The mining giant also wants to offload its platinum business as part of an overhaul designed to “unlock significant value.”
Signet Opening James Allen Concept Store in DC
It is set to open before the holiday season and will be more high-tech than the jeweler’s other stores.
Akron, Ohio—Signet Jewelers Ltd. CEO Gina Drosos announced Thursday that the company will be opening a James Allen concept store and showroom in Washington, D.C., before the upcoming holiday season.
While the company declined to release specifics on location or exact timing, Drosos did say the store will be more technology-focused than Signet’s current stores.
The opening of a full-line brick-and-mortar location is a first for the online retailer; James Allen does have a showroom on Fifth Avenue in New York City, but that space is by appointment only.
The announcement of James Allen moving into brick-and-mortar came as Signet released its second quarter results Thursday morning.
Signet’s total sales hit $1.42 billion in the 13-week period ended Aug. 4, a 2 percent year-over-year increase. Same-store sales were up 2 percent as well.
In North America, comps rose 2 percent. The company’s same-store sales result includes sales on its own e-commerce sites as well as on JamesAllen.com, which recorded a 25 percent year-over-year increase in sales to $54.4 million.
RELATED CONTENT: Signet Completes R2Net AcquisitionLeading the way among Signet’s brick-and-mortar businesses was Piercing Pagoda, with a same-store sales increase of 12 percent, followed by Zales at 7 percent. Jared the Galleria of Jewelry stores recorded a 1 percent increase in comps, while same-store sales at Kay Jewelers slipped 2 percent.
Bridal and fashion jewelry were the strongest sellers in the quarter, while sales of jewelry classified as “other,” including beads, declined. Signet is phasing out its “Charmed Memories” line of beads sold at Kay stores.
E-commerce sales (including James Allen) totaled $150.3 million, an 83 percent year-over-year increase. Online sales accounted for 11 percent of Signet’s sales in the second quarter.
The increases come as Signet is in the middle of a three-year turnaround plan launched in March and termed the “Path to Brilliance.”
Drosos said the retailer is “encouraged” by the results so far and is “modestly” raising its revenue and earnings guidance for the year. She added, though, that Signet is “remaining appropriately cautious” in its outlook as many of its Path to Brilliance initiatives are being launched later in the year.
Toward the conclusion of Thursday’s earnings call, the Signet CEO was asked about lab-grown gemstones, specifically lab-grown diamonds and if Signet had any interest in carrying them.
While Drosos echoed some of what she told Yahoo Finance in an April interview—that she believes consumers
She said there could be some “growing interest” in the fashion jewelry space for lab-grown diamonds, adding: “We will make sure Signet is well-positioned to participate in that space … if customers point us in that direction.”
Her philosophy on man-made diamonds sounds similar to one adopted by De Beers in launching its lab-grown line, Lightbox: lab-grown diamonds belong in lower-priced fashion jewelry given for occasions like graduation and Sweet 16, while mined diamonds are for engagement rings.
The Latest
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.
Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
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.
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
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.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
Tobak, author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” shares how the exhibition came to be, and the pieces people may be surprised to see.
Stars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.
M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.
The branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.
The six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.
The highlight of his collection is the coveted Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which could sell for up to $5 million.
The “Venetian Link” series modernizes the classic Veneziana box chain in its bracelets and necklaces.
The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship will provide tuition assistance to two low-income students.
The Swiss watchmaker said the company’s plans to use a new version of the Hallmark crown on jewelry would confuse consumers.
The executive talked about the importance of self-purchasers and how fuel cell electric vehicles are going to fuel demand for platinum.