The Smart Lab: 4 Online Shopping Predictions for 2022
Emmanuel Raheb discusses the importance of social selling, providing multiple payment options and more in growing a jewelry business.

Just in the past year alone, there was an increase of 4.4 percent, which adds millions of new buyers to the pool of online shoppers.
The growth of ecommerce has been primarily driven by two factors: internet accessibility and necessity.
With broadband reaching more and more households and internet speeds increasing every year, accessibility has become less and less of a factor.
When the pandemic struck and everyone was told to stay home, it quickly became apparent that the internet was no longer an option, it was a necessity. Attending Zoom video calls, ordering groceries and even shopping online became essential activities.
The convenience of ecommerce enables every jewelry buyer to shop from the comfort of their home and choose from several delivery and payment options. Buyers can also explore new jewelry collections, view new styles or check a jewelry store’s business reviews.
More and more people trust making large purchases online and aren’t afraid to buy something they truly love.
To take advantage of this opportunity, here are four online shopping predictions for 2022 that every jeweler should consider.
1. Rapid Rise of Social Commerce on Instagram
The ability to make purchases directly within Instagram is a game changer.
People can shop online anytime and discover new jewelry styles as they scroll through their feed.
As a jeweler, you have the perfect way to showcase your company on social media and help propel people through the purchase journey.
With social commerce, you can customize and personalize each person’s shopping experience to make it unique to them. Instagram provides you with ready feedback about your audience you can use to immediately grow your business.
2. Importance of Having Additional Payment Options
Every jeweler offers payment by credit card; people expect it. But what other payment options should you consider that’ll help your jewelry website stand out?
Apple Pay, Venmo, PayPal, Klarna, Affirm and others have been growing steadily over the past few years and consumers have grown to depend on them. Some jewelry buyers will even make their final purchasing decisions based on how they can pay.
Including more payment options is always a great idea, as this helps to reduce friction with buyers and gives them more reasons to say “yes” to you!
3. Exponential Growth of Live Streaming
Live streaming has become a way of life. Many consumers found live streaming to be fun and entertaining, as they spent hours watching friends, influencers, and celebrities do even the most mundane tasks online.
Live streaming has also been a major influence on education and has become the new way to learn.
There’s no reason why your jewelry store can’t offer “virtual consultations” with a trusted expert on jewelry repairs, or fashion styling advice.
Most anything you can do in store, you do online and service your clients before they visit you.
Try creating a jewelry concierge service and live-stream directly with your clients. They can shop from home, with you!
4. Leveraging the Power of Chatbots
Chatbot usage is increasing every year. Whether it’s early in the morning or late at night, consumers expect someone to respond to them even if the store where they are shopping is closed.
Use chatbots to your advantage and capture leads when you’re unavailable.
You can program your chatbot to answer common jewelry questions, promote your store hours, make special offers and more. No one has to wait for customer service to get back to them. Your chatbot has it covered.
To compete effectively, your jewelry business needs to always stay abreast of new and emerging opportunities.
Understanding which trends align with your jewelry store’s vision, goals, and strategy can help you make the most of your digital marketing campaigns.
Always keep an eye on the future so that when you get there, you’re already prepared. When you know what to expect and act early, your jewelry business can reach new heights you never dreamed possible.
The Latest

Watch the webinar in which National Jeweler’s editors talk about jewelry market week trends and their predictions for the rest of 2022.

All proceeds up to $25,000 will benefit the It Gets Better Project, a nonprofit that supports LGBTQ+ youth.

Experience all the Italian Jewelry market has to offer in Las Vegas.

It’s a reminder that life is best lived with discretion.

The end-to-end software allows for real-time control over all sales, inventory, repairs, customer communications, and marketing.

Associate Editor Lenore Fedow shares her impressions of the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show and a few of her favorite finds.

Provide your customers with a seamless selling solution by partnering with Windsor Jewelers, Inc.

The Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences aims to set a color standard for the trade name.

Sales were up 36 percent year-over-year in June and are pacing 24 percent ahead of last year at this point.

Kate Della Monica, a senior specialist in the Jewelry and Watches department, will relocate to the Sunshine State.

LVMH’s investment arm has taken a stake in Lusix, a lab-grown diamond company based in Israel.

Sotheby’s New York put a colorless diamond and a fancy deep orange-brown diamond up for sale last week, with mixed results.

Profits will help them recoup financial losses.

Retail veteran Alexis Nasard will step in as CEO on July 4.

The organization also extended the terms of Vice President Feriel Zerouki and Treasurer Ronnie VanderLinden.

Glatz owned and operated Glatz Jewelers in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania for more than 40 years.

The organization will present three awards at its annual dinner, dance, and gala in October.

Former McKinsey partner Emily Yueh marks new president Evan Yurman’s first hire.

The New York jeweler also made the pop star’s wedding bands.

It’s predicted to sell for up to $484,000 during the Bonhams Hong Kong Jewels and Jadeite auction on June 22.

The recipient will receive up to $17,500 toward a tech-focused certification or program of their choice.

It’s as versatile as it is glamorous.

The alleged scheme involving fake “Love” bracelets, necklaces and rings was designed to circumvent Amazon’s counterfeit detection tools.

Chief Financial Officer Brad Hampton will take over as the retailer’s new CEO.

Its new collection with subtle swirl designs draws inspiration from the family’s Armenian roots.