Jewelry trade show veterans share strategies for engaging buyers, managing your time effectively, and packing the right shoes.
Signet Says Two-Stone Ring a ‘Grand Slam’
Signet Jewelers Ltd. reported a 5 percent increase in same-store holiday sales, driven by bridal and fashion diamond jewelry, particularly “Ever Us.”
Akron, Ohio--Signet Jewelers Ltd. reported a 5 percent year-over-year increase in same-store sales over the holiday season, driven by bridal and fashion diamond jewelry, particularly “Ever Us.”
Ever Us is the collection of two-stone rings that Signet, parent company of Kay Jewelers, Jared the Galleria of Jewelry, Zales and Piercing Pagoda, among others, began selling in all its stores in October.
It is marketed as being the perfect gift for the individual who is both the purchaser’s best friend and true love, and was supported by a massive television advertising campaign this past Christmas. Signet worked with De Beers/Forevermark to promote it and allowed Forevermark to sell Ever Us through its retail partners.
On a Thursday morning conference call announcing the retailer’s holiday results, Signet CEO Mark Light said the collection was “nothing short of a grand slam for Signet.”
He added that some stores were unable to keep up with demand--which, interestingly, was stronger for the larger sizes--and actually ran out of rings; one Pennsylvania retailer National Jeweler interviewed during the course of the holiday season noted that he had customers come in asking for two-stone rings because they couldn’t find them at the chain stores.
“We just couldn’t keep up with it, it was doing so well,” Light said on the conference call.
Signet’s 5 percent comp increase for November and December comes on the heels of a 4 percent same-store sales increase for the same period last year.
Kay Jewelers and Piercing Pagoda posted the strongest gain at 7 percent. Comps for Zales Jewelers’ U.S. stores rose 6 percent while same-store sales for Jared were up 3 percent. The company’s U.K. division (H. Samuel and Ernest Jones) saw same-store sales increase 4 percent.
Total sales for Signet in November-December reached $1.95 billion, a 5 percent increase over the prior year. At constant exchange rates, total sales were up 6 percent.
Online sales increased 11 percent, from $126 million to $139.7 million, though they did not increase greatly as a percentage of overall sales. E-commerce sales in November-December 2015 represented 7.2 percent of total sales, as compared with 6.8 percent last year.
Signet is set to announce its full fourth quarter results March 24.
Based on its holiday results and January sales to date, the retailer increased
The Latest
This little guy’s name is Ricky and he just sold for more than $200,000 at Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction.
Though its website has been down for a week, Christie’s proceeded with its jewelry and watch auctions on May 13-14, bringing in nearly $80 million.
Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
Despite the absence of “The Allnatt,” Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction totaled $34 million, with 90 percent of lots sold.
Lilian Raji gives advice to designers on how to make the most of great publicity opportunities.
The mining company wants to divest its 70 percent holding in the Mothae Diamond Mine in an effort to streamline its portfolio.
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
Why do so many jewelers keep lines that are not selling? Peter Smith thinks the answer lies in these two behavioral principles.
The “Argyle Phoenix” sold for more than $4 million at the auction house’s second jewels sale.
The annual list recognizes young professionals making an impact in jewelry retail.
Owner David Mann is heading into retirement.
While overall sales were sluggish, the retailer said its non-bridal fine jewelry was a popular choice for Valentine’s Day.
The mining giant also wants to offload its platinum business as part of an overhaul designed to “unlock significant value.”
Christie's is selling one of the diamonds, moving forward with its Geneva jewelry auction despite the cyberattack that took down its website.
The ad aims to position platinum jewelry as ideal for everyday wear.
Retailers can customize and print the appraisal brochures from their store.
The move follows a price-drop test run in Q4 and comes with the addition of a “quality assurance card” from GIA for some loose diamonds.
The site has been down since Thursday evening, just ahead of its spring auctions.
The late former U.S. Secretary’s collection went for quadruple the sale’s pre-sale estimate.
Three fifth graders’ winning designs were turned into custom jewelry pieces in time for Mother’s Day.
Kimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.
As a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.
Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
The company’s Easton location will remain open.
Brian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.