SurveysJun 15, 2021
NRF Raises 2021 Retail Sales ForecastSurveysAug 18, 2021
Jewelry Sales Soared in July, Says Mastercard
July also marked the return of the in-store shopper, according to the SpendingPulse survey.
An 18-karat rose gold “Flora” ring featuring pink sapphires, emerald, and white and champagne diamonds from Vendorafa’s “Giardino” collection. Jewelry sales were up 83 percent year-over-year in July, as per a recent Mastercard SpendingPulse survey.
Purchase, N.Y.—Jewelry sales were strong in July as shoppers returned to browsing in stores with more cash in hand, according to a recent Mastercard SpendingPulse survey.
Sales in the category were up 83 percent year-over-year in July and up 54 percent when compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
The survey measures overall U.S. retail sales across all payment types, including cash and check.
Total U.S. retail sales, excluding automobiles and gas, were up 11 percent year-over-year in July and up 10 percent compared with July 2019, according to Mastercard.
Online sales rose 6 percent year-over-year and are up 78 percent compared with July 2019.
“While e-commerce continues to play an increasingly significant role for retail, nothing replaces the in-store experience,” said Steve Sadove, senior advisor for Mastercard and former CEO and chairman of Saks Inc., in a press release about the survey.
“July numbers reflect a return to the store. Consumers are shopping, spending, and splurging across channels.”
As per the survey, in-store sales accounted for 82 percent of total retail sales, excluding auto sales, in July.
In-store sales were up 16 percent year-over-year in July, and exceeded pre-pandemic levels. The survey noted positive spikes over the weekends.
Related stories will be right here …
Sales in the category were up 83 percent year-over-year in July and up 54 percent when compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
The survey measures overall U.S. retail sales across all payment types, including cash and check.
Total U.S. retail sales, excluding automobiles and gas, were up 11 percent year-over-year in July and up 10 percent compared with July 2019, according to Mastercard.
Online sales rose 6 percent year-over-year and are up 78 percent compared with July 2019.
“While e-commerce continues to play an increasingly significant role for retail, nothing replaces the in-store experience,” said Steve Sadove, senior advisor for Mastercard and former CEO and chairman of Saks Inc., in a press release about the survey.
“July numbers reflect a return to the store. Consumers are shopping, spending, and splurging across channels.”
As per the survey, in-store sales accounted for 82 percent of total retail sales, excluding auto sales, in July.
In-store sales were up 16 percent year-over-year in July, and exceeded pre-pandemic levels. The survey noted positive spikes over the weekends.
Shoppers had more cash in hand to spend, due in part to pent-up savings and the Child Tax Credit, which arrived just in time for back-to-school season.
Part of President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan, the tax credit meant most families will receive automatic monthly payments of $250-$300 per child. The program began July 15, marking the first of six monthly payments.
The back-to-school season was a boon to the apparel sector, with sales up 80 percent year-over-year, and to department stores, with sales up 45 percent year-over-year.
The uptick was concentrated in the days immediately following the first payment on July 15, said Mastercard.
Though new home sales have fallen to an 18-month low, as per U.S. Census Bureau data, consumers are still sprucing up their spaces.
The furniture and furnishing sector was up 3 percent year-over-year and up 27 percent compared with 2019.
Consumers headed back to restaurants as well, with sales up 61 percent year-over-year and 30 percent compared with 2019.
The Latest
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. ExpansionSimon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99 A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessThe risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to NoncomplianceThe company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.
Weekly QuizApr 24, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to NonprofitThe organization also announced its board of directors.
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So CharmingCharms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in ItalyLocated in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ AwardPaola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to AuctionA platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen BrownThe basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine JewelryThe Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.
AuctionsApr 22, 2025
Christie’s to Auction JAR Jewelry CollectionThe 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of MouthLilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth OfficerGCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.
IndependentsApr 22, 2025
Brinker’s Jewelers Acquires Fellow IndependentThe Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
An Exhibition Exploring the History of Cartier Is Now on Display“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 YearsVan Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
IJO Names New Director of Vendor Relations, Merchandise StrategyIndustry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
Jewelers of Louisiana, Mississippi Jewelers Association to Co-Host ConventionThe two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ PendantThe Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated StoreThe jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day CampaignThe “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.
CollectionsApr 17, 2025
John Hardy, Athena Calderone Partner on Art Deco Decor-Inspired CollectionInterior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.
FinancialsApr 17, 2025
Movado Group to Increase Prices to Offset Tariffs ImpactDuring a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.
