Financials

Movado to Take More ‘Conservative’ Outlook This Year

FinancialsMar 21, 2017

Movado to Take More ‘Conservative’ Outlook This Year

With slow sales amid a challenging environment and retailers scaling back on inventory, the company is eliminating positions as it implements cost-saving initiatives.

20170321_Movado-Esperanza.jpg
Though sales were down in fiscal 2017, the company noted a number of successful launches that helped buoy the business, like that of the Esperanza collection. Pictured here is the Women’s Esperanza watch in a yellow gold PVD-finished stainless steel case ($1,295).

Paramus, N.J.--Movado Group said that sales were down in the fourth quarter and full year amid a challenging retail environment, noting that it is eliminating positions in the company as part of a cost-saving initiative.

Anticipating a continued difficult retail environment, shift to e-commerce and a sluggish fashion watch market in in the U.S., the company said it is taking a “more conservative view” for fiscal 2018.

In its earnings results released Monday, the company said sales decreased 12 percent in the U.S. in the fourth quarter ended Jan. 31, and by 9 percent in the region in the full fiscal year.

The “bright spot” for the watch company during the holiday season was its U.S. outlet business, it said, reporting a 7 percent increase there in the fourth quarter.

Globally, net sales were down 9 percent to $130.8 million in the fourth quarter, while operating income was down from $11.5 million in the year-earlier period to $7.4 million this year. Net income was $5.2 million in the three-month period, compared with $7.9 million last year.

In the full-year, net sales decreased 7 percent on a worldwide basis to $552.8 million, compared with $594.9 million in fiscal 2016.

Operating income for fiscal 2017 was $54 million, compared with operating income of $70.1 million in fiscal 2016, and net income was down from $45.1 million in the prior-year period to $35.1 million.

While the company noted a number of successful launches during the past year--such as its Ultra Slim designs across licensed brand portfolios and Movado collection as well as the launch of the Movado Esperanza collection--CEO Efraim Grinberg said in the earnings conference call that the watch category continues to be impacted by decreased traffic to retail partners combined with the introduction of wearables.

“We believe that the digital shift--consumers moving to purchasing on their smartphones and the consumption of digital media--has accelerated greatly over the last 18 months,” he said.

Given these shifts, the company is putting its digital initiative at the top of its priority list, reallocating a much larger portion of marketing dollars into the digital space and accelerating e-commerce growth.

The company also noted in its results that it was struggling from a difficult holiday season from its retail partners and their increased focus on inventory management amid slower store traffic.

As such, it is going to implement a number of “cost-savings initiatives” to

reduce costs and improve profitability, including a decrease in the company’s workforce, primarily impacting its North American and Swiss operations.

Movado said it eliminated 70 positions in the U.S. last week and is in the process of executing a similar program in Switzerland. 

Movado said it expects to realize about $12 million of savings in fiscal 2018 from these cost-saving initiatives.

The company also has a few new projects on the docket, including a long-term global partnership with fashion brand Rebecca Minkoff, which will lead to a collaboration on the design, development, distribution and marketing of a line of watches. The collection will launch in North America this summer.

Movado also recently announced a partnership with Google to launch Movado Connect, a smartwatch which will be powered by Android Wear 2.0. The watch is one of the first designed specifically for the platform, the company said, and will launch this fall, introducing five men’s styles starting at $495.

For fiscal 2018, the company anticipates net sales to be in the range of $515 million and $530 million and operating income to be between $50 million and $55 million. Net income, meanwhile, is expected to be approximately $33 million to $36.3 million.

Editor’s Note: This story was updated on March 21 to include the number of positions reduced in the U.S. supplied by Movado Group after the story already was published.
Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Stock image of handcuffs and gavel
CrimeMay 02, 2024
4 Indicted in Burglary Ring Targeting Indian, South Asian Families

The men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.

Horizon Campaign Collage
CollectionsMay 02, 2024
Foundrae Launches ‘Horizon’ Collection

“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.

Glenn Lewis
IndependentsMay 02, 2024
Oklahoma Jeweler Glenn Lewis Dies at 68

The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.

national-jeweler-top-image-v1.jpg
Brought to you by
Rio’s Reimagined Podcast: For the Love of Jewelers

Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.

The back of the Baume & Mercier watch Elvis gave to Dodie Marshall
AuctionsMay 02, 2024
Vintage Baume & Mercier With Ties to Elvis Sells for $7K

Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”

Weekly QuizMay 02, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
Take the Quiz
Harwell Godfrey
IndependentsMay 01, 2024
Harwell Godfrey Opens First Store

It is located in Marin County, California.

Woman holding a dress
SurveysMay 01, 2024
Consumer Confidence Falls in April

Concerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.

1-(3.18).JPG
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry Retail

With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.

Syna emerald earrings
TrendsMay 01, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: All Eyes on Emeralds

May’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.

Jacqui Larsson Looking at a Diamond
SourcingMay 01, 2024
Opsydia Names New Sales and Marketing Director

Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.

Stock image crime handcuffs
CrimeMay 01, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO Show

Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.

Tiffany Blue Book 2024: Tiffany Céleste Wings Pendant
CollectionsApr 30, 2024
12 Otherworldly Pieces From Tiffany & Co.’s 2024 Blue Book

The “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.

Zales 100th Anniversary Marketing Campaign
MajorsApr 30, 2024
Zales Celebrates 100 Years With New Campaign

The brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.

Tim Schlick
MajorsApr 30, 2024
Platinum Guild International Appoints New CEO

Tim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.

Canadian Jewellers Association logo
Events & AwardsApr 30, 2024
Canadian Jewellers Association Brings Back the Summit

It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.

Supplier Spotlight -GIA -Recorded-Webinar.png
Recorded WebinarsApr 29, 2024
Watch: Diamond Identification and Evaluation - How to Protect your Business

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

De Beers polished in tweezers
SourcingApr 29, 2024
De Beers to Move Auction HQ from Singapore to Botswana

Sales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.

Simone I. Smith SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds
CollectionsApr 29, 2024
Simone I. Smith Mixes Denim and Diamonds in New Collection

“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.

Venus Jewelers Logo
IndependentsApr 29, 2024
Venus Jewelers Relocating After 45 Years

The retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.

Established Mom tattoo pendant
SurveysApr 29, 2024
Mother’s Day Jewelry Spending to Reach $7B, Says NRF

Gifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.

Jacquie Aiche’s Starry Galaxy Inlay Necklace
CollectionsApr 26, 2024
Piece of the Week: Jacquie Aiche’s Starry Galaxy Necklace

The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.

Gemological Institute of America headquarters
Events & AwardsApr 26, 2024
AGS Conclave and GIA Symposium Are Converging

The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.

De Beers Venetia diamond mine in South Africa
SourcingApr 26, 2024
Anglo American Reportedly Shopping De Beers as BHP Eyes Anglo

Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.

Lisa Bridge and Alexis Padis at AGS Conclave 2024
Events & AwardsApr 25, 2024
Alexis Padis Takes Over as AGS Board President

Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.

Jesse Cole Savannah Bananas
EditorsApr 25, 2024
5 Tips for Creating Fans from the Top (Savannah) Banana

Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.

John Mayer Audemars Piguet
WatchesApr 25, 2024
Audemars Piguet and John Mayer Partner on Limited Edition Watch

The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.

Stock image of rough diamonds mined by De Beers
SourcingApr 25, 2024
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2024

The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.

×

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