MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
SurveysDec 18, 2014
Final predictions roll in as season winds down
Lower gas prices, an improved job market and late-spending consumers could give retailers a boost as the 2014 holiday season comes to a close.
New York--This holiday season is in the homestretch, to be sure.
There’s only a week to go until Christmas Day and many retailers are banking on the upcoming weekend being big.
Among the positive indicators are lower gas prices and a better job market, along with the fact that some analysts predict a lot of late spending this year, which is normally the case for jewelers anyway.
“There is still a lot of strength left in the consumer as we head into the final holiday stretch, and reports suggests many consumers have yet to start buying,” ShopperTrak stated in a report released Wednesday.
The firm, which tracks foot traffic via devices it has installed in stores around the U.S., said it expects this December to top last year’s $149.3 billion in sales, boosted by the gas prices, better unemployment numbers and improved consumer confidence.
It notes that this year, the biggest shopping day in sales terms is expected to be Saturday, which is the final Saturday before Christmas, otherwise known as “Super Saturday.”
Also remaining are Monday, Dec. 22 and Tuesday, Dec. 23, which ShopperTrak projected as the No. 4 and No. 10 top days for sales this season, respectively.
Given all of these factors, ShopperTrak is sticking by its initial projection of a 4 percent year-over-year increase in holiday season sales.
In his December U.S. jewelry sales update, industry analyst Ken Gassman noted the same positive economic indicators as ShopperTrak: lower gas prices and a stronger job market.
Yet, Gassman, who bases his reports on a combination of public company reports and government data, states that U.S. watch and jewelry sales were “sluggish” in October and have been “weak” since mid-summer, which does not bode well for November and December.
Preliminary data for November is mixed, with “some merchants reporting solid gains while others have reported a dramatic sales decline.”
These indicators caused Gassman to slash his holiday sales projection for specialty jewelers from 4 percent to a low-single-digit gain, perhaps not even topping the 2.9 percent increased recorded last year.
Interestingly, both reports note that foot traffic for mall retailers has not dropped off as sharply as some might believe.
Gassman said that his firm’s figures indicate that shopper traffic in malls is “good, but not great,” while ShopperTrak said the idea that fewer shoppers are visiting the malls than did just a few
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
years ago is a myth.
“Data shows that there has not been a significant change in the number of people who visit malls when compared to years past. What has changed is that consumers often begin the shopping experience online,” ShopperTrak said.
Because the Internet allows today’s consumer to be more well-informed, they visit fewer stores, as they already know who has what they want to buy in stock at the price they want to pay.
More on Surveys
The Latest
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
Weekly QuizJun 11, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
