The company, which operates approximately 1, 860 retail jewelry stores in the U.S. and U.K., was led by the strength of U.S. operations, while its U.K. business sales were slightly down or flat, year-over-year.

FORBES: Signet Sales Up 10.7%, Same Store Sales Up 10.6%

The global recession only nicked Australia and, in a show of strength, Oz led the world in raising interest rates last year.

FORBES: Cruising Musings

Apparel retailers have been led by the high-low strength factors of luxury shoppers and those shoppers who are looking for bargains, as the middle-class earners keep their wallets closed for non-essential items.

FORBES: October Retail Sales Gain, But Fall Under Expectations