ColumnistsFeb 04, 2026
January Jewelry Sales: More Dollars Spent, Fewer Units Sold Sherry Smith unpacks independent retailers’ January performance and gives tips for navigating the slow-growth year ahead.
SurveysMar 03, 2017
10 Retail Trends Expected to Dominate 2017
In its latest market brief, Synchrony Financial predicted that technology and convenience will drive the segment this year.
New York--Technology’s influence is so strong in today’s world that it is starting to drive trends rather than just being a response to them.
In retail, it’s playing an equally large part as many of the trends that are shaping the market seem to be a confluence between the consumer behavior and tech.
Here are the 10 trends that will drive retail according to Synchrony Financial and what they mean for retailers.
1. Interactive shopping experiences. There’s a lot of research that shows that not only do consumers value experiences over owning things, but they will pay a premium for the experiences they think are worth it. This spans all income groups and generations.
The most innovative retailers are leveraging this trend to get consumers into stores by transforming stores into experiences themselves. Think Williams Sonoma with its in-store cooking classes and REI with its rock climbing walls.
Offering these kinds of experiences entice the consumer to stay in the store longer, browse more and feel more connected to the brand.
2. Augmented and virtual reality. Brands in all consumer product categories are using virtual reality for advertising purposes, not only for 360-degree and 3-D videos, but also for content creation with immersive storytelling and product demonstrations to help consumers experience the products in a way they wouldn’t have before.
A great example of how a virtual reality app can create excitement and engagement is the über- popular Pokémon Go game.
3. Healthy living. Consumer spending on healthy living goods continues to grow.
The Organic Trade Association said consumer demand for organic food has grown by double digits almost every year since the 1990s. Meanwhile, the number of gyms, health clubs and fitness clubs has grown over the past five years while sales for products related to the segment have grown and athleisure has drastically expanded as an apparel category.
4. The “robot invasion.” While not something quite as dramatic as what you might see in the movies, robots have quietly been making their way into the retail segment, mainly in the areas of logistics and customer service.
Some retailers also have brought robots and artificial intelligence into the store, where they have been used to identify products, retrieve items in the warehouse for shoppers and instantly order products.
Target, for example, recently started testing Tally, a robot that travels through the aisles and takes inventory.
5. “Socializing” between brands and consumers.
The two talk via social media, and this communication has become as natural as connecting with friends on the same networks.
In Synchrony’s 2016 Digital Study, the company found that about half of those surveyed said they have purchased a product as a result of social media, compared with only about a third in 2015. The content that makes an emotional connection to the brand, offering a break from sales posts, is the most successful.
6. The ship-to-store option. The concept of ordering an item online and having it shipped to a store benefits both consumers and retailers, Synchrony said.
It saves consumers on shipping charges and the time it takes to browse through aisles for the product they want while retailers are able to drive traffic into their store where customers are likely to pick up other items.
It also gives the retailer the opportunity to fulfill the order from store inventory when available, eliminating additional transportation costs.
7. A new purchase channel: “conversational” commerce. With the launch of the Amazon Echo, a new channel of interaction for consumers was opened--the voice channel. Consumers can order directly from it simply by speaking to Alexa, the “brain” behind the Echo.
Now Google is getting into the game with development of the Google Home software. Even though this technology still is cutting edge, more retailers might also develop voice-based functionality for purchases as it becomes more widely adopted.
8. Partnerships and pop-ups. New retail models have sprung up as retailers look to innovate in the form of shop-in-shops and pop-up shops. They have become ubiquitous in all segments of the market and offer the opportunity for greater reach and to attract new consumers at a lower cost.
For retailers who want to test it out with a low cost and quick concept, partnering with other retailers or setting up a pop-up shop might be the best way to do so.
9. The emergence of a cashless society. Cash is no longer king. The movement started with credit and debit cards and continues today as new technologies take hold.
Though mobile wallets (such as Apple Pay and Samsung Pay) have been around for a few years now, consumer awareness has just started skyrocketing within the past year or so--it’s up from 55 percent in 2015 to 81 percent last year. Regular use is expected to increase again in 2017 as more retailers adjust their point-of-sale systems to accept the tech.
The benefit of a cashless society is not only ease and convenience for consumers, Synchrony said, but also for retailers, offering not only a seamless point-of-sale experience that speeds up checkout but also customized promotions and personalized marketing.
10. The Internet of Things. What is the Internet of Things? It’s the network of physical objects, like devices, buildings, etc., that are embedded with electronics, software, sensors and network connectivity, enabling them to collect and exchange data.
The tech behind it allows consumers to buy whatever they want, whenever they want.
The benefit for merchants in the Internet of Things is that more data is collected in more places, which can provide great insights into consumer behaviors, market trends, buying pattern and engagement, allowing for more personal interactions and offers.
In Synchrony’s 2016 Digital Study, the company found that about half of those surveyed said they have purchased a product as a result of social media, compared with only about a third in 2015. The content that makes an emotional connection to the brand, offering a break from sales posts, is the most successful.
6. The ship-to-store option. The concept of ordering an item online and having it shipped to a store benefits both consumers and retailers, Synchrony said.
It saves consumers on shipping charges and the time it takes to browse through aisles for the product they want while retailers are able to drive traffic into their store where customers are likely to pick up other items.
It also gives the retailer the opportunity to fulfill the order from store inventory when available, eliminating additional transportation costs.
7. A new purchase channel: “conversational” commerce. With the launch of the Amazon Echo, a new channel of interaction for consumers was opened--the voice channel. Consumers can order directly from it simply by speaking to Alexa, the “brain” behind the Echo.
Now Google is getting into the game with development of the Google Home software. Even though this technology still is cutting edge, more retailers might also develop voice-based functionality for purchases as it becomes more widely adopted.
8. Partnerships and pop-ups. New retail models have sprung up as retailers look to innovate in the form of shop-in-shops and pop-up shops. They have become ubiquitous in all segments of the market and offer the opportunity for greater reach and to attract new consumers at a lower cost.
For retailers who want to test it out with a low cost and quick concept, partnering with other retailers or setting up a pop-up shop might be the best way to do so.
9. The emergence of a cashless society. Cash is no longer king. The movement started with credit and debit cards and continues today as new technologies take hold.
Though mobile wallets (such as Apple Pay and Samsung Pay) have been around for a few years now, consumer awareness has just started skyrocketing within the past year or so--it’s up from 55 percent in 2015 to 81 percent last year. Regular use is expected to increase again in 2017 as more retailers adjust their point-of-sale systems to accept the tech.
The benefit of a cashless society is not only ease and convenience for consumers, Synchrony said, but also for retailers, offering not only a seamless point-of-sale experience that speeds up checkout but also customized promotions and personalized marketing.
10. The Internet of Things. What is the Internet of Things? It’s the network of physical objects, like devices, buildings, etc., that are embedded with electronics, software, sensors and network connectivity, enabling them to collect and exchange data.
The tech behind it allows consumers to buy whatever they want, whenever they want.
The benefit for merchants in the Internet of Things is that more data is collected in more places, which can provide great insights into consumer behaviors, market trends, buying pattern and engagement, allowing for more personal interactions and offers.
More on Surveys
The Latest
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
What Designers Should Know About Saks Global’s BankruptcyFrom how to get an invoice paid to getting merchandise returned, JVC’s Sara Yood answers some complex questions.
TrendsFeb 04, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: February Birthstone BlissAmethyst, the birthstone for February, is a gemstone to watch this year with its rich purple hue and affordable price point.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
Marco Bicego Names New Global Marketing DirectorThe Italian jewelry company appointed Matteo Cuelli to the newly created role.
Weekly QuizJan 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
Frederick Goldman Updates Leadership TeamThe manufacturer said the changes are designed to improve speed, reliability, innovation, and service.
Policies & IssuesFeb 03, 2026
Tariff Relief on Horizon for India as Trump, Modi Make DealPresident Trump said he has reached a trade deal with India, which, when made official, will bring relief to the country’s diamond industry.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
CollectionsFeb 03, 2026
Jade Trau Releases New Charms, Introduces RondellesThe designer’s latest collection takes inspiration from her classic designs, reimagining the motifs in new forms.
WatchesFeb 03, 2026
Casio America Calls Jersey City HomeThe watchmaker moved its U.S. headquarters to a space it said fosters creativity and forward-thinking solutions in Jersey City, New Jersey.
SourcingFeb 03, 2026
Nivoda Reveals Upgraded Gemstone MarketplaceThe company also announced a new partnership with GemGuide and the pending launch of an education-focused membership program.
GradingFeb 02, 2026
IGI to Acquire American Gemological Laboratories IGI is buying the colored gemstone grading laboratory through IGI USA, and AGL will continue to operate as its own brand.
CrimeFeb 02, 2026
Ylang 23’s Dallas Store BurglarizedThe Texas jeweler said its team is “incredibly resilient” and thanked its community for showing support.
EditorsFeb 02, 2026
Stars Choose Chokers, Elongated Earrings at 2026 GrammysFrom cool-toned metal to ring stacks, Associate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights the jewelry trends she spotted at the Grammy Awards.
CollectionsFeb 02, 2026
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the fact that the 2026 Olympics are taking place in two different cities.
CollectionsJan 30, 2026
Follow the Beat With Etiq’s ‘Khol’ RingThe “Khol” ring, our Piece of the Week, transforms the traditional Indian Khol drum into playful jewelry through hand-carved lapis.
MajorsJan 30, 2026
Arch Crown’s 2026 ‘Tag & Label’ Catalog Is HereThe catalog includes more than 100 styles of stock, pre-printed, and custom tags and labels, as well as bar code technology products.
CollectionsJan 29, 2026
Ghirardelli’s ‘Chocolocket’ Returns for Valentine’s DayThe chocolatier is bringing back its chocolate-inspired locket, offering sets of two to celebrate “perfect pairs.”
AuctionsJan 29, 2026
These Were Bonhams’ Top 10 Jewelry Lots in 2025The top lot of the year was a 1930s Cartier tiara owned by Nancy, Viscountess Astor, which sold for $1.2 million in London last summer.
SourcingJan 29, 2026
Stuller Website to Mark AGTA-Sourced GemstonesAny gemstones on Stuller.com that were sourced by an AGTA vendor member will now bear the association’s logo.
WatchesJan 29, 2026
Audemars Piguet Opens AP House in AtlantaThe Swiss watchmaker has brought its latest immersive boutique to Atlanta, a city it described as “an epicenter of music and storytelling.”
SourcingJan 28, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair to Debut Designer Showcase in TucsonThe new addition will feature finished jewelry created using “consciously sourced” gemstones.
ColumnistsJan 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Setting the Next Generation Up for SuccessIn his new column, Smith advises playing to your successor's strengths and resisting the urge to become a backseat driver.
IndependentsJan 28, 2026
Foundrae Heads to Aspen for Latest Store OpeningThe new store in Aspen, Colorado, takes inspiration from a stately library for its intimate yet elevated interior design.
FinancialsJan 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Sales Resilient as LVMH’s 2025 Sales SlipThe brands’ high jewelry collections performed especially well last year despite a challenging environment.
CollectionsJan 27, 2026
De Beers London, GemFair Debut New Collection Highlighting Artisanal DiamondsThe collection marks the first time GemFair’s artisanal diamonds will be brought directly to consumers.
SourcingJan 27, 2026
GemGuide Launches Pricing for Montana SapphiresThe initial charts are for blue, teal, and green material, each grouped into three charts categorized as good, fine, and extra fine.
