Watches of Switzerland sales jump as shoppers shrug off tariff impact


Watches of Switzerland has revealed strong growth over the past half-year amid a jump in US sales despite President Donald Trumpโ€™s tariffs.

Bosses said the company had seen โ€œno significant changeโ€ in the behaviour of its shoppers since initial tariffs were introduced earlier this year.

The group said this underscored the โ€œcontinued robust demand for luxury watches and jewellery in the USโ€.

Nevertheless, Watches of Switzerland hailed an agreement between the US and Switzerland last month which reduced the tax on Swiss imports into the US from 39% to 15%.

On Thursday, the watch retailer reported that group revenues increased by 8% to ยฃ845 million, compared with a year earlier.

It was supported by strong demand in the US, where sales rose by 15% to ยฃ409 million.

In the US, the group has benefited from a jump in sales across the Roberto Coin business it snapped up last year.

The retailer said UK revenues rose by 2% to ยฃ436 million, with growth of 5% adjusting for showroom closures.

The company said it has seen momentum continue in the second half of the financial year.

Brian Duffy, chief executive, said: โ€œThe second half of the year has started well.

โ€œTrading is in line with expectations, and we are well placed as we enter the holiday trading period.

โ€œWhilst we remain mindful of the external economic and geopolitical environment, we are confident in the strength of our business and our differentiated offering, and have reiterated our full-year 2026 guidance.โ€

Shares in Watches of Switzerland were up 0.8%.

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