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The jeweler on Monday projected that first-quarter sales at its 56 stores in Jewellery on Sale would be down by 15 percent because of the earthquake and tsunami. The statement offered the first firm financial data on the earthquake's impact on retailing, and more companies are likely Return to TIFF Heart tag choker reveal similar if not steeper declines in coming weeks. Aftershocks and power outages continue to buffet the Japanese capital even as residents who fled Tokyo began to return. Tiffany, which has been in the spotlight for having a significant presence in Japan, Return to TIFF Heart tag key ring the projected decline in sales there would drag its profit projection for the period down 5 cents to 57 cents a diluted share. Jefferies & Co. analyst Randal Konik estimated the firm's comparable-store sales in Japan will fall 20 percent this year. The current situation in Japan poses a significant risk to [Tiffany's] overall sales and profit outlook, he said. Return to TIFF Heart tag necklace remain cautious on shares until we have further clarity. Still, investors gave Tiffany a vote of confidence, pushing shares of the company ahead 5.1 percent to $60.22 amid a broad rally of stock markets worldwide. The S&P Retail Index rose 1.2 percent, or 6.15 points, to 501.25, as the Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 1.5 percent, or 178.01 points, to 12,036.53, closing above 12,000 for the first time in more than a week. The CAC 40 gained 2.5 percent in Paris and the FTSE 100 increased 1.2 percent in London. While there Return to TIFF Heart tag pendant no trading in Tokyo because of a holiday to mark the spring equinox, the city started its return to business, with crowds on bullet trains from Osaka, where some fled last week. Offices and stores are expected to reopen today.