Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.
NRF: Holiday retail sales reach $616B in 2014
Total retail sales in November and December increased by 4 percent to reach their highest levels since 2011, according to the National Retail Federation.
New York--Confident consumers returned to spending this holiday season, with total retail sales in November and December increasing by 4 percent to reach their highest levels since 2011, according to the National Retail Federation.
According to data released Wednesday by the NRF, total sales for the two-month period hit $616.1 billion in 2014. Non-store sales, which gives an indicator of online and e-commerce sales, increased 7 percent to $101.9 billion.
The growth was in line with the organization’s early predictions that as consumers continued to spend more on others and less on themselves during the holiday season, retail sales for the two-month period would increase 4 percent year-over-year.
“There is every reason to believe that we have moved well beyond the days of consumer pessimism and that the trajectory for retailers continues to point up,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay.
But the continued shift toward an earlier start for the season, with consumers wanting to get a jump on holiday gifts and retailers’ desire to elongate the shopping season, meant that November sales are growing at the expense of December. Retail sales during December, excluding automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants, were down 1 percent seasonally, according to the NRF.
For the jewelry industry, MasterCard’s holiday sales report brought good news--the company said that women’s apparel and jewelry led the increase in retail sales in 2014, with looking to purchase an experience or a more lasting gift rather than just spending to buy.
“This holiday season was a social one,” said Sarah Quinlan, senior vice president at MasterCard Advisors. “While certain retail categories saw steady performance from prior months, the focus on creating experiences stayed at the top of many lists. From dining out to planning trips to memorable pieces of jewelry, we saw increases in those categories that will drive future stories beyond just a package exchanged with a friend or family member.”
RELATED CONTENT: Online holiday spending increases as expected
For both major retailers that sell fine jewelry and independents, holiday season results were mixed, indicating that the market remains fragmented. Shoppers are just as likely to buy a piece from J.C. Penney as they are to purchase at their local jewelry or buy online.
When asked by National Jeweler to describe the holiday season in one word, independent retailers’ responses ranged from average and unusual to pleased and cheerful.
Among the large chains, J.C. Penney reported
Tiffany & Co. noted in its financial results that though the company’s new “T” collection has been popular, it did not translate into strong sales across the board. Same-store sales in the Americas fell 1 percent in November and December and comps around the world were flat.
At Signet Jewelers Ltd., Zale Corp. had a better-than-expected holiday season while comps at Kay Jewelers and Jared the Galleria of Jewelry fell short of the company’s expectations.
Birks Group, however, had a strong holiday, reporting Wednesday that comparable store sales during the holiday season increased by 7 percent on a consolidated basis compared to the prior-year period.
The Latest

The best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

This year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.


The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.

Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.

Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.

The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.

The “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.

The event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.

The Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.

Agents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.

The designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.

The trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.

The organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.

Lori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.

The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.

The “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.

Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.

Signatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.

The winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.