CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
FinancialsMar 14, 2018
Signet to Close 200+ Stores This Fiscal Year
It’s part of a three-year turnaround plan announced Wednesday called the “Path to Brilliance.”
Continuing credit issues and the declining popularity of “Ever Us” resulted in a difficult year for Signet-owned chain Kay Jewelers. The retailer recorded an 11 percent drop in same-store sales in the fourth quarter and 8 percent decline for the fiscal year.
Akron, Ohio--Signet Jewelers Ltd. is set to shutter 200-plus stores this year as part of a three-year turnaround plan announced Wednesday.
The introduction of the plan comes as the retailer continues to see sales slip but enters its first full fiscal year under the leadership of CEO Virginia Drosos, who started in August.
Signet’s same-store sales slid 5 percent in the fourth quarter and full year ended Feb. 3, with Kay Jewelers and Jared the Galleria of Jewelry stores accounting for much of the decline.
The company’s Sterling Jewelers division, which includes Kay, Jared and regional brands, posted a 9 percent drop in same-store sales in the fourth quarter and a 7 percent decline for the year.
The retailer pointed to ongoing issues with the outsourcing of its credit program as well as declining sales of Ever Us, the two-stone collection that was a bestseller when first introduced.
Zale Jewelry’s same-store sales rose 4 percent in the fourth quarter, driven by the new Enchanted Disney collection, line extensions to Vera Wang Love and an improved selection of solitaires and fancy-cut diamonds. For the year, same-store sales declined 2 percent, with strength in Disney and Vera Wang sales offset by weakness in bridal and beads.
During the company’s earnings call Wednesday morning, Drosos said the retailer is losing bridal sales to online competitors as well as to independent jewelers who are offering a “very personalized relationship” with customers, which is outweighing the competitive advantage Signet feels it has in selection.
Total sales for Signet, including its U.K. division, were $2.29 billion in the fourth quarter, up 1 percent year-over-year, and $6.25 billion for the year, down 2.4 percent. The total sales calculation includes an extra calendar week when compared with the previous fiscal year.
Drosos called the year “challenging.” The company expects comps to decline again this fiscal year, which she said will be a “transitional year” for the retailer as it implements its three-year turnaround plan.
The plan, termed the “Signet Path to Brilliance,” includes an evaluation of the company’s physical footprint, which Signet said it believes will result in the closure of more than 200 stores by the end of fiscal 2019. About three-quarters of the stores that will close are located in malls where Signet has already has another store. In addition, over the next three years, Signet will close all its regional brand stores.
Two hundred stores represents about 6 percent of
Signet’s total store fleet, which numbered 3,556 as of the close of the fiscal year on Feb. 3. A company spokesman said that Signet will open between 35 and 40 stores in FY 2019, including some new concept stores.
The 200-plus closings follow a year in which Signet shuttered 242 stores but opened 116, for a net reduction of 126.
Improving its omnichannel capabilities is another facet of the turnaround plan, with Drosos outlining a few specifics during Wednesday’s call: allowing customers to check the inventory of any Signet store while online in a store; the expansion of online appointment booking; more personalized content on its websites; and the expansion of online wish lists.
This year also marks the first in which Signet will be operating with a fully outsourced credit program.
The retailer announced Wednesday that it has sold the remaining, non-prime portion of its accounts receivable to investment funds managed by CarVal Investors for $401 to $435 million.
This means Signet has gotten all the credit programs it used to handle in-house off its books, a process that began in May 2017.
The board appointed Sharon L. McCollam and Nancy A. Reardon as directors, effective March 13.
McCollam was the executive vice president, chief administration and chief financial officer at Best Buy Co. Inc. from 2012 to 2017, and currently also serves on the board of Stitch Fix Inc., an online apparel subscription company.
Reardon has 33 years of human resources experience, most recently working as the chief human resources and communications officer for the Campbell Soup Co. from 2004 until her retirement in 2012. She currently is on the board of directors for Big Lots Inc. and Kids II, which sells toys and other gear for infants and toddlers.
Signet’s board now numbers 12, six of whom are women.
Grant is being replaced by Randi Abada, whose title will be senior vice president of corporate finance strategy and investor relations.
Editor’s note: This story was updated with information recevied post-publication.
The 200-plus closings follow a year in which Signet shuttered 242 stores but opened 116, for a net reduction of 126.
Improving its omnichannel capabilities is another facet of the turnaround plan, with Drosos outlining a few specifics during Wednesday’s call: allowing customers to check the inventory of any Signet store while online in a store; the expansion of online appointment booking; more personalized content on its websites; and the expansion of online wish lists.
This year also marks the first in which Signet will be operating with a fully outsourced credit program.
The retailer announced Wednesday that it has sold the remaining, non-prime portion of its accounts receivable to investment funds managed by CarVal Investors for $401 to $435 million.
This means Signet has gotten all the credit programs it used to handle in-house off its books, a process that began in May 2017.
RELATED CONTENT: A Q&A with the New CEO of Signet JewelersAlso on Wednesday, Signet announced the addition of two women to its board of directors and the departure of James Grant, the vice president of investor relations.
The board appointed Sharon L. McCollam and Nancy A. Reardon as directors, effective March 13.
McCollam was the executive vice president, chief administration and chief financial officer at Best Buy Co. Inc. from 2012 to 2017, and currently also serves on the board of Stitch Fix Inc., an online apparel subscription company.
Reardon has 33 years of human resources experience, most recently working as the chief human resources and communications officer for the Campbell Soup Co. from 2004 until her retirement in 2012. She currently is on the board of directors for Big Lots Inc. and Kids II, which sells toys and other gear for infants and toddlers.
Signet’s board now numbers 12, six of whom are women.
Grant is being replaced by Randi Abada, whose title will be senior vice president of corporate finance strategy and investor relations.
Editor’s note: This story was updated with information recevied post-publication.
More on Financials
The Latest
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
Weekly QuizDec 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock WatchThe classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
AGA Announces 2026 Tucson Speaker LineupThe association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
CBG Announces Speaker Lineup for 2026 Miami Event The January show will include a workshop for jewelry retailers on implementing AI to strengthen their businesses.
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement RingFellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.
Policies & IssuesDec 03, 2025
Costco Joins Growing Wave of Retailers Suing for Tariff Refunds The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
SurveysDec 03, 2025
A Record 202.9M Shoppers Turned Out Thanksgiving WeekendBlack Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.
AuctionsDec 03, 2025
Fabergé’s 'The Winter Egg' Achieves Record $30MThe historic egg, crafted for Russia's ruling family prior to the revolution, was the star of Christie’s recent auction of works by Fabergé.
CollectionsDec 02, 2025
Briony Raymond Introduces First FragranceThe eau de parfum is held in a fluted glass bottle that mirrors the decor of the brand’s atelier, and its cap is a nod to its “Sloan” ring.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Petra Diamonds Elevates Interim CEOs to Permanent StatusVivek Gadodia and Juan Kemp, who’ve been serving as interim co-CEOs since February, will continue to lead the diamond mining company.
MajorsDec 02, 2025
Lee Krombholz Takes Over as Chair of MJSA Education FoundationIn addition, a slate of new officers and trustees were appointed to the board.
IndependentsDec 02, 2025
RJO Welcomes Its 1,200th Retail MemberWitt’s Jewelry in Wayne, Nebraska, is the organization’s new milestone member.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Brendan Laurs Honored With 2025 Bonanno AwardLaurs is the editor-in-chief of Gem-A’s The Journal of Gemmology and an expert on the formation of colored gemstone deposits.
CrimeDec 01, 2025
Fourth Man Charged in Louvre Jewelry HeistThe man, who has a criminal history, is suspected of being the fourth member of the four-man crew that carried out the heist.
AuctionsDec 01, 2025
Christie’s Presents ‘Splendor & Style’ CollectionThe single-owner collection includes one of the largest offerings of Verdura jewels ever to appear at auction, said Christie’s.
IndependentsDec 01, 2025
Lustig Jewelers’ New Owner Is a Fellow Chicago JewelerMichael Helfer has taken the reins, bringing together two historic Chicago jewelry names.
MajorsDec 01, 2025
PGI Debuts Platinum-Filled Holiday Gift GuideThe guide features all-new platinum designs for the holiday season by brands like Harwell Godfrey, Ritani, and Suna.
TrendsNov 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rosior’s Pumpkin RingRosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday CampaignThe “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.
MajorsNov 26, 2025
Serafino Consoli Names New VP of Sales, Brand Development for the AmericasLuxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.
