Tourists’ luxury reluctance hits Tiffany’s bottom line

Tiffany & Co. shares slumped the most in four years on disappointing sales growth, prompting executives to offer up assurances that their plan to revitalize the brand for younger shoppers is still on course.

The 181-year-old company became a luxury darling this spring as its turnaround gained speed. Wall Street’s optimism soared as the jewelry maker ramped up advertising, released new products and unveiled a bold plan to refurbish the New York flagship store.

Yet shares have fallen more than 30 percent since peaking in late July as that optimism has waned. Wednesday’s sharp drop following the release of earnings shows investors may be more concerned about Chinese tourists’ sudden frugality than the company’s inroads with younger consumers.

In an interview, Chief Executive Officer Alessandro Bogliolo acknowledged the tourism challenge. A Chinese customs crackdown appears to have dissuaded the nation’s international travelers from spending freely, and this is being felt by luxury-goods companies across Europe and the U.S. Bogliolo confirmed that the crackdown, first highlighted by Louis Vuitton owner LVMH in October, has had an impact.

“Tourism is an important part of the business,” Bogliolo said. “It’s not the biggest part, but it’s something that we have to deal with.”

He insisted the problem is not with the products, saying he’s pleased with the performance of new collections such as its Tiffany True rings. He said currency fluctuations were another factor.

Earlier Wednesday, Tiffany reported weaker-than-expected sales on a same-store basis in all regions except Asia Pacific. The New York-based company said growth was limited by lower spending among Chinese travelers in the U.S., Hong Kong and Korea. Executives said on a conference call with analysts that they see a “clear pattern” in Chinese shoppers slowing spending outside of the mainland, due to the government’s efforts to foster local consumption. Domestic spending on Tiffany products rose last quarter.