FinancialsDec 16, 2021
NRF Ups Holiday Spending Forecast Despite Modest November SalesColumnistsDec 29, 2021
On Data: The Third Week of December
Sherry Smith shares independent jewelers’ sales figures for the third week of the month.
Sherry Smith is director of business development for data and consulting company The Edge Retail Academy. She can be reached at sherry@edgeretailacademy.com.
CNBC reports that visits to retail stores dropped 26.3 percent on Saturday, Dec. 18, compared with the Saturday before Christmas in 2019.
However, year-over-year store traffic jumped 19.4 percent.
Gross sales for our independent jewelry retailers rose 28 percent for the first 21 days of December 2021 compared with December of 2020. Units sold were up 9 percent and the average retail sale rose 17 percent.
The overall discount rate dropped from 23 percent down to 17 percent.
The diamond categories were up 30 percent in gross sales, up 16 percent in units sold, and the average retail sale rose11 percent. Discounting dropped from 27 percent down to 20 percent.
The colored stones and pearl categories were up 31 percent in gross sales, up 12 percent in units sold, and the average retail sale rose 16 percent. The discount rate dropped from 27 percent down to 18 percent.
Related stories will be right here …
Sterling silver and alternative metals were up 13 percent in gross sales and down 1.4 percent in units sold. The average retail sale was up 14 percent and the discount rate dropped from 19 percent down to 11 percent.
All in all, independent jewelers are continuing to do quite well.
Concerns around rising COVID-19 cases are starting to present mixed reviews on how retail will ultimately perform this holiday season. However, the National Retail Federation is standing behind their adjusted forecast of a very strong retail holiday sales.
Looking forward to sharing how our retailers performed in 2021.
In the meantime, Happy Holidays!
ColumnistsDec 16, 2021
On Data: The Second Week of December 
ColumnistsDec 14, 2021
On Data: The First 7 Days of DecemberMore on Columnists
The Latest
AuctionsMar 21, 2023
Marlene Dietrich’s Van Cleef & Arpels Bracelet Going Up for AuctionExpected to earn up to $4.5 million, the “Jarretière” bracelet is the star of Christie’s “The Magnificent Jewels of Anne Eisenhower” sale.
Events & AwardsMar 21, 2023
ASJRA’s May Conference Examines ‘Iconic’ Jewelry CompaniesJewelry historians, authors, and experts will explore the works of Tiffany & Co., Oscar Heyman, Verdura, and more.
IndependentsMar 21, 2023
Borsheims Executive Jennifer Johnson RetiresJohnson joined the retailer in 1987, establishing its first human resources department.
Brought to you by
Full Disclosure at Your FingertipsDistinguishing natural diamonds from laboratory-grown stones – now more available than ever – has been difficult for jewelers. Until now.
Recorded WebinarsMar 20, 2023
Watch: Lab Grown Diamonds: What's Now? What's New? What's Next?Supplier Spotlight Presented by IGI
Weekly QuizMar 17, 2023
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Events & AwardsMar 20, 2023
Gem Awards Shine Spotlight on Design, Dedication, and FamilyThe industry gathered to celebrate those who elevate the jewelry and watch industries.
CrimeMar 20, 2023
Jewelry Crime Reached Record Level in 2022, JSA SaysAt JSA’s annual luncheon, President John J. Kennedy said the organization recorded more than 2,000 cases last year.
Brought to you by
Bringing Over 130 Years of Diamond Expertise to Modern GradingDe Beers Institute of Diamonds provides the very best in diamond verification, education and diamond services.
CollectionsMar 20, 2023
A New Book on Chanel Is a High Jewelry Lover’s DreamIt highlights Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s lasting influence on modern design.
Recorded WebinarsMar 17, 2023
Watch: Lessons From GemsJewelers of America’s Amanda Gizzi explores the qualities and accomplishments that make this year’s Gem Award nominees shine.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2023
JCK Industry Fund Announces Grant RecipientsHere’s what the nine chosen organizations plan to do with the funds.
TrendsMar 17, 2023
Piece of the Week: Anita Ko’s Award-Ready EarringsThe designer is nominated for a Gem Award for Jewelry Design.
FinancialsMar 16, 2023
Winter Weather, Declining Engagements Weigh on Signet’s Results The jewelry giant’s full-year sales were essentially flat, brought down by fourth-quarter declines.
FinancialsMar 16, 2023
Brilliant Earth Took a Record Number of Orders in 2022In its recent results, the company highlighted non-bridal jewelry sales and said its “inventory-light” showroom model may change.
Events & AwardsMar 16, 2023
Amanda’s Style File: Sparkling Gems See 15 fabulous pieces from the 2023 Gem Award for Jewelry Design nominees: Anita Ko, Kirsty Stone, and Ron Anderson and David Rees.
WatchesMar 16, 2023
Citizen’s New Eco-Drive Watches Run for a Full YearThe new Cal. E365 movement doubles the running time of the current Eco-Drive models.
SourcingMar 15, 2023
Amid Uncertainties, India’s Diamond Industry Continues to Adjust The mood among diamantaires is fairly optimistic despite the challenges brought about by sanctions and a cloudy economic outlook.
Lab-GrownMar 15, 2023
India’s Lab-Grown Diamond Industry Is Growing UpThe mood is bullish as more companies get into the business despite the dramatic drop in lab-grown diamond prices.
SourcingMar 15, 2023
Q&A: GJEPC Chairman Vipul ShahShah talks with National Jeweler about diamond demand, lab-grown, and why it’s difficult to make predictions about the U.S. market.
Policies & IssuesMar 15, 2023
When Diamonds Replenish the EarthHari Krishna Exports and the Dholakia Foundation’s “Mission 100 Sarovar” aims to create 100 lakes to help revive an area of Gujarat.
TechnologyMar 15, 2023
Sarine’s New Website Schools Consumers on TraceabilityThe educational resource will highlight the positive impact diamonds can make on their journey from mine to market.
SourcingMar 15, 2023
Canada’s Ekati Diamond Mine to Get a New OwnerAustralian mining company Burgundy Diamond Mines announced plans to buy the mine in a deal valued at $136 million.
AuctionsMar 15, 2023
Antique Rings Discovered by Retirees Perform Well at AuctionA 17th-century gold seal ring and an 18th-century memento mori ring met or exceeded estimates at a recent Noonans auction.
Events & AwardsMar 15, 2023
JSA Announces Award RecipientsThey will be recognized at the organization’s annual luncheon this weekend in New York City.
MajorsMar 14, 2023
Dutch Historian Discovers Medieval JewelsThe 1,000-year-old find is now on display in the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities.
Events & AwardsMar 14, 2023
GemGenève Is Gearing Up for Its Biggest Show YetMore than 200 exhibitors are scheduled for the May 11-14 event.
SourcingMar 14, 2023
Bonas Group’s Jimmy Gove Joins OpsydiaGove, who has more than a decade of experience in the diamond industry, is Opsydia’s new sales and marketing director.
