TechnologyJul 10, 2026
There’s a New Blind Box for Luxury Watches Collectibles platform Arena Club’s new Time Boxes could contain a Rolex or Patek Philippe watch.
SurveysNov 11, 2016
Forecast: The 10 Busiest Shopping Days of the Year
ShopperTrak on when the most shoppers will be in stores, plus why retailers shouldn’t open on Thanksgiving Day.
Chicago--The fact that Christmas falls on a Sunday this year will impact in-store shopping patterns, reducing the importance of Christmas Eve while likely leading to more crowded stores on Dec. 23 and the day after Christmas.
That is according to ShopperTrak, the Chicago-based company that has devices in stores that monitor foot traffic in order to give retailers insight into consumer behavior. The company is owned by Tyco Retail Solutions, which is part of Johnson Controls, an international company that provides performance and security solutions to retailers of all sizes.
The firm just released its annual list of the days it anticipates will see the most shoppers in stores this holiday season, as well as the days that will see the least.
Here are the days ShopperTrak expects to be the busiest this year.
1. Friday, Nov. 25, aka Black Friday
2. Monday, Dec. 26
3. Friday, Dec. 23
4. Saturday, Dec. 17
5. Saturday, Dec. 10
6. Saturday, Nov. 26
7. Thursday, Dec. 22
8. Saturday, Dec. 3
9. Sunday, Dec. 18
10. Wednesday, Dec. 21
One day conspicuously absent from this list is Christmas Eve, which this year is technically “Super Saturday,” as it is the last Saturday before Christmas this year.
ShopperTrak said that Super Saturday traditionally is busier the closer that it comes to Christmas Day, unless it also happens to be Christmas Eve, which is the case this year.
Because of that, the company said it is not expecting Dec. 24 to be a particularly busy shopping day, though this might not be the case for jewelers, many of whom usually are busy up until closing time on Christmas Eve.
This shift elevates the importance of Dec. 26 (No. 2 on the list) and Dec. 23 (No. 3 on the list), both of which are usually busier when they fall on or extend a weekend. That is the case this year, as the day before Christmas Eve and the day after Christmas fall on a Friday and a Monday, respectively, book-ending the weekend.
ShopperTrak also shared the five days in November and December that it expects to be the slowest in terms of in-store foot traffic.
1. Tuesday, Nov. 29
2. Wednesday, Nov. 30
3. Monday, Nov. 28, aka “Cyber Monday,” a big day for online shopping
4. Tuesday, Dec. 6
5. Monday, Dec. 5
Given its two lists, ShopperTrak offered some tips for retailers.
--Know that annual activity patterns remain consistent. Optimize staffing and inventory on the days that’ll be the busiest.
--Don’t open on Thanksgiving Day.
ShopperTrak research shows that opening on this holiday only impacts the distribution of traffic, not the overall volume of traffic. It also negatively impacts staff morale, which is why a number of big retailers are remaining closed on Thanksgiving this year.
--Don’t overreact. There’s usually a reason for daily ebbs and flows in the amount of traffic in the store, like the weather. Outline a well-reasoned game plan ahead of the holiday season and stick with it.
--Don’t overreact. There’s usually a reason for daily ebbs and flows in the amount of traffic in the store, like the weather. Outline a well-reasoned game plan ahead of the holiday season and stick with it.
More on Surveys
The Latest
TrendsJul 10, 2026
Jade Trau Creates a Constellation of DiamondsThe “Constellation Plié” collar, our Piece of the Week, features diamonds arranged in a constellation of shining stars.
SourcingJul 10, 2026
CFO of De Beers’ Consumer-Facing Division Leaves Company Shaun Wills joined the company in 2024 and was chief financial officer of the De Beers Brands and Consumer Markets division.
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.
WatchesJul 10, 2026
Brilliant Earth Expands Into WatchesIn honor of its 20th anniversary, the jewelry brand has released a limited-edition collection of Swiss-made timepieces.
Weekly QuizJul 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 09, 2026
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Is an Ode to the Human Touch“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.
WatchesJul 09, 2026
Damiani Group Finalizes Acquisition of Baume & MercierRichemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.
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.
AuctionsJul 09, 2026
Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter Hires Former Bonhams Exec to Head New Watch DivisionNate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
Halstead Names 2026 Grant WinnerEnoch Platero, founder and designer behind Enoch Michael, is the first Native American jeweler to win the award.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
AGS, GIA Name 2026 Beatrice Shipley Scholarship WinnerAGS also announced the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 ExecsArien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
