Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.
Study: Hispanic consumers important to jewelers
Recent research by the NPD Group and Univision shows that Hispanic consumers account for 25 percent or more of all buying visits in the jewelry, off-price and footwear retail channels.
Port Washington, N.Y.--When it comes to shopping, Hispanics are “particularly important” to jewelry retailers, recent research by Univision and the NPD Group shows.
According to the research, Hispanics account for 25 percent or more of all buying visits--in-store or online--in the jewelry, off-price and footwear specialty retail channels. Jewelry retailers included in the study were Kay Jewelers, Pandora, Zales, Fossil, Jared the Galleria of Jewelry, Cartier, Tiffany & Co. and similar industry businesses.
The research also showed that bilingual Hispanics spend 20 percent of their money online, more than all Americans, who spend 17 percent of their dollars online, and non-Hispanics, who spend 16 percent online. (They study did not cover the “why” behind this shopping behavior.)
Hispanics spend an average of $72 per online visit, higher than the total market average of $68.
“We know that Hispanics tend to have larger households and that shopping is a family affair, and we know this has a significant impact on what they buy, how they buy and where they buy,” said Roberto Ruiz, executive vice president of strategy and insights at Univision Communications, which conducted The Hispanic Shopping Activity Service study alongside NPD Group.
He adds that the U.S. Hispanic population is growing rapidly, which makes understanding Hispanic consumers crucial to the long-term growth strategy for any retailer.
The NPD Group/Univision research also found that Hispanics are more than two times as likely as non-Hispanics to buy footwear, accessories, video games, sporting goods, music and software.
In addition, shoppers who are Spanish-language dominant--meaning they reported that Spanish is the primary language they use at home--spend more per buying visit than non-Hispanics, at $61 compared to $53.
“When bilingual and Spanish-language dominant consumers buy, they really buy,” said Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst at NPD Group. “Their shopping behaviors don’t conform to the patterns of other Americans, and it’s important for retailers and marketers to understand the differences.”
The Latest

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

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

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.

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

The singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.

The bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.

The heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.

The 10-carat fancy purple-pink diamond with potential links to Marie Antoinette headlined the white-glove jewelry auction this week.

The Starboard Cruises SVP discusses who is shopping for jewelry on ships, how much they’re spending, and why brands should get on board.

The historic signet ring exceeded its estimate at Noonans Mayfair’s jewelry auction this week.

To mark the milestone, the brand is introducing new non-bridal fine jewelry designs for the first time in two decades.