SurveysDec 30, 2021
Jewelry Sales Climb 32% Over the HolidaysFinancialsJan 18, 2022
December Retail Sales Slump, But Holiday Season Holds Strong
Though retail sales fell in December, the holiday season as a whole saw double-digit growth.
December retail sales fell more than analysts had expected, but holiday sales exceeded the National Retail Federation’s forecast.
New York—U.S. monthly retail sales fell more than expected in December, bogged down by rising prices.
Sales were down 1.9 percent month-over-month in December to $626.8 billion, according to data from the U.S. Department of Commerce released last week, while year-over-year sales were up 17 percent.
The results fell short of analyst expectations of a month-over-month decrease of 0.1 percent.
November sales were slightly weaker than previously thought, up 0.2 percent month-over-month rather than the previously reported 0.3 percent, as per the revised figures.
The consumer price index, which measures the average change in prices over time consumers will pay for a basket of goods and services, rose 0.5 percent month-over-month in December and 7 percent year-over-year, with inflation rising at its fastest rate since 1982.
The National Retail Federation also calculates retail sales, but excludes auto sales, gas stations, and restaurants.
Its results show December sales were down nearly 3 percent seasonally adjusted month-over-month and up more than 13 percent year-over-year.
The NRF also took a look at the whole holiday season, which it defines as Nov. 1 through Dec. 31.
Sales for the period were up 14 percent year-over-year to $886.7 billion, a record number that flew past the NRF’s October forecast of a year-over-year increase between 8.5 percent and 10.5 percent to between $843.4 billion and $859 billion.
The results also exceeded the NRF’s raised guidance in December that expected growth as high as 11.5 percent.
“We closed out the year with outstanding annual retail sales and a record holiday season, which is a clear testament to the power of the consumer and the ingenuity of retailers and their workers,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay in a press release about the results.
The amount spent and the growth rate surpassed the previous record set in 2020, when sales were up more than 8 percent year-over-year to $777.3 billion.
The average holiday sales growth rate over the past five years has been 4.4 percent.
Related stories will be right here …
Sales were down 1.9 percent month-over-month in December to $626.8 billion, according to data from the U.S. Department of Commerce released last week, while year-over-year sales were up 17 percent.
The results fell short of analyst expectations of a month-over-month decrease of 0.1 percent.
November sales were slightly weaker than previously thought, up 0.2 percent month-over-month rather than the previously reported 0.3 percent, as per the revised figures.
The consumer price index, which measures the average change in prices over time consumers will pay for a basket of goods and services, rose 0.5 percent month-over-month in December and 7 percent year-over-year, with inflation rising at its fastest rate since 1982.
The National Retail Federation also calculates retail sales, but excludes auto sales, gas stations, and restaurants.
Its results show December sales were down nearly 3 percent seasonally adjusted month-over-month and up more than 13 percent year-over-year.
The NRF also took a look at the whole holiday season, which it defines as Nov. 1 through Dec. 31.
Sales for the period were up 14 percent year-over-year to $886.7 billion, a record number that flew past the NRF’s October forecast of a year-over-year increase between 8.5 percent and 10.5 percent to between $843.4 billion and $859 billion.
The results also exceeded the NRF’s raised guidance in December that expected growth as high as 11.5 percent.
“We closed out the year with outstanding annual retail sales and a record holiday season, which is a clear testament to the power of the consumer and the ingenuity of retailers and their workers,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay in a press release about the results.
The amount spent and the growth rate surpassed the previous record set in 2020, when sales were up more than 8 percent year-over-year to $777.3 billion.
The average holiday sales growth rate over the past five years has been 4.4 percent.
Online sales, which include online and other non-store sales, were up more than 11 percent to $218.9 billion.
Online spending, which is included in the sales total, was in line with the NRF’s forecast, which predicted growth between 11 percent and 15 percent to between $218.3 billion and $226.2 billion.
Retail sales, both in store and online, thrived despite supply chain problems, rising inflation, labor shortages, and the omicron variant, noted Shay, bolstered by “strong wages and record savings.”
“The numbers are clear: 2021 was an undeniably outstanding year for retail sales,” said Shay.
However, there was a decline in sales from November to December, said Shay, due in part to an early shopping season.
Still, though shopping began in October for many, it was the strongest November and December yet, said NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz.
“Worries about inflation and COVID-19 put pressure on consumer attitudes but did not dampen spending, and sales were remarkably strong,” he said.
November-December sales posted year-over-year gains in all categories, led by clothing and clothing accessory stores, sporting goods stores, general merchandise stores, and furniture and home furnishing stores.
The NRF is forecasting further growth in 2022, even as the battle against supply chain problems, labor force issues, and inflation continues.
“Holiday spending during 2021 reflected continued consumer demand that is driving the economy and should continue in 2022,” Kleinhenz said. “Nonetheless, we should be prepared for challenges in the coming months due to the substantial uncertainty brought by the pandemic.”
Though there have been occasional month-over-month declines, sales have grown year-over-year every month since June 2020, as per Census data.
More on Financials
The Latest
TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech PlatformThe company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, PromotionsFollowing its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap RingThe 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.
Weekly QuizJun 26, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers DownsizesRocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80 The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired JewelsThe “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.
Events & AwardsJun 26, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Is Looking for Speakers for 2026 EventThe event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight ContinuesThe Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef JewelryAgents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus PerformersThe designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund RecipientsThe trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for EntriesThe organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local RetailerLori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.
MajorsJun 24, 2025
Tacori, QVC to Launch Exclusive Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry CollectionThe “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.
GradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.
Recorded WebinarsJun 23, 2025
Watch: Top Trends at Couture, JCK Las Vegas 2025National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.
SourcingJun 23, 2025
Diamond Producers, Organizations to Kick in Money to Promote Natural DiamondsSignatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Celebrate 6 Jewelry DesignersThe winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Dua Lipa Stays On-Trend With Chunky Engagement RingThe singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yvonne Léon’s ‘Python Gold’ BraceletThe bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.
