MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine JewelryThe Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.
FinancialsMar 02, 2015
Kmart, JC Penney report strong jewelry sales
In a fourth quarter that was overall very lackluster for department stores, these two retailers listed jewelry as among their top sellers for the holiday season.
This shot shows the fine jewelry department inside J.C. Penney’s store in Brooklyn, N.Y. The Plano, Texas-based retailer reported a 4 percent increase in total comps in Q4 and said fine jewelry was one of its top sellers.
New York--While the fourth quarter and full year were not outstanding for department stores, some fared better than others and two even highlighted fine jewelry sales as among their strongest-performing categories for the holiday season.
Among the department stores that have reported their fourth quarter and full year results so far, Nordstrom seemingly turned in the strongest results.
The Seattle-based retailer reported that same-store sales increased 5 percent year-over-year in the fourth quarter ended Jan. 31 while total sales increased 9 percent from $3.61 billion to $3.94 billion.
For the fiscal year, same-store sales rose 4 percent.
Total sales were up 8 percent from $12.17 billion to $13.11 billion, with the company opening 30 new stores, 27 of them Nordstrom Rack stores and also the first Nordstrom in Canada. The retailer also acquired TrunkClub.com, a personal stylist website for men, and launched NordstromRack.com.
Gross profit, however, declined for both the fourth quarter and fiscal year due to increased markdowns.
Sears continues to struggle, with fourth quarter same-store sales dropping 4 percent year-over-year, comprised of a 2 percent decline at Kmart, which did report jewelry as one of its top-performing categories, and a 7 percent drop at Sears Domestic.
Total sales for the quarter fell 24 percent from $10.59 billion to $8.10 billion.
The company’s results suggest that Sears will keep shrinking its store footprint, with Chief Financial Officer Rob Schriesheim remarking that “We are continuing our efforts to develop Sears Holdings as a membership company, without the significant asset liability of its traditional retail business.”
The company closed about 234 stores in 2014, the majority of which were underperforming Kmarts, and said it aims to migrate those customers who shopped at now-closed stores to “alternative channels.” Despite the closures, Sears Holdings still operates more than 1,700 stores.
For the full year, comps declined 2 percent: 1 percent at Kmart, which reported strong jewelry sales for the year as well, and 2 percent at Sears Domestic.
Total sales were down 14 percent from $36.19 billion to $31.20 billion. Net loss for the full year grew from $1.37 billion to $1.68 billion.
Fine jewelry was one of the top-performing categories in the fourth quarter for J.C. Penney Company Inc., which recorded a 4 percent increase in fourth quarter comps and a 3 percent increase in total sales, from $3.78 billion to $3.89 billion.
For the full year, same-store
sales were up 4 percent and total sales rose from $11.86 billion to $12.26 billion, a 3 percent increase, and J.C. Penney was able to almost cut its losses in half, with net loss for the year shrinking from $1.39 billion to $771 million.
CEO Myron E. Ullman III called it a “successful year” for the recovering retailer, which will be led by incoming CEO Marvin Ellison, a former executive at The Home Depot, starting in August when Ullman steps down as CEO.
At Macy’s Inc., fourth quarter and full-year results were fairly flat.
Same-store sales increased 3 percent in the fourth quarter with total sales up 2 percent, from $9.20 billion to $9.36 billion.
For the full year, same-store sales were up 1 percent while total sales climbed less than 1 percent, from $27.93 billion to $28.11 billion. Net income for the year increased from $1.49 billion to $1.53 billion.
More on Financials
The Latest
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of MouthLilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth OfficerGCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessThe risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.
AuctionsApr 22, 2025
Christie’s to Auction JAR Jewelry CollectionThe 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.
Weekly QuizApr 18, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsApr 22, 2025
Brinker’s Jewelers Acquires Fellow IndependentThe Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
An Exhibition Exploring the History of Cartier Is Now on Display“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 YearsVan Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
IJO Names New Director of Vendor Relations, Merchandise StrategyIndustry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
Jewelers of Louisiana, Mississippi Jewelers Association to Co-Host ConventionThe two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ PendantThe Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated StoreThe jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day CampaignThe “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.
CollectionsApr 17, 2025
John Hardy, Athena Calderone Partner on Art Deco Decor-Inspired CollectionInterior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.
Lab-GrownApr 17, 2025
NDC Launches Its Diamond Learning CenterThe free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2025
Jewelers of America Requests Tariffs Testimonials from MembersThe feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.
TechnologyApr 17, 2025
Technology Therapy Group Expands AI Training for Jewelry RetailersThe online sessions are designed to teach jewelers to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to grow their business.
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Catbird Expands to ChicagoThe opening marks the jewelry retailer’s first location in the Midwest.
CollectionsApr 16, 2025
Foundrae’s First Commitment Jewelry Collection Unites Through LoveThe “United in Love” collection offers tangible mementos of hearts entwined with traditional and non-traditional commitment heirlooms.
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Indiana Jeweler to Host Black Jewelry Designer Pop-UpRobert Goodman Jewelers will hold a “Black Jewelry Designers and Makers” event on April 27.
MajorsApr 16, 2025
WJA Announces Board Members, New Chicago Chapter PresidentThe announcements follow a tumultuous start to 2025 for WJA, which saw a wave of resignations following controversial statements about DEI.
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Tariffs: What We Know Right Now Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff answers questions about how the new taxes levied on countries like India and China will impact the industry.
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Q&A: Bogolo Joy Kenewendo on Making Deals, Marketing DiamondsKenewendo, Botswana’s minster of minerals and energy, discusses closing the deal with De Beers and the work that was missed along the way.
AuctionsApr 15, 2025
23-Carat ‘Golconda Blue’ Heads to AuctionThe historic fancy vivid blue diamond set to headline Christie’s Geneva sale next month could sell for up to $50 million.
CrimeApr 15, 2025
Jon Hamm Plays a Jewel Thief on Apple TV+The “Mad Men” and “The Morning Show” star steals jewelry, art, and handbags from his wealthy neighbors in “Your Friends & Neighbors.”
