Finlay's Departure Leaves Department Stores Struggling With Fine Jewelry
National Jeweler has an article about how Finlay's departure leaves questions about the future of fine jewelry counters at many major department stores. Finlay ran the licensed jewelry departments in 566 department stores nationwide according to an SEC filing in January, 2009. Another article says Finaly had over 670 jewelry counters inside department stores. These jewelry counters are going to be disappearing in many department stores this fall.
The National Jewelerquestioned several retailers that used Finlay counters about what they are going to do about fine jewelry going forward.
Lord and Taylor said they are still carrying jewelry but would not give details about future plans for fine jewelry.
Some Macy's department stores will be maintaining jewelry counters in-house.
Bon-Ton Stores would not comment.
Bloomingdale's paid Finlay's for some jewelry related assets but would not comment on future fine jewelry plans.
Other department store retailers have not finalized plans or would not comment to National Jeweler if they have. It is likely that the amount of jewelry some stores carry will be greatly reduced - at least in the short term - and the retailers may not want to admit that.
