PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
SurveysApr 08, 2014
For affluents, online advice tips the buying scales
The latest Survey of Affluence and Wealth found that well-to-do Americans today are relying more on online reviews than brand messaging or salespeople’s opinions when deciding what to buy.
Naples, Fla.--The latest Survey of Affluence and Wealth found that well-to-do Americans today are relying more on online reviews than brand messaging or salespeople’s opinions when deciding what to buy.
According to the survey, which was conducted by Time Inc. and YouGov, 80 percent of affluent consumers (defined as the top 10 percent of households in terms of annual income) in the U.S. say they know what they want and how much they’re willing to pay before they even interact with a salesperson when it comes to purchasing luxury or high-end goods and services.
Additionally, fewer affluent American consumers in the top 5 percent of U.S. households say that they have favorite brands in retail, fashion or luxury hotels. Only 28 percent said that they have a favorite retailer, versus 47 percent more than five years ago, and only 61 percent selected a favorite fashion brand, compared with 80 percent in 2007/2008.
Moreover, consumers are relying less on solely brand messaging to form their opinions about brands and more on online comments by users of the product or service--72 percent said that this feedback was important to them when making decisions about purchases, increasing from 65 percent just two years ago.
“At the beginning of the recession, fear drove people to stop spending. But in being resourceful, they discovered that they could actually manage the threat of further recession,” said Jim Taylor, vice chairman of YouGov. “As a result, the power of brands as a source of self-identification became severely eroded. Affluent consumers adopted a strategic approach to shopping that involves research, drawing on their own taste or judgment and--for a segment of consumers--the use of brands as the vanguards of successful shopping.”
Wealthy consumers also are increasingly harnessing the power of mobile while they’re shopping, with 49 percent of American affluent shoppers who own devices reporting that they shopping in stores, they often use their smartphone or tablet to research prices or other product options online.
“What we’ve found is that resourceful consumers believe that the most important brand in a store or a car dealership is their own,” said Caryn Klein, vice president of Time Inc. Research & Insights. “Repeated strategies for purchasing now depend upon the individual’s confidence in their own taste, confidence in their ability to research quality and value, and confidence in the brand itself. These strategic propositions yield substantial differences
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
in how brands need to target and engage with affluent consumers.”
The study also looked at the impact of the recession on the habits of this group, and found that the downturn has made them more confident in their ability to help their families through the tough times.
Affluent consumers in America also are building up their savings to protect themselves and their families against such situations in the future--the survey found that affluent households in the U.S. are saving 23 percent of their income on average.
And, when it comes to living a fulfilling life, more U.S. affluent and wealthy consumers feel passionately about spending their time and money on experiences rather than material objects--more feel strongly about spending time with their family (69 percent this year compared with 63 percent last year), more want to see the world (52 percent this year versus 40 percent last year), and more want to simplify their lives (45 percent this year compared with 36 percent last year).
The annual Survey of Affluence and Wealth by Time Inc. and YouGov is now in its ninth year. This year, however, marked the first time the study expanded beyond American shoppers.
In addition to research obtained from 1,700 consumers in the top 10 percent of income earners in the U.S., affluent consumers in 11 additional countries were included in the research and separate data was given for those countries as well. More information can be found here.
More on Surveys
The Latest
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
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.
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.
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.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
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.
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.
