Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
Profits drop, smartwatch on horizon for Swatch
Swatch Group reported Thursday that its profits declined sharply in 2014, amid moves it is making to combat the strong Swiss franc and launch a competitor to Apple Watch.
Biel/Bienne, Switzerland-- Swatch Group reported Thursday that its profits declined sharply in 2014, amid moves it is making to combat the strong Swiss franc and launch a competitor to Apple Watch.
In its full-year report released Thursday, Swatch Group reported that gross sales in 2014 were nearly $10 billion, a 5 percent increase as compared with 2013 when gross sales totaled $9.57 billion.
Net sales climbed to $9.4 billion from $9.2 billion, a 2 percent increase year-over-year.
Operating profit, however, dropped 24 percent to $1.9 billion from $2.5 billion in 2013. Net income also declined, totaling $1.5 billion, a 27 percent decrease year-over-year.
In its Watch & Jewelry segment specifically, without production, gross sales rose 6 percent and net sales climbed 4 percent in 2014, “despite an ongoing long-term defensive price adjustment policy,” Swatch Group said.
Exports of wristwatches for the entire Swiss watch industry to the end of December 2014 increased about 2 percent.
The company reported that all brands made additional marketing investments last year in markets they believe will grow: the United States, Japan and mainland China. Omega, specifically, signed a renewal contract until 2022 with the U.S.’s PGA Golf tour and Longines increased its presence in the equestrian industry, mainly in Japan and the U.S.
Going forward, the company said several brands have raised their prices between 5 and 7 percent in select markets to “compensate for the very unfavorable currency situation,” referring to the Swiss franc’s comparable strength against the euro and U.S. dollar after it was untethered from the euro last month.
In addition, various news sources including Bloomberg reported this week that Swatch Group plans to release and begin selling a smartwatch within the next three months, one that will allow consumers to make mobile payments, work with Windows and Android software, and operate without needing to be charged.
The Latest
Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
Ruser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
The “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
The money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
NDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
B&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
It’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
Emily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
Its updated book for mountings is also now available.
She has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
Joyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.
He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.