds and life’s special milestones.

Bliss Lau As We Are Collection Campaign
CollectionsJan 28, 2025
Bliss Lau Celebrates the Intricate Mosaic of Identity in New Collection

The versatile “As We Are” collection features 14 pieces with interlocking designs allowing for 27 different looks worn around the body.

Olympic gold medalist and De Beers ambassador Letsile Tebogo
SourcingJan 28, 2025
Botswana’s First Olympic Gold Medalist Is Now a De Beers Ambassador

Letsile Tebogo will help to promote natural diamonds and the good they have done for his country.

×

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