The “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
Michael Hill’s U.S. Comps Drop 9%
The jewelry retail chain described U.S. stores as needing “some extra focus” but said it still sees opportunity in the market.
Brisbane, Australia--Though jewelry retail group Michael Hill International saw sales grow overall in the second half of the year, the U.S. market presented some problems for the company.
In the six-month period ended Dec. 31, the United States, which currently has 11 Michael Hill stores, saw same-store sales decline 9 percent.
The company described U.S. stores as needing “some extra focus,” an effort which is to be spearheaded by North American President Brett Halliday, who became president of the entire North American market in September after heading the company’s Canadian division for years.
Via a statement, the company said, “With continued consolidation of jewelry industry in the U.S., the company still sees a good opportunity for our company in this large and lucrative market.”
Overall, same-store sales for the retailer were up 1 percent in the second half of 2016. Total sales increased 6 percent, due to store expansion for both the Michael Hill and Emma & Roe brands.
Eight Michael Hill stores were opened during the period, bringing the total store count to 305. Total Michael Hill store sales growth was 5 percent and same-store sales increased by 1 percent.
In 2016, the company opened 19 total stores for both the Michael Hill and Emma & Roe brands, and the retailer said it has plans for 32 new locations in 2017, which will include additional Emma & Roe stores in Australia.
Michael Hill’s expansion will be focused on Canada, which fared the best of all four countries in the second half, with same-store sales up slightly more than 7 percent. There currently are 72 branded stores in the country, with five newly opened this half and eight more coming in the six-month period.
In New Zealand, same-store sales were down 2 percent and Australia recorded a nearly flat performance, which was below expectations and likely due to competitors going on sale earlier than anticipated. Despite this, Australia still saw an almost 3 percent increase in sales in the month of December.
Michael Hill International was founded by Sir Michael Hill in New Zealand in 1979. The company is now headquartered in Brisbane, Australia. The company currently operates 329 Michael Hill and Emma & Roe branded stores across Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States.
The Latest
The brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.
Tim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.
Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
Sales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
The retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
Gifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
The three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.