Signet Annual Sales £1,893.4 million

Signet Group, the world's largest specialty retail jeweler, reported that like for like sales rose by 4.2 percent in the fourth quarter. Growth in U.S. sales was adversely affected by the change in timing of a promotional Valentine's Day event. Total sales were £754.6 million.

Group annual sales rose to £1,893.4 million, of this U.S. sales totaled £1,410.8 million, representing 74.5 percent of the total annual sales. This is a 10 percent increase on a reported basis, and 14.9 percent at constant exchange rates.

“In the fourth quarter, the U.S. business continued to trade well with like for like sales up 7.3 percent, excluding the final week that was impacted by the timing of a promotional event associated with Valentine's Day. The UK division made satisfactory progress,” said Terry Burman, group chief executive.

“For the year as a whole, the U.S. business again increased its share of the $60 billion US jewelry market, with like for like sales up by 7 percent on a 52 week basis. On the same basis, UK like for like sales were up 1.1 percent in a challenging retail environment,” he added.