Financials

Signet’s Holiday Saved by Online Shoppers

FinancialsJan 15, 2021

Signet’s Holiday Saved by Online Shoppers

The jewelry giant’s online sales surged 61 percent year-over-year during the holiday season.

20210115_Signet_Header_Royal_Asscher.jpg
The new Royal Asscher collection at Signet-owned banner Jared performed well this holiday season.

Akron, Ohio—Signet Jewelers Ltd.’s overall 2020 holiday sales were flat, though online sales soared by double digits.

On Thursday, the jewelry giant reported a preliminary sales total of $1.8 billion for the nine-week period ended Jan. 2, flat to last year.

Same-store sales—which includes both physical and e-commerce sales—rose 6 percent year-over-year. Online sales surged 61 percent year-over-year, while brick-and-mortar sales fell 4 percent.

As of Jan. 2, Signet had 2,866 locations. It has closed 355 of the 380 stores it plans to shutter this fiscal year.

“Our results were driven by new digital and fulfillment capabilities, increasingly personalized and insight-based marketing, banner portfolio differentiation, and a strong merchandising strategy that included competitive newness and a strengthened core assortment, all of which increased conversion, attracted new customers, and increased market share,” CEO Virginia Drosos said in the release announcing the retailer’s holiday results.

In North America, same-store sales were up 8 percent. The number of transactions rose 4 percent while average transaction value was up 2 percent.

Online sales in the region shot up 58 percent while brick-and-mortar sales were down around 1 percent.

Sales in bridal and fashion categories climbed by double digits on a same-store sales basis, said Signet, due to new products and a strong core assortment.

In the U.K., the governmental lockdown sent same-store sales tumbling 19 percent year-over-year, though online sales nearly doubled, up 93 percent.

Signet increased its e-commerce fulfillment capacity to five times that of the last holiday season, delivering 98 percent of customer orders on time in North America.

New selling capabilities, including buy online pick-up in-store (BOPIS), ship from store (SFS) and virtual selling, were also highlights of the retailer’s holiday season.

Looking at its U.S. banners, including Zales and Kay Jewelers, all posted positive same-store sales.

At Zales and Piercing Pagoda, popular with gift-givers and self-purchasers, fashion jewelry sales were especially strong.

At Kay Jewelers, bridal jewelry, particularly the newer Leo’s Ideal Cut and First Light lines, was a top seller.

At Jared, the Royal Asscher and Pnina Tornai collections were the standouts.

Existing lines, like Center of Me at Kay and Vera Wang at Zales, also did well.

Looking to the fourth quarter, Signet expects to see same-store sales increase 4 to 5 percent, with total sales of $2.10 billion to $2.12 billion.

Lenore Fedowis the senior editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.

The Latest

Ulrich Wohn
WatchesNov 05, 2025
Shinola President Steps Down Just as He Starts

Former Signet CEO Mark Light will remain president of Shinola until a replacement for Ulrich Wohn is found.

Artifex White Diamond, Fancy Dark Yellowish Brown Diamond, and Blue Sapphire Rings
AuctionsNov 05, 2025
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Designer Makes Her Auction Debut

Kindred Lubeck of Artifex has three rings she designed with Anup Jogani in Sotheby’s upcoming Gem Drop sale.

US Supreme Court
Policies & IssuesNov 04, 2025
Supreme Court to Hear Tariffs Case Wednesday

Ahead of the hearing, two industry organizations co-signed an amicus brief urging the court to declare Trump’s tariffs unlawful.

20-Under-40-2025-LV.png
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America Aligns New Mission to Create Meaningful Impact for Members

From educational programs, advocacy, and recent MJSA affiliation, Jewelers of America drives progress that elevates businesses of all sizes.

Stuller Inc.’s Danny Clark, Matt Stuller, and Belit Myers
MajorsNov 04, 2025
Danny Clark to Become Stuller CEO, Succeeding Matt Stuller

Stuller COO Belit Myers will take on the additional role of president, with all changes effective at the start of 2026.

Weekly QuizOct 30, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Headshot of National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsNov 04, 2025
Peter Smith: What Do Birds Have to Do With the Price of Gold?

Smith cautions retailers against expending too much energy on things they can’t control, like the rising price of gold.

Mellerio Jardin Pierreries Necklace
TrendsNov 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Fall Colors for November Birthdays

Citrine and topaz are birthstones fit for fall as the leaves change color and the holiday season approaches.

Supplier Spotlight -Recorded-Webinar.png
Brought to you by
Watch: Introducing GIA Jewelry Services

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

Weston Jewelers Fort Lauderdale store rendering
IndependentsNov 04, 2025
Weston Jewelers Heads to Fort Lauderdale

The family-owned jeweler will open its fourth store in Florida in late 2027.

Two of the three suspects in burglary at Queens jeweler’s home
CrimeNov 03, 2025
Men Dressed as Construction Workers Burglarize Jeweler’s Home

The NYPD is looking for three men who stole a safe and jewelry valued at $3.2 million from the home of a jeweler in Jamaica Hills, Queens.

Matthew Rosenheim
MajorsNov 03, 2025
Matthew Rosenheim Takes Over as JA Board Chair

The trade organization also announced its executive committee and five new directors.

Muse’s Have a Heart x Diamonds Do Good Collection on Flaviana Matata
CollectionsNov 03, 2025
Muse’s ‘Have a Heart’ Collab Returns, Now With DDG

The “Have a Heart x Diamonds Do Good” collection is championed by model and humanitarian Flaviana Matata and will benefit her foundation.

Christies Kashmir sapphire ring
AuctionsNov 03, 2025
Kashmir Sapphire Ring Tops Christie's Online Auction

The ring, set with a nearly 17-carat Kashmir cabochon sapphire, sold for $1 million.

Heavenly Vices Mother Father Spinner Necklace
TrendsOct 31, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Spinner Fit for ‘Frankenstein’

This “Mother Father” spinner necklace from Heavenly Vices Fine Jewelry draws inspiration from Victorian Era jewelry.

Interpol Stolen Works of Art Database, The Louvre Museum Graphic
CrimeOct 31, 2025
5 More Arrested in Louvre Heist, Jewelry Still Missing

The suspects were rounded up in Paris and its suburbs on Wednesday night, but none of the stolen jewels were recovered with them.

My Next Question webinar graphic
Recorded WebinarsOct 31, 2025
Watch: How to Master Google Reviews for Your Business

Experts share top tips on how to encourage positive reviews and handle negative feedback.

GIA iD100® Technology
Supplier BulletinOct 30, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

Seattle PD image of Menashe & Sons Jewelers following Aug. 14 smash-and-grab robbery
CrimeOct 30, 2025
29-Year-Old Man Charged in Multiple Seattle-Area Smash and Grabs

The suspect faces charges in the August robbery of Menashe & Sons Jewelers and is accused of committing smash and grabs at two pawn shops.

Alison Lou Lumière Fine Collection On-Model
Lab-GrownOct 30, 2025
Alison Lou’s New Collection Uses Lab-Grown Diamonds and Resin

The “Lumière Fine” collection was born from designer Alison Chemla’s interest in the transformative power of light.

Buddha Mama gold skull pave huggies
TrendsOct 30, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Haunted Halloween

Show off your spooky side with these 12 festive jewels.

Is This Love That I’m Feeling event imagery
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2025
Jewelers Mutual to Host Jewelry Panel at Frazier History Museum

The “Brilliant & Beyond” panel coincides with the “Love & Marriage” exhibition curated by Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Kentucky.

Stock image of person holding shopping bags
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
October Brings Little Change to Consumer Confidence

Consumers are feeling more optimistic about their present situation while the short-term future remains a little scary.

Couture show
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
Couture Partners With Time to Watches

The company, which organizes a watch show in Geneva every spring, will bring a selection of watch brands to the 2026 Couture show in Vegas.

The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewelry by Beth Bernstein
TrendsOct 29, 2025
Beth Bernstein Releases Vintage Jewelry Guide

“The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery” follows the evolution of jewelry design from the ‘30s to the ‘80s with buying and styling advice.

Collage of bug jewelry
EditorsOct 29, 2025
Why Creepy, Crawly Bugs Inspire Beautiful Jewelry

For her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow explores the symbolism behind spiders, beetles, and other eerie insects.

Gem Awards 2025 at Cipriani New York
Events & AwardsOct 28, 2025
Meet the 2026 Gem Award Nominees

Notable jewelry designers, members of the press, and retailers are up for an award at next year’s gala.

Graphic for Jewelers of America’s 2025 State of the Industry webinar
Recorded WebinarsOct 28, 2025
Watch: The State of the Jewelry Industry

Leaders from Jewelers of America and National Jeweler discuss the gold price, tariffs, and more in this one-hour webinar.

×

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