Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
SurveysJun 22, 2017
Report: Luxury Continues to Underperform in the US
Though sales of luxury goods are expected to grow globally, the U.S. market is grappling with ongoing political uncertainty and struggling department stores, Bain & Co. said.
Milan--The luxury market is expected to get back to growth this year as Chinese spending and consumer confidence in Europe return.
According to management consulting firm Bain & Co., the global personal luxury goods market is predicted to grow in the range of 2 to 4 percent (at constant exchange rates) in 2017, from $284 billion to $290 billion.
The company’s “Worldwide Luxury Monitor 2017 Spring Update” indicates that watches and jewelry are maintaining momentum and while watch sales are down right now, they will soon recover.
However, in the Americas, the study states, the U.S. luxury market “continues to underperform.” A strong dollar, ongoing political uncertainty and struggling department stores have combined to create uncertainty for the country this year, with the market expected to be between a 2 percent decline or flat in 2017.
Meanwhile, Latin America is supported by some local consumption and Canada is poised to slow down--luxury sales there are expected to range between flat and a 2 percent decline.
Europe is still recovering from a decline in tourism last year and is regaining confidence among local consumers, with Spain and the U.K. standing out as bright spots. Bain has forecasted growth of between 7 and 9 percent at constant exchange rates for the region.
Mainland China also is rebounding as its local consumers continue to show a preference for buying luxury goods, driving an expected 6 to 8 percent growth. Chinese tourists also will continue to account for a large portion of international luxury purchases.
While Japan remains a positive market for luxury brands, the environment for the rest of Asia is still difficult: Hong Kong, Macau and Singapore might be improving, but Taiwan and Southeast Asia are facing decreased tourism.
The rest of the world is expected to be flat or see only slight growth of 2 percent.
In its update on the luxury market, Bain also addressed a number of key topics that will drive the luxury market this year, including the following.
1. The U.S. market’s landscape. Even though it’s still the largest market for personal luxury goods, the combined effects of a slowdown in tourism, unsettled political climate and challenging outlook for department stores mean that brands have to have “an impeccable strategy and execution” to survive.
2. The digital and off-price winners. Digital continues to reshape the luxury industry, with Bain indicating it expects online sales to be the leading
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
channel with the highest growth in the coming years, followed by off-price stores.
3. Millennial shopping habits. The inclusion of this likely surprises no one, as the “millennial state of mind” requires that brands better cater to their needs because it is this generation that has increasing buying power. In fact, millennials and Gen Z--the generation that follows the millennials and the oldest of whom are about 22 right now--will represent 45 percent of the global personal luxury goods market by 2025.
3. Millennial shopping habits. The inclusion of this likely surprises no one, as the “millennial state of mind” requires that brands better cater to their needs because it is this generation that has increasing buying power. In fact, millennials and Gen Z--the generation that follows the millennials and the oldest of whom are about 22 right now--will represent 45 percent of the global personal luxury goods market by 2025.
More on Surveys
The Latest
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New CollaborationThe designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
MajorsNov 05, 2026
Ariana Grande Stars In Swarovski’s Holiday Campaign“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.
Weekly QuizNov 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday ServicesThe lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia AirportA Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on DesignNew collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.
Events & AwardsNov 04, 2026
NYC Jewelry Week 2026 Is the Largest Edition YetThe citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New PresidentLanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for AuctionA replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Longtime Jewelry Marketer Arthur Klein Dies at 89Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Toasts To 50 Years With Diamond Bracelet GiveawayTo enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 ApplicationsThe grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship WinnersThe winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s GenevaThe rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet WatchesIt is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ CollectionThe jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising OfficerAlexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington StateThe Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Gesswein Hires Longtime Bench Jeweler, Educator Ann CahoonCahoon was appointed strategic account and educational program manager at Gesswein, which recently joined Continental Buying Group.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Amanda Seyfried Stars In Tiffany & Co.’s Holiday CampaignTiffany & Co.’s latest ambassador makes her debut in its “Love Is a Gift” holiday campaign.
