Financials

Pandora to Close 50 Stores Following Weak Q1 Results

FinancialsMay 07, 2019

Pandora to Close 50 Stores Following Weak Q1 Results

Quarterly revenue in the United States fell 12 percent as charm demand waned.

20190507_Pandora_necklace.jpg
A sterling silver “Knotted Heart T-Bar Necklace” ($275) from Pandora. While its charms segment performed poorly, Pandora’s necklaces and pendants segment saw double-digit growth.

Copenhagen, Denmark—Pandora had a rough start to its fiscal year, reporting weak first quarter results as slowing demand for its charms sent like-for-like sales tumbling.

Quarterly revenue totaled 4.80 billion Danish kroner ($719 million), slipping 6 percent compared with 5.12 billion kroner ($820.5 million) in the previous first quarter.

Like-for-like in-store sales were down 10 percent as foot traffic fell 14 percent.

The in-store sales decline mainly occurred at jewelry stores and other outlets that carry Pandora, rather than at the company’s own stores, Q1 results show.

Revenue from company-owned retail outlets was up 16 percent in the quarter, accounting for 64 percent of its total sales. Wholesale, which accounted for 31 percent of total sales, decreased 34 percent in the quarter.

Online sales rose 7 percent. Pandora’s online store generated 10 percent of total revenue in the quarter with almost 1 million orders placed.

On a regional basis, quarterly revenue in the U.S. dipped 12 percent to 977 million DKK ($146 million).

Revenue in the Americas overall, which includes Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean as well as the United States, was down 5 percent.

Revenue from the EMEA region, which includes Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, declined 11 percent while sales in the Asia-Pacific region fell 6 percent.

China was one of the only regions to see revenue growth, up 15 percent in the first quarter. Pandora released a 15-piece Peach Blossom collection, exclusively available in China, in April.

Breaking it down by category, Pandora’s charms are still its bread and butter, accounting for 51 percent of its sales, but their popularity seemingly continues to wane.

Revenue from its charms segment sank 17 percent in the first quarter, while the necklaces and pendants segment saw double-digit growth, up 14 percent in the quarter.

Revenue from rings and earrings were also on the rise in the low-to-mid single digits while bracelets, a carrier for the charms, saw a slight dip in revenue.

Pandora is in the midst of Programme NOW, its two-year turnaround plan that aims to cut costs and revitalize the brand.

On Tuesday, the company announced it will close 50 “low-margin” concept stores, including those that are not profitable or diluting margins.

“The brand as well as the company has reached a point of maturity and it is not without some serious challenges,” new CEO Alexander Lacik said in the company’s earnings release. “The recently announced transformation Programme NOW, which I fully support, is a

great transition into the future.”

Also as part of the transformation plan, Pandora will reduce the size of its sell-in packages, buy back inventory from wholesale partners and run fewer sales.

The company said it has saved 100 million DKK so far, scaling back on everything from consultancy costs and employee benefits to workforce scheduling and lease agreements.

Pandora Chief Financial Officer Anders Boyer noted that while the first quarter “emphasizes the need for our planned brand relaunch,” the company’s initial commercial pilots and marketing tests show “good results.”

The company’s fiscal year financial guidance remains the same, with organic growth expected to decline 3-7 percent with like-for-like sales improving slightly.
Lenore Fedowis the associate editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.

The Latest

Stock image of a polished diamond in tweezers
SourcingApr 18, 2024
Diamond Trade Remains Cautious Amid Economic Uncertainty

De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.

LVAJWS24_carousel_images_1872x1052_1.jpg
Supplier BulletinApr 18, 2024
Discover History’s Hidden Gems at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show

Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show

Kelly Yoch
WatchesApr 18, 2024
Watch E-tailer Collectability Hires Kelly Yoch

The Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.

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.

Interior of TAG Heuer Boutique on Carnival Cruise Ship
WatchesApr 18, 2024
TAG Heuer Opens Its Largest Standalone Boutique at Sea

The 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.

Weekly QuizApr 11, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge with this seven-question quiz.
Take the Quiz
 Stock image of a gavel
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2024
NDC Prevails in U.K. Case Over Lab-Grown Diamond Advertising

NDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”

John Carter, 2024 Shipley Award winner
Events & AwardsApr 17, 2024
And the 2024 Winner of the Shipley Award Is …

John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.

Jewelers of America Fly In Washington, D.C.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your Business

For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.

 B&D ribbon cutting in RI
MajorsApr 17, 2024
Stuller’s B&D Opens New Headquarters

B&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.

Model Wearing Eat Cake Collection
CollectionsApr 16, 2024
Akaila Reid Launches ‘Eat Cake’ Collection

It’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.

Emily Highet Morgan, Emily Bennett
MajorsApr 16, 2024
Loudr Adds 2 Directors

Emily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.

Stuller catalogs
MajorsApr 16, 2024
Stuller Releases First Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry Catalog

Its updated book for mountings is also now available.

Headshot of Karen Rentmeesters
SourcingApr 16, 2024
Karen Rentmeesters Takes Over as Interim CEO of AWDC

She has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.

Joyce’s Jewelry
TechnologyApr 15, 2024
Judge Rules Jeweler’s Lawsuit Against PNC Bank Can Move Forward

Joyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.

Alfred W. DeScenza
IndependentsApr 15, 2024
Alfred W. DeScenza of DeScenza Diamonds Dies at 95

He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.

Madeleine K. Albright
AuctionsApr 15, 2024
Madeleine K. Albright Jewelry, Pins Coming to Auction

Hosted by Freeman’s | Hindman, the sale will take place May 7-8.

Audemars Piguet circa 1985 emerald car watch
AuctionsApr 15, 2024
All of Sotheby’s ‘Rough Diamonds’ Sold in Less Than an Hour

The auction house said all 24 timepieces offered in its underground sale of rare and avant-garde watches quickly found buyers.

AGS Conclave 2024 logo Austin
Events & AwardsApr 15, 2024
10 Can’t-Miss Sessions at AGS Conclave 2024

From lab-grown diamonds and AI to the inevitable Taylor Swift mention, here are some of Conclave’s most intriguing educational offerings.

My Next Question webinar
Recorded WebinarsApr 12, 2024
Watch: What Jewelers Need to Know About Insurance

From cybersecurity liability to trade show coverage, insurance experts share tips on how to build the right policy.

Evil Eye Charm with Turquoise Disc
CollectionsApr 12, 2024
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s Evil Eye Gemstone Charm

The charm is a modern rendition of the evil eye amulet that has been worn for thousands of years.

The Jewelry Symposium scholarship winners 2024
Events & AwardsApr 12, 2024
The Jewelry Symposium Announces 4 Scholarship Winners

Ahead of its trade show next month, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to one jewelry professional and three students.

SRK Empire and SRK House
Policies & IssuesApr 11, 2024
SRK Exports’ Journey Toward Net Zero Impact

By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.

AGTA logo
Lab-GrownApr 11, 2024
AGTA Bans Lab-Grown Diamonds, Gemstones at GemFair

Members can still sell lab-grown stones, it said, but only natural gems are allowed on the show floor.

Steven Rosdal
IndependentsApr 11, 2024
Steven Rosdal, Co-Founder of Hyde Park Jewelers, Dies at 77

He is remembered for his charisma, passion, integrity, kindness, and wit.

Macy’s Herald Square store
MajorsApr 11, 2024
Macy’s Opens Books for Possible Buyout

The retailer also appointed two new board members, avoiding a proxy fight from a potential buyer.

Sylvie Jewelry model
CollectionsApr 10, 2024
Sylvie Launches New Nature-Inspired Collection, ‘Tulira’

The bridal collection consists of 35 engagement rings and seven wedding bands.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Deepsea in 18-karat yellow gold
WatchesApr 10, 2024
These Are Rolex’s New Watches for 2024

The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.

×

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