UK Sales Affected by Lack of Tourist Spending, US Sales Up 6%

  • Watches of Switzerland Q4 sales rise 4%
  • UK sales impacted by lack of tourist spending
  • US sales up 6% to £846m
  • UK and Europe sales drop 5%
  • FY25 adjusted EBITDA growth expected between 0.2-0.6%
  • CEO Brian Duffy confident in strategy and brand relationships
  • Growth in Registration of Interest lists for sought after products
  • Strong performance of pre-owned Rolex Certified Pre-Owned
  • Acquisition of Roberto Coin Inc.
  • Rolex flagship boutique in London, Atlanta, and Texas
  • Audemars Piguet Town House and Mappin and Webb luxury jewellery showroom in Manchester
  • Expanded Patek Philippe space in Greenwich, Connecticut

Watches of Switzerland has reported a 4% increase in group revenues to £380m for the 13 weeks ended 30 April. The company’s US sales rose 6% to £846m, while UK and Europe sales dropped 5%. CEO Brian Duffy attributed the decline to macroeconomic conditions in the UK and a lack of tourist spending due to the absence of VAT-free shopping. Despite this, Watches of Switzerland expects its FY25 adjusted EBITDA to grow between 0.2-0.6%. The company’s strategy, exceptional client service, and strong brand relationships are driving growth in sought-after products like Rolex Certified Pre-Owned. The acquisition of Roberto Coin Inc., the exclusive North American distributor of Roberto Coin, is expected to boost luxury branded jewelry sales. Upcoming projects include a Rolex flagship boutique in London, a 3,000 sq. ft Rolex boutique in Atlanta, Georgia, and a Rolex showroom in Plano, Texas. Additionally, the Audemars Piguet Town House and Mappin and Webb luxury jewellery showroom in Manchester and an expanded Patek Philippe space in Greenwich, Connecticut are set to open. The CEO remains optimistic about FY25 targets to double sales and adjusted EBITDA.

Factuality Level: 10
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate information about Watches of Switzerland’s financial performance, including revenue growth, sales figures for different regions, CEO’s comments on strategy and future plans, and specific details about upcoming store openings. It is based on the company’s official statement and does not contain any irrelevant or misleading information, sensationalism, redundancy, opinion masquerading as fact, bias, invalid arguments, logical errors, inconsistencies, or fallacies.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about Watches of Switzerland’s financial performance and future plans, with a focus on its CEO’s perspective. It includes specific numbers and details about sales growth and upcoming projects. However, it lacks in-depth analysis or exploration of broader trends or consequences for the industry.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Watches of Switzerland’s financial performance impacts its stock price and investor sentiment
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses the company’s revenue growth, adjusted EBITDA expectations, and future plans, which are relevant to investors and financial markets.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no mention of an extreme event in this article.

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