Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
NRF: Consumers to shop right up to Christmas Eve
Around 10 percent of consumers who haven’t yet wrapped up their holiday shopping will wait until Christmas Eve to finish, news that is no surprise to jewelers who are used to being busy until closing time on Dec. 24.
Washington--Around 10 percent of consumers who haven’t yet wrapped up their holiday shopping will wait until Christmas Eve to finish, news that is no surprise to jewelers who are used to being busy until closing time on Dec. 24.
According to the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) latest holiday survey, in addition to the 10 percent of consumers who say they’ll finish on Christmas Eve, 29 percent of consumers plan to finish shopping by Dec. 18, 14 percent by Dec. 20 and 12 percent by Dec. 21.
This means that 65 percent of consumers still have some shopping to do over the next few days.
So, where will they spend their money?
According to the NRF survey, 50 percent of shoppers said they plan to do the rest of their holiday shopping on the Internet--the highest percent in the survey’s 11-year history. In addition, 9 percent of those celebrating Christmas will shop online that day, up from 5 percent in 2009.
Tablet and smartphone owners will roll out their devices this season, with 47 percent of tablet owners researching products and comparing prices to aid in their purchasing decisions and 36 percent of smartphone owners doing the same.
Almost two in five (19 percent) smartphone owners will actually make a purchase via their device, as well as one-third (33 percent) of tablet owners.
The survey also showed that 45 percent of consumers will finish shopping at department stores and 37 percent will head to discount stores, as well as electronic stores (24 percent), clothing and accessory stores (24 percent), grocery stores (15 percent) and outlet stores (14 percent).
When it comes to what type of gift shoppers have already bought, half say apparel and nearly four in 10 (39 percent) said toys. Jewelry was fifth on the list at 18 percent.
Slightly more than one-third (34 percent) of shoppers bought gift cards, the most requested gift item of the season.
“It comes as no surprise that Americans are eager to shop online in the coming weeks as busy schedules and a shift in the calendar have made the convenience offered by retailers’ mobile apps and websites even more attractive this year,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay.
The NRF 2013 holiday consumer spending survey polled 6,324 consumers and was conducted by Proper Insights & Analytics from Dec. 2 to 9.
The Latest

Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.

Shekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

This year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.


Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.

As part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.

The new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.

Its residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.

From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.

The retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.

The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.

The new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.

The couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.

In February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.

The new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.

The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.

The LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.

The luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.

The company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.

In the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.

Helzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.

Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.

The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.

Laura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.


















