These sales were generated from just 105 boutiques operated by some of the world\u2019s most recognisable luxury brands, including Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, IWC Schaffhausen and Vacheron Constantin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The rankings show how dramatically the luxury jewellery market has shifted towards high-end consumers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Richemont\u2019s boutiques generated an estimated $34.5 million (R563.2 million) in annual sales per location, far ahead of competitors operating thousands of stores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Industry leader Signet Jewelers retained the top position with $6.36 billion (R103.83 billion) in sales. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, Signet required 2,329 stores across North America to achieve that figure, averaging roughly $2.7 million (R44 million) per outlet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Walmart, which sells lower-priced jewellery alongside groceries and household products, dropped from second place to fourth in the rankings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The fall reflects how wealthy consumers in the United States have continued to spend on luxury goods despite inflationary pressures, geopolitical uncertainty, and slowing economic growth in several major markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other retailers also saw shifts in the rankings. Costco climbed from sixth to fifth as demand for its gold and diamond jewellery expanded rapidly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pandora rose from eighth to seventh, while Watches of Switzerland moved into the top 10. Luxury conglomerate LVMH slipped from fifth to sixth, and Macy’s dropped from seventh to eighth as it continued reducing its physical store footprint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Swiss watch retailer Bucherer fell out of the top 10 entirely following ongoing disruption after its acquisition by Rolex in 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The ranking highlighted the success of Richemont\u2019s strategy of selling directly to customers rather than relying heavily on third-party retailers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Over the past five years, the company has steadily increased control over how its products are displayed, marketed and sold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Richemont is shooting the lights out<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Cartier-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThis direct-to-consumer approach has become central to Richemont\u2019s growth. The company has effectively applied the business model used by Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels across much of its wider luxury portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These jewellery maisons are known for tightly controlling every aspect of the customer experience, from boutique design to product presentation, creating an aura of exclusivity around their brands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThis direct-to-consumer approach has become central to Richemont\u2019s growth. The company has effectively applied the business model used by Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels across much of its wider luxury portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These jewellery maisons are known for tightly controlling every aspect of the customer experience, from boutique design to product presentation, creating an aura of exclusivity around their brands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n