UK Slowdown Dents Sales at Watches of Switzerland
Revenue at Watches of Switzerland slipped in the first fiscal quarter as a drop in available product supply in the UK outweighed a strong US performance.
Group sales dipped 2% year on year to GBP 382 million ($484.8 million) in the three months ending July 30, the UK-based company reported last week. Revenue in the UK and Europe fell 8% to GBP 219 million ($278 million) because Watches of Switzerland had access to fewer goods than in the same period last year, it explained. Sales in the US increased 7% to GBP 163 million ($206.9 million) as demand grew and the company opened new stores.
The retailer also saw benefit from the launch of a new certified pre-owned watch program, which it debuted in the US in July, it noted.
“We…successfully launched the Rolex Certified Pre-owned program in the US,” said Watches of Switzerland CEO Brian Duffy. “Early performance has been encouraging as clients react positively. We are excited about this opportunity and are on track to launch our UK…program in September.”
Main image: A Watches of Switzerland store in Soho, New York. (Watches of Switzerland)