MONTH IN REVIEW Updated at
www.jewelleryfocus.co.uk TRADING UPDATE
Asprey reports jump in jewellery
and watch sales Luxury goods retailer and jewellery designer Asprey has reported a jump in retail sales in the first three quarters of the financial year. Asprey has seen “strong momentum”
in the period from 1 April 2016 to 31 December 2016, with the company’s retail channel reporting a year-to-date increase of 65% ahead of the same period in 2015. Strong sales growth was recorded
in “key product categories”, with its jewellery and timepiece categories reporting increases of 71% and 145%, respectively. Meanwhile, Asprey’s flagship store in London reported a 67% sales increase compared with the preceding year. John Rigas, chairman of the
company, said: “I am delighted with the positive results for the first three quarters to 31 December 2016, specifically in the flagship London store, providing year on year growth within the UK luxury market. “The key categories of jewellery and timepieces continue to perform in line with our strategic and focused initiatives proving the strength of our unique offering.”
“I am delighted with the positive results for the first three quarters to 31 December 2016” John Rigas, chairman, Asprey
SALES
Signet sales fall 4.6% over festive
holiday season Signet Jewelers, the parent company of UK-based H Samuel and Ernest Jones, has reported a fall in sales over the
10 JEWELLERY FOCUS
festive holiday period. For the nine weeks ending 31
December 2016 the company reported that same-store sales had decreased 4.6% compared with an increase of 5.1% in the nine-week period ending 2 January, 2016. Total sales decreased 5.1% compared
with the 5.3% increase in the preceding year, but at constant currency total sales fell 3.3% compared with an increase of 6.6% in the prior year. The trading update reported that
same-store sales across its UK division were down 3.7%, with H Samuel and Ernest Jones reporting declines of 4.9% and 2.2%, respectively. Total sales for the division were down 3.2%. UK jewellery division total sales
declines were driven by unfavourable currency exchange rates, while same- store decreases were driven primarily by fashion jewellery and beads - most notably at H Samuel. This was offset by higher sales of bridal jewellery and watches. Mark Light, CEO, said the
“disappointing” results were principally driven by underperformance in its United States-based Sterling Jewellers division ecommerce business.
CRIME
Staff threatened with handgun in jewellery store raid
Members of staff have been threatened with a handgun during a raid at a luxury watch store in Buckhurst Hill, Essex. Police were called on Tuesday, 10
January at around 5:30pm to Luxe Watches on Queens Road after a member of staff was threatened by two men and was forced to hand over jewellery, including a number of watches. One suspect had a tattoo sleeve on one arm, and was wearing black rimmed glasses, a long navy woollen coat and a light blue shirt. He is
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“disappointing” results were principally driven by
underperformance in its United States-based Sterling Jewellers” Mark Light, CEO, Signet
described as 25 years old, black, approximately 6ft tall and of slim build. Essex Police said he is believed to
have been carrying a handgun which he used to threaten the shop’s staff. The second suspect was described
as mixed race, around 20-years-old, of slim build with afro hair. He was wearing a light shirt and beige jeans and was carrying a rucksack which was light in colour. Following the robbery, one of the
suspects smashed the glass in the shop’s door with a hammer. They then made off on foot down Queens Road, through an alleyway which connects to Westbury Lane. There were three staff members
in the shop during the robbery, with police confirming that none were hurt. Essex Police has urged anyone
with information to call Loughton CID on 01279 641212 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
of gold increased The price
to £944 / Oz in January
£26 (up from £918 in December) February 2017 |
jewelleryfocus.co.uk
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