SourcingMay 14, 2026
State of Colored Stones: The Spirit of Young American Gemstone CuttersThe next generation of lapidarists are entrepreneurial, engaged online, and see the craft as a means for artistic expression.
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
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
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
AuctionsMay 14, 2026
‘Ocean Dream’ Makes Waves at Christie’s, Fetching $17MIt was the second auction appearance for the fancy vivid blue-green diamond, which sold for $7.8 million at Christie’s Geneva 12 years ago.
CrimeMay 14, 2026
Second Man Arrested in Florida Pawn Shop Shooting Members of the U.S. Marshals Task Force took a 22-year-old man into custody. He was charged with tampering with evidence.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
CrimeMay 13, 2026
JSA’s 2025 Crime Report Shows ‘Concerning’ Rise in ViolenceWhile the overall number of crimes was down, there were more incidences in which robbers pulled out guns, mace, or rammed cars into stores.
Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsMay 13, 2026
New Orleans Jeweler Closing Canal Place StoreJack Sutton Fine Jewelry is closing its store inside the downtown shopping center after 40 years in business.
SourcingMay 13, 2026
Smithsonian Acquires ‘Winston Red’ Diamond PaintingReena Ahluwalia’s painting of the rare red diamond is the first contemporary painting to join the National Gem Collection.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
TrendsMay 13, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
ColumnistsMay 12, 2026
It’s Official: We’re Getting ‘Brain Rot’ From Watching Short-Form Videos Peter Smith gives tips on leading meetings, developing marketing, and making trade show appointments in the age of short attention spans.
CollectionsMay 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Debuts Antique Coin-Inspired Medallions for SummerThe 11-piece “Medallions” capsule collection features five motifs: a crying eye, a heart on fire, a spiral, a flower, and a swallow.
IndependentsMay 12, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2026
The Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award Is BackThe partners have announced the second cycle of the program, which has expanded to include a $25,000 student scholarship.
IndependentsMay 11, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Closing After 70 YearsThe owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Former Macy’s CEO Joins Signet Jewelers BoardJeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Lucky May May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.
TechnologyMay 11, 2026
Clientbook’s New Tool Helps Jewelers Plan In-Store EventsThe new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond ClaimsNDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met GalaShe wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award WinnersTwo pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry SaleLed by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account ExecutiveIn his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEOJosé Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship ProgramIt has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain FutureThe owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans Closer to ApprovalThe retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.
