MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up EarlyBerta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.
SurveysOct 22, 2013
Firm maintains holiday retail sales forecast
While fewer consumers shopped during the 16-day federal government shutdown, analytics firm ShopperTrak said its forecast for retail sales and foot traffic for the all-important months of November and December remains the same.
Chicago--While fewer consumers shopped during the 16-day federal government shutdown, analytics firm ShopperTrak said its forecast for retail sales and foot traffic for the all-important months of November and December remains the same.
ShopperTrak, which has devices in place that measure foot traffic and customer patterns at major shopping centers, found that total retail store foot traffic decreased by 8 percent during the week of Sept. 29 to Oct. 5 as compared with the prior-year period. During the following week, Oct. 6 to 12, it declined by 7 percent as compared to 2012.
The company also found, not surprisingly, that the effects of the shutdown were even more apparent in the Washington area, where ShopperTrak saw an 11 percent decline in year-over-year shopper traffic in the week of Oct. 6 to 12.
“Consumers were already deflated prior to this due to the economy, and when you concentrate them in an area like Washington D.C., where so many were without pay during that period, it becomes even more compounded,” ShopperTrak founder Bill Martin told National Jeweler.
But as part of the agreement that the government reached last Wednesday to put an end to the shutdown, federal employees that were furloughed will receive back pay in their next paychecks, which Martin anticipates will results in a slight resurgence in visits to stores over the next seven to 10 days.
“Those that were out of the shopping cycle will get double pay and will be putting money back into the shopping cycle, which we anticipate will create some pent-up demand,” Martin said. “Our stores will be prepared, and they’re increasing the staffing to match the inflated traffic and improve conversion rates.”
Even now that the shutdown is over, some retailers are concerned about its lingering effect on consumer confidence and what that will mean for holiday shopping.
Martin said ShopperTrak isn’t changing its September forecast for both foot traffic and sales in the months of November and December.
ShopperTrak predicts that foot traffic will decline by 1.4 percent during the two months as compared to the same period in 2012, as consumers remain wary and continue an approach to shopping that includes extensive research online before going to stores.
“We expect to see flat to soft traffic throughout the rest of the year,” Martin said. “It’ll probably take some time for retailers to recover from the effects that
the shutdown had on sales and store traffic.”
This year’s calendar also only has 25 days between Black Friday and Christmas, the fewest number possible, and one less weekend, giving consumers less time in stores.
Martin also notes that overall holiday spending still is expected to increase by 2.4 percent this year, which would mark the fourth year in a row that the figure has climbed.
More than 750 retail brands across the world use ShopperTrak services in more than 60,000 locations across 90 countries and territories.
This year’s calendar also only has 25 days between Black Friday and Christmas, the fewest number possible, and one less weekend, giving consumers less time in stores.
Martin also notes that overall holiday spending still is expected to increase by 2.4 percent this year, which would mark the fourth year in a row that the figure has climbed.
More than 750 retail brands across the world use ShopperTrak services in more than 60,000 locations across 90 countries and territories.
More on Surveys
The Latest
AuctionsDec 16, 2025
Suzanne Belperron, JAR Shine in Sotheby’s First Auctions at New HQSotheby’s held its first two jewelry sales at the Breuer building last week, and they totaled nearly $44 million.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
TJS Now Accepting Scholarship Applications for 2026Winners will receive free registration and lodging for its fourth annual event in Detroit.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
ColumnistsDec 16, 2025
Beyond Unboxing: Creative Reveals to Drive Reach and EngagementHere are six ideas for making more engaging content for Instagram Reels and TikTok, courtesy of Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams.
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Names 2026 Award RecipientsThe honorees include a notable jewelry brand, an industry veteran, and an independent retailer.
CrimeDec 15, 2025
Men Receive Life Sentences in Home Invasion Murder of Jeweler Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the 2024 murder of Hussein “Sam” Murray.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
Policies & IssuesDec 15, 2025
Sara Yood Named Co-Chair of RJC Standards CommitteeYood will serve alongside Eduard Stefanescu, the sustainability manager for C.Hafner, a precious metals refiner in Germany.
IndependentsDec 15, 2025
M.S. Rau to Open Store in AspenThe New Orleans jeweler is also hosting pop-up jewelry boutiques in New York City and Dallas.
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
