As reported by Morningstar News, “shares of Signet Jewelers Ltd. were headed for their worst day
in nearly five years, after the parent of Kay Jewelers, Zales and Jared jewelry store chains
lowered its sales outlook, citing a disappointing performance over the holiday season.
“The problem was that its customers flocked to discounted items more than the company expected.”
– Tomi Kilgore –
January 14, 2025 –
Morningstar News –
“The stock (SIG) tumbled 21.5% in morning trading, putting it on track to close at the lowest price since June 14, 2023. It was also in danger of suffering its biggest one-day decline since it plummeted 24.6% on March 23, 2020.”
“Engagement and service sales were within expectations and we saw [average unit retail] increase in both bridal and fashion,” said Chief Financial Officer Joan Hilson. “However, fashion gifting underperformed as consumers gravitated to lower price points even more than anticipated in a continued competitive environment.”
The company said profit margins improved, but by less than expected, amid a “stronger customer response to promotional items.”
The company said same-store sales, or sales from stores open at least a year, fell about 2% during the peak selling days leading up to Christmas, which was below its forecasts.
… in related news …
Signet Jewelers’ stock drops as it faces competition
from lab diamonds and misses Wall Street’s profit and sales estimates.
The stock has plummeted 40.5% over the past three months, while the SPDR S&P Retail ETF XRT has gained 2.9% and the S&P 500 index SPX has eased 0.3%.
– Tomi Kilgore
This content was created by MarketWatch, which is operated by Dow Jones & Co. MarketWatch is published independently from Dow Jones Newswires and The Wall Street Journal.
Tap here for Kilgore’s complete feature in Morningstar.

… for more on this story, read Rob Bates, JCK Magazine …
Signet Will Become More (Lab-Grown) Fashion-Focused, Says New CEO
JCK – “Signet Jewelers sees significant potential in lab-created diamond fashion,
as customers seek “bolder” looks at lower price points,
CEO J.K. Symancyk told an audience of business analysts
on Jan. 14 at the ICR Conference in Orlando, Fla.”
– Rob Bates –
January 21, 2025 –
JCK Magazine –
“There’s growth and momentum within fashion that we need to do a better job of tapping into,” he said. “There’s customer demand within the sub-$1,000 and sub-$500 gift-giving price point, but the way the customer shops that category has changed. Within our assortment, there’s an opportunity to amplify lab-created diamonds more in that space.”
“Signet’s sales of lab-created diamond fashion have risen more than 30%, he noted.”
Tap here to read the full story in JCK

