CollectionsApr 02, 2025
Bea Bongiasca’s ‘Tarallo’ Collection Expansion Is a ZooThe pieces in “Animali Tarallo” portray animals from stingrays to elephants through portraits and interpretations of their patterns.
TechnologyNov 29, 2016
Here’s How Thanksgiving Weekend Was for Retailers Overall
Initial results show that a lot of shopping took place online and that average spending per person was down slightly.
New York--The numbers are in for how the long Thanksgiving weekend was for retailers across the country, and they’re mixed.
ShopperTrak, the Chicago-based firm that tracks foot traffic in stores, reported that shopper visits to stores on Thursday and Friday were down a combined 1 percent when compared with the same days last year. Black Friday shopper visits in particular were flat year-over-year.
Over the past few years, Thanksgiving Day store openings were pulling shoppers from visiting stores on Black Friday. However, this year that trend reversed itself for a number of reasons, including fewer store openings on Thanksgiving Day and online shopping, ShopperTrak said.
The company also said that moving forward this holiday season, it’s “imperative” that brick-and-mortar retailers align their operations, including marketing, staffing and inventory, to exceed customer expectations and capitalize on the sales opportunities that remain for the busy shopping days ahead.
The National Retail Federation also released its numbers from the weekend, finding that more than 154 million consumers shopped over Thanksgiving weekend, up from 151 million shoppers in 2015, on the strength of Black Friday deals and promotions. The 154 million shoppers is also exceeded the NRF’s prediction of 137 million.
Average spending per person, however, was down from $299.60 to $289.19, with an average of $214.13, or 74 percent of total purchases, going toward gifts.
When it comes to where consumers shopped over the weekend, the survey found that 44 percent went online and 40 percent shopped in-store (survey takers were allowed to select more than one answer).
Of those that shopped in store, 75 percent shopped on Black Friday (up 3 percent from last year), 40 percent on Saturday, 35 percent on Thanksgiving and 17 percent on Sunday.
The most popular day to shop online was Black Friday, up more than 1 percent from last year to 74 percent, followed by Saturday (49 percent), Thanksgiving (36 percent) and Sunday (34 percent).
Other interesting points the NRF reported are as follows.
• Of the consumers who shopped in stores, 51 percent shopped at department stores, 34 percent at discount stores, 32 percent at electronics stores, 28 percent at clothing or accessories stores and 25 percent at grocery stores/supermarkets.
• Among those who shopped in store on Thursday and Friday, 29 percent headed out after 10 a.m. on Black Friday, which is up from 24 percent last year. Less than 15 percent arrived to stores by 6
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
a.m. or earlier on Black Friday.
• Early Thanksgiving Day in-store shopping also dropped, declining 19 percent, with only 7 percent consumers heading to stores before 5 p.m. Shopping on that day itself was up 1 percent.
• Millennials continued to drive the increase in shopping during Thanksgiving weekend, with eight out of 10 shoppers in this age group shopping over the weekend. Twenty five to 34 year olds shopped the most in store (56 percent) and online (62 percent).
Sales on so-called Cyber Monday, meanwhile, are set to exceed initial estimates and reach a record $3.39 billion, CNBC reported early Tuesday.
http://www.cnbc.com/2016/11/29/us-cyber-monday-sales-jump-set-to-surpass-initial-estimate.html
That is a 10 percent year-over-year increase that further underscores the shift to online shopping, which also was strong over Thanksgiving, and helps to make up for the sales that retailers aren’t making in stores.
--Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff contributed to this report.
• Early Thanksgiving Day in-store shopping also dropped, declining 19 percent, with only 7 percent consumers heading to stores before 5 p.m. Shopping on that day itself was up 1 percent.
• Millennials continued to drive the increase in shopping during Thanksgiving weekend, with eight out of 10 shoppers in this age group shopping over the weekend. Twenty five to 34 year olds shopped the most in store (56 percent) and online (62 percent).
Sales on so-called Cyber Monday, meanwhile, are set to exceed initial estimates and reach a record $3.39 billion, CNBC reported early Tuesday.
http://www.cnbc.com/2016/11/29/us-cyber-monday-sales-jump-set-to-surpass-initial-estimate.html
That is a 10 percent year-over-year increase that further underscores the shift to online shopping, which also was strong over Thanksgiving, and helps to make up for the sales that retailers aren’t making in stores.
--Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff contributed to this report.
More on Technology
The Latest
MajorsApr 02, 2025
Neiman Marcus’ Dallas Flagship Will Remain Open, For NowParent company Saks Global said the iconic location will be open through the holiday season as it decides what to do with the space.
SourcingApr 02, 2025
Winston’s Collection of Natural Color Diamonds Now on Display in D.C. Ronald Winston, son of Harry Winston, donated the diamonds to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
Policies & IssuesApr 02, 2025
Jewelers of America to Hold Webinar on TariffsThe virtual event will take place April 7 at 3 p.m.
Weekly QuizMar 27, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsApr 02, 2025
Punchmark to Host Client WorkshopThe educational event will take place in Charlotte, North Carolina, this May.
IndependentsApr 01, 2025
Bergman Jewelers in Omaha Closing After 137 YearsThe independent jeweler first opened its doors in 1888.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
MajorsApr 01, 2025
QVC Group to Cut 900 Jobs in the U.S.The layoffs come amid the TV shopping channel’s efforts to restructure and focus on live shopping through social media.
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
U.S. Antique Shows Adds Fall Show in FloridaThe debut event will take place in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood this fall.
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
TJS to Host Discussion on Jewelry Industry’s Labor ShortageThe roundtable will take place May 17 ahead of the trade show’s welcome dinner.
CollectionsApr 01, 2025
Monica Rich Kosann Says ‘Good Grief’ in Peanuts Jewelry CollectionThe “Peanuts x Monica Rich Kosann” collection features the comic strip’s classic vocabulary across 10 bracelet designs.
Recorded WebinarsMar 31, 2025
Watch: What Do We Mean When We Say ‘Recycled’ Gold?Three industry experts dive into the complexities of the material often marketed as an “ethical” alternative for metal in jewelry.
TrendsMar 31, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Dripping in DiamondsDiamonds are not only one of the most prominent gemstones, but the birthstone for those born in April.
MajorsMar 31, 2025
Lashbrook Expands Into Luxury Golf Gifts With AcquisitionThe Utah-based company known for making wedding bands has acquired Doubloon Golf.
WatchesMar 31, 2025
Bulgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin Will Also Head LVMH WatchesThe longtime luxury executive led one of LVMH’s watch brands, TAG Heuer, for 12 years before taking over Bulgari in 2013.
CrimeMar 28, 2025
2 Suspects Arrested in $1.7M Smash-and-Grab Robbery of NY Jewelry StoreAuthorities said the robbers fled with jewelry and 70 Rolex watches, later taking pictures of themselves posing with big stacks of cash.
SourcingMar 28, 2025
19th-Century Jade Book Now Available in EnglishLotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes has translated Heinrich Fischer’s 1880 book “Nephrit und Jadeit” from its original German.
CollectionsMar 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Löf’s ‘The Valentine’ RingThe ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.
SurveysMar 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls in March Amid ‘Gloomy’ OutlookThe Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.
AuctionsMar 27, 2025
300-Year-Old Ring Linked to Witch Trial Judge Goes Unsold at Auction However, two medieval jewels surpassed estimates at Noonans Mayfair’s recent jewelry auction in London.
WatchesMar 27, 2025
Austin Butler Joins Breitling as Brand AmbassadorThe Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.
SourcingMar 27, 2025
Susan Jacques, Gaetano Cavalieri to Headline 2025 ICA Congress The Congress is scheduled to take place May 19-22 in Brasilia, Brazil.
IndependentsMar 26, 2025
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Acquires Fellow NC Independent JewelerThe family-owned retailer is the new owner of Morrison Smith Jewelers in Charlotte, North Carolina.
WatchesMar 26, 2025
Bulova Celebrates 150th Anniversary With Art Deco WatchesThe “150 Art Deco” collection features a Miss America timepiece and a pocket watch from the brand’s Archive Series.
MajorsMar 26, 2025
QVC Group Appoints New PresidentAlex Wellen, formerly CEO and president of MotorTrend Group, has taken on the role.
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2025
Jewelers of America Announces New Funding Initiative The Impact Initiative is part of the nonprofit association’s new three-year strategic plan.
