Latest news with #Zales
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Signet Jewelers Ltd (SIG) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Highlights: Strong Growth in E-commerce and ...
Revenue: $1.5 billion for the quarter. Same-Store Sales Growth: 2.5% increase. E-commerce Sales Growth: Double-digit growth for Kay, Zales, and Jared. Merchandise Average Unit Retail (AUR): Increased approximately 8% overall; fashion up 10%, bridal up slightly. Gross Margin Expansion: 100 basis points increase from last year. Adjusted Operating Income: $70 million, up more than 20% from last year. Adjusted EPS: $1.18, above last year. Inventory: $2 billion, up approximately 1%. Cash Position: $264 million, with total liquidity of $1.4 billion. Share Repurchases: Approximately 2.3 million shares repurchased year-to-date. Store Closures: 14 stores closed in the quarter; plan to close just under 100 stores within the fiscal year. Guidance for Q2 Sales: $1.47 billion to $1.51 billion. Full-Year Sales Guidance: $6.57 billion to $6.8 billion. Capital Expenditures: Expected to be $145 million to $160 million. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 7 Warning Sign with DG. Release Date: June 03, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Signet Jewelers Ltd (NYSE:SIG) reported same-store sales and operating income growth above their guidance range for the first quarter. The company's 'Grow Brand Love' strategy is showing early signs of delivering long-term sustainable growth by aligning brands with customer expectations. Signet Jewelers Ltd (NYSE:SIG) achieved a more than 30% increase in impressions for its three largest brands with only a low single-digit increase in ad spend. The company reported a 60% increase in lab-grown diamond (LGD) fashion sales, contributing to an 8% increase in average unit retail (AUR) for fashion. Signet Jewelers Ltd (NYSE:SIG) expanded its gross margin by 100 basis points year-over-year, driven by refined promotional strategies and inventory management. James Allen, one of Signet Jewelers Ltd (NYSE:SIG)'s digital brands, created 140 basis points of pressure on comps due to lower brand awareness and positioning challenges. The company faces potential cost impacts and supply chain disruptions due to tariffs, particularly with imports from India and China. Signet Jewelers Ltd (NYSE:SIG) is closing up to 150 underperforming stores over the next two years, reflecting challenges in certain retail locations. The company anticipates slightly higher SG&A as a percentage of sales year-over-year, partly due to incentive compensation resets. Signet Jewelers Ltd (NYSE:SIG) is navigating a dynamic macroeconomic landscape, which includes potential consumer spending variability and tariff uncertainties. Q: Can you quantify the unmitigated tariff pressure and discuss the actions being taken to mitigate these pressures? Also, how are pricing trends in lab-grown and natural diamonds within the bridal and fashion categories? A: J.K. Symancyk, CEO, explained that the company is focusing on design and assortment architecture to maintain margin structure amidst tariff pressures. The tariffs primarily affect imports from India, and the company is leveraging its long lead times and strong inventory position to adjust assortments. Lab-grown diamonds (LGD) have seen continued deflation but are contributing to an increase in average unit retail (AUR) due to consumer trade-ups. Joan Hilson, CFO, added that the guidance includes the current impact of tariffs, with flexibility for unforeseen changes. Q: How is the performance of fashion compared to bridal, and have you seen an increase in new customers due to lab-grown diamonds? A: J.K. Symancyk, CEO, noted that while bridal trends are improving, fashion has shown sequential improvement, particularly in the sub-$500 price point. The introduction of new collections has helped drive positive same-store sales. Lab-grown diamonds have indeed attracted new customers, contributing to growth in both bridal and fashion categories. Q: What are you seeing in terms of consumer health across different brands, and how are you preparing for the upcoming holiday season amidst tariff concerns? A: J.K. Symancyk, CEO, stated that consumer resilience is evident, with AUR growth driven by aligning with consumer trends. For the holiday season, the company plans to focus on targeted marketing and reducing promotional noise, leveraging increased digital reach to expand their customer base. Q: Could you provide details on the penetration of lab-grown diamonds and the implications for your guidance? A: J.K. Symancyk, CEO, mentioned that lab-grown diamonds now represent about 20% of their business, up 5 points from last year. This growth is aligned with their strategic positioning and is expected to drive gross margin expansion. Joan Hilson, CFO, added that the current quarter's performance is near the high end of their guidance range, with flexibility built in for consumer variability. Q: How does the company view the risk of increased tariffs on lab-grown diamonds from India, and what is the outlook for the bridal category? A: J.K. Symancyk, CEO, emphasized that the company is actively managing tariff risks through a task force and leveraging its scale with partners. The lab-grown diamond category is less pressured due to controllable input costs. In the bridal category, unit growth has exceeded industry trends, supported by improved assortment architecture. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
New York Times
29-04-2025
- Politics
- New York Times
A Hot Accessory, at the Intersection of Faith and Culture
When Arianna Salerno first moved to Washington, D.C., in 2022 to attend Catholic University she didn't see many people wearing cross necklaces. But in the past year, she says she has noticed an uptick of the jewelry each time she takes the Metro, and they are now a regular presence on Capitol Hill, where she's held multiple internships. As a millenniums-old symbol of Christian faith, the cross would seem somewhat immune to trendiness. But cross necklaces and pendants have been in vogue before and may be again as some feel more comfortable embracing their faith and seek community with others. On red carpets, on social media, at protests by high-ranking Democrats and in the White House, necklaces with cross pendants are appearing with renewed prevalence. Chappell Roan wore an oversize one to the MTV Video Music Awards in September, and one dangled from Sabrina Carpenter's neck in the music video for her single 'Please Please Please.' The trendy online store Ssense sells them in nearly 50 variations, and mainstream jewelers like Kendra Scott and Zales carry numerous designs. Lately, the cross necklaces flash across cable news screens several times a week, suspended between the collarbones of Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, and Attorney General Pam Bondi. Ms. Bondi, 59, wrote in a statement that her necklaces are an expression of her 'strong Christian' upbringing: 'My faith is very important to me,' she said. 'It is what gets me through each day.' Across TikTok, young Christian women have been sharing the meaning behind their own cross necklaces, saying they help cultivate a sense of belonging and connection with others. Sage Mills, a student at the University of Oklahoma who has posted videos about her cross necklace, said that seeing women in government like Ms. Leavitt and Ms. Bondi wear their own 'makes me feel good. It makes me feel like God is the important thing for people that are governing our world.' The cross, a symbol most associated with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, first emerged during the Roman Empire when it was an instrument of mass torture, said Robert Covolo, a theologian and associate pastor at Christ Church Sierra Madre near Los Angeles. By the 4th century, Mr Covolo said that Christians had begun to use the cross as an emblem of their religion. Not long after, the cross became a focal point for daily jewelry. Cross jewelry dating as far back as the 5th century is prevalent in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Referencing its original use, Mr. Covolo said the cross was a 'symbol of the Roman Empire asserting its power with impunity.' Over centuries, the cross evolved as a signpost of the moral compass one shares with fellow Christians and a kind of talisman with deeply personal significance. 'They have an official meaning but people bring their own meaning, which is where symbols really get their power,' said Mr. Covolo, 58, who in 2020 published a book about the link between Christianity and fashion. Many still wear theirs as a straightforward declaration of their faith and as an expression of communion with other believers. About 62 percent of U.S. adults identify as Christian, according to a Pew Research Center study released in February. The group's annual religious landscape study also found that the country's Christian population has stabilized after decades of decline. 'It's the easiest way to know that I have shared beliefs with people,' said Ms. Mills, 20, who received her cross necklace as a gift to celebrate her rebaptism last year. When Breanna Anderson, a social media specialist in Orem, Utah, visited Jerusalem in 2022, she purchased her first cross necklace, even though the cross is not a common symbol for her religious affiliation, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 'Even though it's not a symbol of the church, it can be a symbol of devotion to Jesus Christ and believing in him,' she said. The necklaces had become more popular with younger congregants of her church, and in broader 'Utah culture,' Ms. Anderson, 26, added. That cultural meaning can be harder to define as the symbol now seems to vary in interpretation across geography, church affiliation and even — to a growing extent — political value systems. The Trump administration has welcomed religion into the West Wing with the establishment of a new White House Faith Office. In recent months, pastors with Christian nationalist beliefs have been invited to the White House numerous times. Cross necklaces have, in a way, become the jewelry of choice most associated with President Trump's second administration. Ms. Bondi owns several cross necklaces but most often appears at official events in a diamond-set version purchased at Mavilo, a jewelry store in Tampa, Fla. Ms. Leavitt, the White House press secretary, has frequently worn a large cross pendant at press Ms. Leavitt is not the first press secretary to wear a cross:Kayleigh McEnany, a press secretary during Mr. Trump's first term also wore one. In an email, Ms. Leavitt, 27, called the cross necklace 'the perfect accessory to any outfit,' adding that she wears the cross 'because it serves as a reminder of the strength that can only be found through faith.' The wearable religious symbol has popped up elsewhere in government. This weekend, Representative Hakeem Jeffries of New York, the top House Democrat, wore a large silvertone cross pendant necklace to stage a sit-in protest against the GOP budget on the steps of the Capitol with Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey. Mr. Jeffries was raised in Brooklyn and in his youth was an usher at the Cornerstone Baptist Church in Bedford-Stuyvesant. Some Christians see the visible integration of Christianity and government as a natural progression of America's founding values — and the cross necklace as a sign of pride and resilience. Daisy Rogers, 25, a stay-at-home mother and volleyball coach in Gilbert, Ariz., said the nation 'was founded on Christian-like values and I don't believe there's a separation. I think it should stay that way.' Ms. Rogers, also a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, began wearing a cross necklace about a year ago as a way to convey her faith when interacting with others. While Ms. Rogers said that she feels like Christians can sometimes be perceived as weak, seeing women in government like Ms. Leavitt wear one offers 'prime examples of how to be strong and Christlike at the same time,' she said. Riley White, a content creator and personal trainer in Birmingham, Ala., began wearing a cross necklace two years ago as a way to 'share Christian values and love' and likened it to an engagement ring. Ms. White, 24, said that recently, she's felt uncertainty when she spots cross necklaces worn by political figureheads in the news. 'I like to see the cross worn by people who have Christian values and who treat people how the Bible tells us to,' said Ms. White. 'It can be hard seeing people wear a cross and hearing how they speak about people in a way that doesn't necessarily align with Christian values.' Lucy Collins, an assistant professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York who teaches courses in philosophy, fashion theory and ethics, said that while cross necklaces are often worn apolitically, their appearance in the political sphere in the United States has introduced implications of partisan politics. 'The cross itself is not a complicated symbol, it clearly represents Christianity,' said Ms. Collins. But in contrast to the simplicity of the cross, she added, 'at this moment Christianity is much more complicated.'
Fashion Network
21-04-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Zales ushers in new brand identity
American jewelry retailer Zales is stepping into a new chapter with the launch of a brand campaign, an expanded product assortment, and a reimagined in-store experience, all part of a larger transformation aimed at redefining how a new generation wears fine jewelry. Under the new brand platform, Zales is breaking away from the tradition of saving fine jewelry for anniversaries or special events. Instead, it is championing the belief that jewelry is meant to be worn every day, in every way. To get there, the 'Own It' campaign, directed by filmmaker Marie Schüller and captured by photographer Hannah Sider, asserts a fresh identity for a new generation of confident, fashion-forward consumers who are redefining what it means to wear jewelry with no occasion needed. The campaign highlights an expanded product assortment including trend-driven collections like Stellar Allure's lab- grown diamond fashion designs, and Whimly by Zales, offering accessible price points along with stackable, layer-friendly designs. 'Jewelry is not just about marking milestones; it's about elevating everyday moments. With this new campaign we're inviting our customers to embrace their individuality, wear what they love, and, most importantly, Own It,' said Kecia Caffie, Zales' president. Zales' reinvention also extends to the in-store experience. The brand is currently testing a new 'store of the future' concept that blends immersive, self-serve shopping with curated, vibrant displays and integrated digital tools for a more personalized shopping experience. Lastly, on the media front, Zales is embracing a digital-first approach, venturing into emerging platforms like mobile gaming, connected TV (CTV), and interactive social formats. The brand is also doubling down on influencer partnerships. Zales' creative director Lionel Cipriano added: 'Jewelry is for every occasion — morning coffee, dog walks, even the gym. We're here to make fine jewelry effortless, wearable, and unapologetically you. No rules — just stunning pieces that fit your life. Diamonds with denim? Absolutely. Gold hoops for the morning commute? Why not! When you wear what makes you feel good, you shine. So, own it.'
Business Wire
21-04-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Zales Enters a New Era with 'Own It' Campaign Launch, Marking a Turning Point in Brand Vision, Deliberate Product Curation, and Customer Journey
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Zales, the iconic brand name in fine jewelry retailing, is stepping into a new era with the launch of its latest campaign, 'Own It.' Directed by visionary filmmaker Marie Schüller and captured through the lens of renowned photographer Hannah Sider, this campaign marks a pivotal shift for Zales as it asserts a fresh identity for a new generation of confident, fashion-forward consumers who are redefining what it means to wear jewelry – no occasion needed. 'Jewelry is not just about marking milestones; it's about elevating everyday moments." Share Under the new brand platform, Zales is putting a stake in the ground, claiming its space as the go-to destination for confident, on-trend women who aren't afraid to play with what's precious. Zales' new campaign flips the script on traditional fine-jewelry marketing. Instead of saving diamonds for anniversaries or special events, 'Own It' champions the belief that jewelry is meant to be worn every day, in every way, recognizing that today's woman doesn't wait for a special occasion to shine. 'Jewelry is not just about marking milestones; it's about elevating everyday moments. With this new campaign we're inviting our customers to embrace their individuality, wear what they love, and, most importantly, Own It,' says Kecia Caffie, Zales' President. Zales' transformation goes beyond its bold new messaging. The brand is expanding its product assortment with unique, trend-driven collections like Stellar Allure's modern lab-grown diamond fashion designs, and Whimly by Zales, offering accessible price points along with stackable, layer-friendly designs. Customization and personalization take center stage, allowing customers to craft pieces that are truly their own. Zales' Creative Director Lionel Cipriano explains, 'Jewelry is for every occasion — morning coffee, dog walks, even the gym. We're here to make fine jewelry effortless, wearable, and unapologetically you. No rules — just stunning pieces that fit your life. Diamonds with denim? Absolutely. Gold hoops for the morning commute? Why not! When you wear what makes you feel good, you shine. So, own it.' In addition to its product evolution, Zales is testing out a "store of the future" concept that reimagines the in-store experience and blends digital integration with vibrant, curated displays for a more self-serve, personalized shopping experience. On the media front, the brand is embracing digital-first strategies, exploring new channels like mobile gaming, CTV, and interactive social formats while doubling down on influencer partnerships to better connect with younger audiences and highlight the importance of peer-to-peer recommendations. As 'Own It' rolls out across digital, social, and in-store experiences, Zales invites everyone to embrace the freedom of personal style through bold self-expressions. For more information, visit or follow @Zalesjewelers on social media. About Zales:
Business of Fashion
21-04-2025
- Business
- Business of Fashion
How Zales Is Marketing Diamonds to Gen-Z
Gen-Z grew up watching Zales ads on TV. But now that they're buying jewellery for themselves, the retailer isn't on their radar. 'We were losing relevance, or never had it, frankly, with that younger customer,' said Kecia Caffie, Zales' president. 'They know us, but beyond being aware of who Zales is, they're not considering us in their purchases.' The Signet-owned retailer is trying to change that, starting with a new campaign, called 'Own It,' which is focussed on positioning Zales as a place to buy everyday jewellery, including the more trend-focussed pieces like customisable charm necklaces and tennis bracelets that Gen-Z shoppers gravitate towards. The campaign will kick off on Apr. 30 with an event hosted by Gen-Z songstress Halle Bailey at NYC hot spot Double Chicken Please. The campaign is set to run across digital and social platforms, as well as in-store, and will explore more fun and inviting touchpoints than your average high jewellery rollout, including mobile gaming and CTV. The brand will also be investing in influencer and celebrity partnerships, as well as tentpole opportunities like US Open player sponsorships. The seeds of the campaign were first planted when Caffie joined Zales two years ago, and her team set out to figure out what needed to be true to get Gen-Z and Millennials to include them in their consideration set. A key insight the team came across was that younger shoppers are prone to celebrating moments outside of the typical birthdays, graduations and anniversaries traditionally associated with jewellery purchases. Instead, it's 'I got a new job. I got a promotion. I feel good, I want to treat myself,' said Caffie. Zales is just the latest legacy label to launch a major marketing effort centred around courting Gen-Z; results are typically mixed. And the stakes for Zales are particularly challenging: Amid the global luxury slowdown, getting young shoppers to splurge on high-end purchases is already tough. Add to that the fact that jewellery — specifically, diamonds — have traditionally been seen as giftable items associated with major milestones and weddings. That's true for Zales in particular, which has historically focussed its messaging on just that. Plus, the jewellery market has changed. Historically, it's been a two-party game: There's the giants, like Zales and also luxury players like Cartier and Tiffany, and then there are mom-and-pop hometown jewellers. Recent years have brought forth a greater number of digitally savvy jewellery brands like Ring Concierge and Stephanie Gottlieb, who have mastered the art of encouraging women to buy jewellery for themselves. A New Jewellery Customer The 'Own It' campaign is meant to show customers how they can weave diamond, gold and silver pieces into their everyday lives. It reflects the ethos that's driven Zales' designs since Caffie came aboard. 'I don't have any galas on my calendar,' said Caffie. 'And so knowing that … we then started designing product that was appropriate for everyday wear.' Having a range of price points is crucial as well. The lines featured in the campaign, Stellar Allure and Whimly, range from under $100 to $2,500, and are meant to offer both splurge-worthy items and entry-level access for younger consumers who are just getting to know the brand. Demonstrating how customers can dress the products up and down, as well as mix and match them, was another key consideration. The campaign video was shot on a subway train to democratise the offering, and was designed to have an approachable, fun energy. 'When we think about fine jewellery, it has this stuffy connotation. The mood of this [campaign] is just about relaxing with it,' said Caffie. 'We want to take down the velvet rope and make it significantly less intimidating than fine jewellery experiences can and have been.' Lifting the metaphorical velvet rope in-store is also critical to the brand's strategy of getting Gen-Z comfortable with buying from Zales. To that end, the brand is unveiling a new store concept in the second half of 2025. 'Today, if you walk into our store, everything is still predominantly under glass,' said Caffie, highlighting the goal to make the stores more interactive and 'really inviting the customer to touch, feel, try on.' Being able to peruse pieces in their own time, but having access to help from a salesperson if needed, is another key part of the process as shoppers explore what's on offer. The new stores will also be tech-supported, so shoppers can easily learn more about products and get styling inspiration. They will also be kitted out with 'creation cabinets' for enhanced personalisation, as nearly all of the products are customisable in some fashion, according to Caffie. 'How do we show the customer how to wear diamonds in a way that doesn't feel like it's over the top, or you're overdressed for every occasion in your life?' said Caffie. 'It's making it fun.'
