Tiffany & Co. is set to downsize its flagship store in Shanghai, reducing the space by approximately half fr om its current 12,000 square feet. The decision comes as sales of luxury goods decline in China, the world’s second-largest economy. The two-floor store, which opened with great fanfare in late 2019 at Shanghai’s Hong Kong Plaza, will see half of its space vacated later this month, according to sources familiar with the matter. Negotiations for new tenants are already underway. The move reflects the increasingly challenging environment for global luxury brands in China, wh ere an economic slowdown and a property market slump have made consumers more price-sensitive. Many shoppers are seeking bargains in the gray market or traveling overseas to purchase luxury goods in markets like Japan, where currency rates are more favorable. Impact on LVMH’s performance LVMH’s watches and jewelry segment, which includes Tiffany, saw a 3% decline in revenue in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year, marking it as one of the company’s worst-performing sectors. Profit from recurring operations in this segment also fell by 19%. In light of the downturn, Tiffany has reportedly requested a rent reduction from its landlord, Lai Fung, for its Shanghai flagship store. Despite the downsizing, the store will retain its Blue Box Café, Tiffany’s first in China and third globally, which will continue to operate in the remaining space. Missed sales targets and Internal challenges Since its acquisition by LVMH in 2021, Tiffany has struggled to meet the ambitious sales targets set by the luxury conglomerate. The brand has also faced internal challenges, including employee departures due to lower commissions, with some staff moving to competitors and taking loyal clients with them, as reported by Bloomberg earlier this year.
