It is located in Marin County, California.
Signet’s Full-Year Comps Rise 4 Percent
CEO Mark Light called it “an excellent finish to another strong year” for the retailer, aided by strong diamond fashion jewelry sales in the fourth quarter.
Akron, Ohio--Signet Jewelers Ltd. finished the year with a 4 percent increase in same-store sales, buoyed by strong diamond fashion jewelry sales in the fourth quarter.
The retailer reported Thursday morning that total sales for the year were up 14 percent, from $5.74 billion to $6.55 billion. Fiscal 2016, which ended Jan. 30, was the first full fiscal year in which Signet owned all the Zale brands.
Net income rose from $381.3 million to $467.9 million.
As previously announced, fourth quarter same-store sales were up 5 percent.
Total sales in the period went from $2.28 billion to $2.40 billion, also an increase of 5 percent.
Signet reiterated on its earnings call held Thursday morning that the “Ever Us” collection of two-stone rings was a major driver of sales in the fourth quarter, with CEO Mark Light calling it “one of the most significant innovations in the jewelry industry in years.”
The retailer is testing line extensions planned for release for the 2016 holiday season.
Light said earring and bracelet sales also were strong in Q4 as was bridal, particularly Vera Wang Love, Neil Lane, Tolkowsky and, at H. Samuel in the U.K., Forever Diamond.
Among its various chains, Kay recorded the highest same-store fourth quarter sales at 7 percent, followed by Zales Jewelers and Piercing Pagoda at 6 percent.
Comps for Jared the Galleria of Jewelry increased only 1 percent, with Light noting that the chain faces a different challenge as an off-mall store with a different set of competitors than Kay and Zales and is doing comparatively well in its market.
Jared is in a “transitional phase,” he said, with the impending addition of Pandora shop-in-shops and a new program Signet is testing called “Chosen Diamond,” where customers will be able to trace the entire journey of their diamond from mine to store.
During Thursday’s call, Signet Chief Financial Officer Michele Santana also addressed the strength of Sterling’s in-house credit program, which Bloomberg Business called into question in an article published last month, speculating that the retailer is taking too much risk with the type of people to whom it offers jewelry on credit.
This is the second time the retailer has spoken out in defense of Sterling’s in-house credit program since the Bloomberg story ran.
Santana said that customers’ “emotional attachment” to their jewelry purchases supports repayment history, and that offering credit--which 75 percent
She also noted that the in-house credit finance is designed for rapid repayment and turns over in nine months on average, and that the average FICO score of those receiving credit from Sterling has been in consistent range for a number of years.
Looking ahead, Signet said it expects a same-store sales increase of 3 to 4 percent in the first quarter, while it projects comps for the fiscal year to increase between 3 and 5 percent.
The Latest
Concerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
May’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
The brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.
Tim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.
Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
Sales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.
“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
The retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
Gifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
The three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.