Bayer, founder of Lisa Bayer Designs, is remembered as “a bright light in every room.”
Tiffany Sees Q4 Sales Bump, Braces for Coronavirus Hit
The jeweler’s main focus is preparing to weather the coronavirus pandemic, said CEO Alessandro Bogliolo.

New York—Tiffany & Co. reported an increase in sales in the fourth quarter as gold and diamond jewelry boosted its balance sheet, but the coronavirus outbreak looms large as many of the retailer’s stores remain closed.
Worldwide net sales in the fourth quarter rose 3 percent to $1.36 billion, compared with $1.32 billion a year ago. Same-store sales were also up 3 percent.
Net sales for the full year clocked in at $4.44 billion, a slight increase compared with $4.42 billion a year ago, while same-store sales were unchanged.
“Our primary focus now is on preparing our company, business and communities for the COVID-19 pandemic and the return to normal operations,” CEO Alessandro Bogliolo said in a press release.
Tiffany’s stores in the United States and Canada have been closed temporarily as the countries grapple with the coronavirus outbreak.
In mainland China, the jeweler has lost half of its normal selling days since Jan. 24.
Looking at the jeweler’s fourth-quarter performance region by region, in the Americas, where the most Tiffany stores are located, net sales in the fourth quarter were up 4 percent to $640 million with same-store sales up 3 percent as local customers increased spending.
Full-year sales slipped 2 percent to $1.9 billion with same-store sales also down 2 percent. The dip in sales was attributed to lower spending by foreign tourists.
In the Asia-Pacific region, fourth-quarter net sales were up 8 percent to $342 million with same-store sales climbing 7 percent. For the full year, net sales were up 2 percent to $1.3 billion with same-store sales down 1 percent.
The company experienced “significant disruptions” in the Hong Kong market due to political unrest but double-digit growth in mainland China in the fourth quarter and the full year offset that.
European sales rose 4 percent to $168 million in the fourth quarter with same-store sales up 5 percent. For the full year, sales dipped 1 percent to $498 million with same-store sales down 1 percent.
In Japan, sales dipped 8 percent in the quarter to $180 million, which Tiffany said reflected a change in Japan’s consumption tax, with same-store sales also down 8 percent.
Full-year sales in Japan were up 1 percent to $650 million with same-store sales unchanged.
Sales from the “other” segment, which includes five Tiffany stores in the United Arab Emirates, fell 9 percent to $26 million in the quarter while same-store sales were up 11 percent.
Full-year sales were down
By category, sales from Tiffany’s jewelry collections, which includes lines like “Paper Flowers,” were up 2 percent while engagement jewelry sales dipped 2 percent.
The “Tiffany T” collection as well as its high jewelry were the sales drivers, the jeweler said, while sales of jewelry from designers Elsa Peretti, Paloma Picasso and Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger fell 6 percent
Bogliolo attributed growth in the fourth quarter to the company’s focus on “elevating our sales mix toward higher-value items within each jewelry product category, with the largest growth being in our gold and gold and diamond offerings.”
The higher price points of the gold and diamond offerings contributed to a 10 percent year-over-year increase in overall average unit retail price.
Highlights of Tiffany’s year include the addition of colorful pieces to its “Tiffany T” collection, a new men’s collection, the launch of his and hers Tiffany & Love fragrances, and the “Very, Very Tiffany” holiday campaign and catalog featuring luxe, high-ticket gift items.
As of Jan. 31, there were 326 Tiffany stores in operation worldwide, including 124 in the Americas. Nine stores opened and four closed this fiscal year.
Tiffany did not provide guidance for the year ahead as its acquisition by luxury titan LVMH is still pending.
The Latest


The highest-grossing lot was a Tiffany & Co. ring set with a flawless, emerald-cut diamond of 10 carats.

The next three editions of AGTA GemFair Tucson will feature a five-day show that includes Sunday.

You deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.

Former Sotheby’s executive Tom Heap has taken on the London-based role.


The group of women allegedly robbed two Catbird stores and one Gorjana location on the afternoon of March 9.

After celebrating 25 years in 2025, the campaign marks a new chapter for the jewelry brand with the message that “Identity Creates Value.”

Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.

Couture and Time to Watches announced the watch brands, from big names to independents, attendees will see at the show.

The flawless, Type IIa stone is estimated to achieve up to $2.8 million at the auction house’s high jewelry sale in April.

Costume designer Kate Hawley wore three archival Tiffany & Co. brooches, our Pieces of the Week, while accepting her first Oscar.

The jewelry retailer announced changes to its store network and brand portfolio during its fourth-quarter earnings call.

From a weaker labor market to inflation, NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews gave insight on what retailers can expect this year.

The historic stone, which sold at Elmwood’s in London, is the largest white diamond to be offered on the U.K. market in more than a decade.

Three-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach in Las Vegas on May 31.

The model and fashion editor’s gold evening bags were the top lots at the London sale, going for more than $25,000 each.

Fresh off winning the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, Nelson discusses the ring that launched his career and his plans for the future.

The “stunning” Type IIb stone was found via x-ray technology at its Karowe mine in Botswana.

“The Basics of Jewelry” has been updated to include modern topics and visuals.

Held just before the Oscars, the jewelry industry’s big awards show had its share of standout jewelry, gowns, and acceptance speeches.

The Brazilian mine’s new collection features cabochons in soft, muted shades like silver and lilac.

The Academy Award-winning actress stars in Tiffany & Co.’s latest commercial, which debuted Sunday night during the Oscars.

The organizational change follows Kering’s promise of a transformation after declining sales in 2025.

Natalie Francisco rounds up the top Oscars jewels, including Rose Byrne’s Taffin necklace with a more than 20-carat yellow-brown diamond.

Béatrice Goasglas has been with TAG Heuer since 2018. She is the first woman to head the 166-year-old, LVMH-owned watch brand.

The store features the first in-store build for the jeweler’s in-house “Bella Ponte” bridal brand.

The live fine jewelry auction will take place later this week, showcasing antique pieces, rare gemstones, and signed jewels.



















