TrendsSep 23, 2026
Holiday Diamond Jewelry Trends: Layered Looks, PersonalizationThis holiday season, look to pieces that will help to fill out customers’ everyday diamond jewelry wardrobe, experts say.
SurveysFeb 18, 2016
The Top 10 Trends Expected to Drive Retail in 2016
In its latest market brief, Synchrony Financial predicted that technology will shape eight of the top 10 trends expected to have the greatest impact on retail sales this year.
New York--Though trends in retail often tend to be consumer driven, these days the influence of technology is increasingly apparent.
In its latest market brief analyzing the retail environment, Synchrony Financial identified a number of trends impacting retailers nationwide. Synchrony developed the list from ongoing retail and consumer research, and by tracking emerging as well as well-established trends that continue to be important in the marketplace, as well as those impacting the payments space.
According to Synchrony, technology is part of eight out of the top 10 trends expected to have the greatest impact on retail sales this year.
Here are those trends and what they’ll mean for retailers.
1. Wearable technology. Fashion and function continue to mix, driving consumers’ desire for wearable technology. What’s more, wearable tech continues to change the way consumers are shopping, with eight out of 10 shoppers who are interested in wearables indicating they want their devices to enhance their in-store experience. Retailers should make sure that the in-store experience they’re creating is aligned with wearables, especially in areas such as payments and personalized, real-time marketing.
2. New retail holidays. To spur sales and increase customer acquisition, some retailers have been creating their own shopping holidays beyond the 20 found on the standard U.S. calendar and are seeing big rewards--the Alibaba Group launched Singles’ Day this year and logged $14.3 billion in sales. With large retailers having more clout and customer loyalty to create their own successful holidays, smaller retailers should consider the opportunities that might fit with their brand and launch a competitive response when this does happen.
3. Voice technology. While the main advantage to voice technology is quicker searches with audiences, it goes beyond that. Synchrony noted that one retailer unveiled a robotic in-store assistant with which that shoppers can interact (think: an in-store Siri), enhancing the consumers’ experience. Retailers should understand how consumer search behavior is trending toward voice-based and optimize their online platforms to fit this.
4. Virtual reality in the shopping experience. Virtual reality can create sensory experiences with which users can interact. Some progressive retailers already are using it to create immersive experiences for shoppers directly in their home, such as a virtual store tour or trying on new styles. Virtual reality can take the shopping experience to a
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
new level, providing consumers with a personalized, interactive retail context leading to more sales across all channels.
5. Video streaming. A trend that has taken off particularly with millennials, video streaming in a sales context can allow retailers to answer consumer questions and show the product in action, helping to increase sales. In fact, 85 percent of consumers have indicated they are more likely to purchase after seeing a product video, Synchrony said. Retailers should look at where there might be opportunities in their own sales process to use online streaming video.
6. Internet of Things. The Internet of Things is the network of physical objects--such as devices, buildings, etc.--that are embedded with electronics, software, sensors and network connectivity, enabling these objects to collect and exchange data. Rather than just collecting data at the point of sale, retailers are able to gather it in more places, providing further insight into consumer behavior, trends, buying patterns and more. This also can lead to cost-saving through productivity improvements.
7. Mobile payment and alternative payments. Though the percentage of total retail sales paid through mobile payments remains small (less than 2 percent in 2015), it’s expected to more than triple in 2016, especially as more smartphones offer mobile wallet apps such as Apple Pay and Samsung Pay, and as more wearable are equipped with near-field communication. Retailers should keep an eye on the payment market and update POS systems and e-commerce platforms accordingly.
8. Social network buy buttons. Most of the big social networks have added the capacity to shop directly from their sites now. Even though adoption has been slow with millennials, the growing use of mobile will continue to advance the trend. It will be important for retailers to make sure their marketing message is integrated with top social channels so that products are in front of consumers.
9. Increased spending on pets. Synchrony said that consumer spending on pets has risen 25 percent over the past five years and likely will continue to rise for a number of reasons--urban couples are opting to get animals as they wait longer to have children, and more pet owners are thinking of their pets as family. Retailers who find a way to appeal to animal-loving consumers will benefit.
10. Personalization. Consumers today are looking for personalized experiences and offers, with more than three out of four shoppers indicating they’d be more loyal to a store that provided their preferred loyalty benefits. Thanks to data and the Internet of Things, retailers now can give them that. Department stores are using beacon technology to push ads to mobile devices while shoppers are still in store, online retailers are enabling product recommendation based on browsing history and some retailers are tailing loyalty programs to boost customer loyalty and repeat spending.
5. Video streaming. A trend that has taken off particularly with millennials, video streaming in a sales context can allow retailers to answer consumer questions and show the product in action, helping to increase sales. In fact, 85 percent of consumers have indicated they are more likely to purchase after seeing a product video, Synchrony said. Retailers should look at where there might be opportunities in their own sales process to use online streaming video.
6. Internet of Things. The Internet of Things is the network of physical objects--such as devices, buildings, etc.--that are embedded with electronics, software, sensors and network connectivity, enabling these objects to collect and exchange data. Rather than just collecting data at the point of sale, retailers are able to gather it in more places, providing further insight into consumer behavior, trends, buying patterns and more. This also can lead to cost-saving through productivity improvements.
7. Mobile payment and alternative payments. Though the percentage of total retail sales paid through mobile payments remains small (less than 2 percent in 2015), it’s expected to more than triple in 2016, especially as more smartphones offer mobile wallet apps such as Apple Pay and Samsung Pay, and as more wearable are equipped with near-field communication. Retailers should keep an eye on the payment market and update POS systems and e-commerce platforms accordingly.
8. Social network buy buttons. Most of the big social networks have added the capacity to shop directly from their sites now. Even though adoption has been slow with millennials, the growing use of mobile will continue to advance the trend. It will be important for retailers to make sure their marketing message is integrated with top social channels so that products are in front of consumers.
9. Increased spending on pets. Synchrony said that consumer spending on pets has risen 25 percent over the past five years and likely will continue to rise for a number of reasons--urban couples are opting to get animals as they wait longer to have children, and more pet owners are thinking of their pets as family. Retailers who find a way to appeal to animal-loving consumers will benefit.
10. Personalization. Consumers today are looking for personalized experiences and offers, with more than three out of four shoppers indicating they’d be more loyal to a store that provided their preferred loyalty benefits. Thanks to data and the Internet of Things, retailers now can give them that. Department stores are using beacon technology to push ads to mobile devices while shoppers are still in store, online retailers are enabling product recommendation based on browsing history and some retailers are tailing loyalty programs to boost customer loyalty and repeat spending.
More on Surveys
The Latest
SourcingSep 23, 2026
Organization That Promotes Natural Diamond Rebrands for Third Time The Natural Diamond Council is now The Diamond Collective and has announced a new strategy under CEO Amber Pepper.
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
This Milwaukee-Area Jeweler Is Serving the 7CsPaul’s Jewelers sells coffee, chocolate, and cookies from a custom gold-wrapped trailer parked outside the store starting at 7 a.m.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
MajorsSep 23, 2026
Kay Jewelers’ New Campaign Goes ‘All In’ on LovePart of its brand relaunch, the marketing around the campaign includes a contest involving a jacket set with 550 diamonds.
Weekly QuizSep 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsSep 23, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Exhibition Opening at Arkansas Museum The curation, opening soon at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, honors the jeweler’s heritage through a distinctly American lens.
CollectionsSep 23, 2026
Pucker Up for Pandora’s New Pat McGrath Jewelry CollabThe jewelry giant has partnered with the famed makeup artist to create a colorful new collection of charms and rings.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
Texas Jewelers Association to Celebrate 120th AnniversaryThe association will mark the milestone at its convention next month.
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
Sissy’s Log Cabin’s ‘Back to School and Bling’ Event ReturnsThe jeweler donated school supplies to Memphis, Tennessee, students during the event combining basketball and mentorship.
MajorsSep 22, 2026
Foundrae’s Lawsuit Against Pandora Can Continue, Court RulesA federal judge denied Pandora’s motion to dismiss Foundrae’s claim for copyright infringement of its medallions.
ColumnistsSep 22, 2026
Peter Smith: Our Struggle With Emotional SellingPeople aren’t thinking rationally when they are buying luxury products, and we shouldn’t be selling them that way, Peter Smith writes.
IndependentsSep 22, 2026
Constance Polamalu Named to '40 Under 40' ListThe Baltimore Business Journal recognized the entrepreneur for her leadership in business and the jewelry industry.
GradingSep 22, 2026
GCAL by Sarine Opens New Lab in MumbaiThe facility is located within SEEPZ and is GCAL by Sarine’s second location in India, joining its existing grading lab in Surat.
Events & AwardsSep 22, 2026
NYCJAOS Returns for Autumn EditionThe four-day show is slated for Nov. 19-22 at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.
AuctionsSep 21, 2026
Ultra-Rare Cartier Cheich Watch Sells for $3.4M Offered at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, the one-of-a-kind white gold watch now holds the title of most valuable Cartier wristwatch sold at auction.
MajorsSep 21, 2026
Longtime Industry Executive Pamela Bernstein-Gulla to RetireBernstein-Gulla has been working in the jewelry industry for 40 years, most recently as chief engagement officer for Hill & Co.
IndependentsSep 21, 2026
Bhindi Jewelers Moves Into New, Larger California StoreThe relocated Glendale store, now at The Americana at Brand, was designed to be a contemporary “timepiece haven” inspired by luxury resorts.
AuctionsSep 18, 2026
7.52-Carat Unheated Paraíba Tourmaline Sells for $1.3M at Sotheby’s The top lot of the auction house’s Hong Kong jewelry sale was an Art Deco Mauboussin necklace with ruby beads, which sold for $2 million.
Policies & IssuesSep 18, 2026
Tariffs, Retail Crime Top of Mind at JA’s Annual Fly-In Retailers and manufacturers headed to the Capitol this week to discuss tariff exemptions for diamonds and gemstones, among other issues.
CollectionsSep 18, 2026
Nanis Transforms Its ‘Boule’ Into a Mirror Our Piece of the Week is a pair of drop earrings from the “Sway” collection featuring Nanis’ first use of mirror-polished gold.
GradingSep 18, 2026
De Beers Introduces Faster Version of Diamond Screening Machine SynthDetect 2 can scan a full tray in less than five minutes, De Beers said, making it six times faster than its predecessors.
AuctionsSep 18, 2026
Noonans To Auction Medieval Gold Seal Ring Recovered By 2 FriendsTwo metal detectorists discovered the ring, which may have belonged to English noblewoman Matilda of Lancaster, in Suffolk.
Policies & IssuesSep 17, 2026
Tariffs on India Could Increase as Russian Sanctions Bill Heads to Trump’s DeskThe bill has a provision that allows the president to raise tariffs on countries that import Russian oil and gas to as much as 100 percent.
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
This Is the Winner of the 2026 Robert M. Shipley AwardThe American Gem Society presented the annual award to a former president of its board.
CollectionsSep 17, 2026
Cynthia Erivo, Zoë Chicco’s Jewelry Collab Is an Ode to TransformationThe “Chrysalis” capsule centers butterfly motifs representing growth, transformation, and the unfolding of who you are.
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
Louisiana Retailer Kevin Patton Wins Lifetime Achievement AwardJewelers of Louisiana presented Patton, the third-generation president of Pattons Fine Jewelry, with the award at its annual convention.
