CollectionsJul 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jemma Wynne’s ‘Forme’ NecklaceAnne Hathaway was seen wearing the toggle necklace three times while filming scenes for “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”
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
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
Events & AwardsJul 25, 2025
Pre-Registration Open for September Hong Kong ShowJewellery & Gem World Hong Kong is scheduled for Sept. 15 to 21, and buyer pre-registration will be available until Sept. 7.
FinancialsJul 25, 2025
LVMH Sales Slip in H1 Amid ‘Prevailing Uncertainties’Renovations at Tiffany & Co. stores ate into profits in the company’s watch and jewelry division.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
Events & AwardsJul 24, 2025
2 Retailers to Receive 2026 Gem Award for Lifetime AchievementMark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers will receive the honor at the 24th annual Gem Awards next March.
Weekly QuizJul 25, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJul 24, 2025
De Beers Sees Diamond Production Sink 36% in Q2 While struggles continue at the mining and trading end of the pipeline, consumer demand for diamond jewelry is holding steady.
CollectionsJul 24, 2025
Francesca Villa Adds Dimension to Her Intaglio CharactersThe “Fantasia” jewelry collection turns the intaglio animals from her “Close Encounters” collection into 3D characters.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
WatchesJul 24, 2025
Breitling Drops Super Bowl Watch Honoring the Philadelphia Eagles The special Classic Avi Chronograph 42 with an Eagles-green dial is limited to 59 pieces, a nod to the Super Bowl Philadelphia just won.
CrimeJul 23, 2025
JSA Warns of Violent String of Smash-and-Grabs in California JSA has received reports of mobs swarming jewelry stores, driving cars into the storefront or smashing through the windows.
CollectionsJul 23, 2025
Silvia Furmanovich’s ‘Kashmir’ Collection Is a Tribute to Northern IndiaThe “Kashmir” collection features centuries-old craft techniques made in collaboration with the region’s master papier-mâché artisans.
IndependentsJul 23, 2025
Montreal’s Ecksand Eyes Move to SoHoCreative Director Erica Bianchini shared why the jeweler is looking to expand into the U.S. and how it’s putting Canadian craftsmanship on the map.
IndependentsJul 23, 2025
IJO Raises Nearly $37K for LA Fire Relief Two Los Angeles Fire Department stations plan to use the donations to upgrade their equipment and tools.
CollectionsJul 22, 2025
Jewelry With a Rock ‘n’ Roll Aesthetic Heads to Sotheby’s LondonNext week, the auction house will kick off a selling exhibition of jewelry by British artist Hannah Martin and Coldplay’s Guy Berryman.
SourcingJul 22, 2025
Antwerp Diamond Heist Documentary Coming to Netflix“Stolen: Heist of the Century” is based on “Flawless,” the book about the middle-of-the-night theft, and will debut on Netflix in August.
ColumnistsJul 22, 2025
The Gifting Gap: How to Market Jewelry Beyond the HolidaysEmmanuel Raheb shares the top five gifting moments outside of major holidays that jewelers should build marketing campaigns around.
Events & AwardsJul 22, 2025
NY Now’s Summer Market Returns in AugustThe wholesale trade show’s Luxury Lifestyle section will showcase established and emerging jewelry designers.
MajorsJul 21, 2025
Rio Grande Expands Personalization OfferingsAs demand for custom jewelry grows, the company is expanding its services to support retailers.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2025
NAJA’s 2025 ‘Ace It’ Conference To Go VirtualThe mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers is slated for Aug. 9 to 10 on Zoom.
TrendsJul 21, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Graduated With Honors Graduated stones make for elevated tennis-style pieces and dramatic statement necklaces.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Lewis Heyman on Sourcing Gemstones, Post-Retirement PlansHe retired last month after 28 years traveling the world to source the very best gemstones for his family’s jewelry business, Oscar Heyman.
TrendsJul 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: CCWW Designs’ Shell Charm NecklaceThe charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Plumb Club Elects New Board MembersThe organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.
TechnologyJul 18, 2025
Brad Campbell, John Liebler Join Clientbook’s Executive Team Campbell joins the company as vice president of business development while Liebler is the new vice president of operations.
CollectionsJul 17, 2025
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.
Supplier BulletinJul 17, 2025
The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025: Your Holiday Preparations, All Wrapped Up! Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025
