It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.
NRF, Forrester Say Retailers are Prioritizing Omnichannel
The “State of Retailing Online” survey shows retailers are most concerned with and invested in their ability to sell across multiple platforms.
New York--It has been talked about a lot, but the importance of selling across multiple platforms was again emphasized in a recent study from the National Retail Federation and Forrester.
Of the companies surveyed for the annual “State of Retailing Online” study, 32 percent were online-only sellers, while 57 percent were omnichannel retailers, some of whom sell both in physical retail locations and online.
Of the group that operates brick-and-mortar stores, 43 percent said they expect an increase in number of stores by the end of 2018, with only 16 percent anticipating a net reduction.
Additionally, 24 percent said they would hold a pop-up store in the coming year and 12 percent said they would be opening back-end locations like warehouses or distribution centers.
Forty-two percent of retailers said that their top customer-facing priority is delivering online orders faster, which is one reason that opening more physical locations is a priority. Twenty-one percent said their top customer-facing priority right now is the buy online, pick up in-store experience, and 15 percent said shipping from stores was their biggest concern.
Other top priorities for retailers included personalizing the shopping experience, using technology to help store associates assist customers and improving the in-store experience.
When it comes to online sales, retailers said they’re on the upswing, with 70 percent polled noting that online conversion rates had increased in the past year, 62 percent saying that repeat online sales increased and 57 percent saying the average order amount had increased.
Though online sales still come from about twice as many desktop computers as mobile phones, the NRF and Forrester noted that mobile sales are growing at a faster rate, 36 percent versus 8 percent for desktops.
Additionally, 89 percent of retailers said they plan to increase spending in mobile opportunities.
“This report shows more than ever that retail is retail regardless of where a sale is made or how the product is delivered,” said Mark Mathews, NRF Vice President for Research Development and Industry Analysis.
“Products ordered online are increasingly picked up in-store or shipped from a nearby store, and digital technology being used at bricks-and-mortar locations lets retailers help customers find what they want or make the sale even if the product is out of stock. Traditional retailers have seen the opportunities of online selling for years now, and those selling online increasingly see that stores are part of the key to success.”
The Latest

The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.

The auction house will be hosting a retrospective paying tribute to jeweler Jean Dinh Van and his company’s 60th anniversary.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Jake Duneier and Danielle Duneier-Goldberg have stepped into the roles of CEO and president, respectively.


The “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.

The Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

Eric Ford will step into the role, bringing with him decades of experience.

In addition to improved capabilities, the acquisition will allow the jeweler to offer support to other independent jewelers.

The “Celestial Blue” capsule collection campaign features Olympian Kateryna Sadurska.

The seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.

The New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.

The trade-only event will host its debut fair in the Emerald City later this month.

Its sessions will focus on inventory strategies, staff performance, retention and acquisition, emerging market trends, and more.

For its 10th anniversary, Miseno designed the “Arco” earrings based on the Arco Felice, an arch conceptualized in A.D. 95 in Miseno, Italy.

The jewelry company is one of several contributing to relief efforts in the region after the recent floods.

Inspired by fiancé Sid Wilson’s nickname for her, the white and yellow diamond ring features a unique honeycomb design.

The brand is marking its 50th anniversary with a limited-edition bangle, high jewelry suites, new collections, and more.

Goldfarb said changes in the industry, coupled with his age and the updates needed to modernize his business, drove his decision.

Longtime LVMH executive Michael Burke has stepped into the role.

Central topics of next week’s event include climate action, labor rights, artisan preservation, and value retention in producing countries.

Vickie Rokkos has joined the jewelry company as its new national sales director of North America.

Sponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply

The “For the Love of Fruits” collection features five fruit pendants, each holding a different meaning.

Diamonds and crimes (some involving diamonds) top the list of National Jeweler’s most popular stories halfway through the year.

They discovered “The Dash Diamond,” named for their dog, at the Crater of Diamonds State Park earlier this month.