This year’s honorees include a Midwest retailer and two multi-store independents, one in New York and the other in New England.
NRF Predicts Greater Retail Growth in 2018
The National Retail Federation upped its retail sales forecast for the year, but warned that tariffs could have a negative impact.

Washington—The National Retail Federation has revised its retail sales growth prediction for 2018, upping the number from a 3.8 -4.4 percent gain to an increase of 4.5 percent, minimum.
The NRF credited tax reform and positive economic conditions for the boost to its original year-over-year sales prediction. (The NRF’s figure does not take automobiles, gas stations or restaurants into account.)
Matthew Shay, president and CEO of the NRF, said in a media release: “Higher wages, gains in disposable income, a strong job market and record-high household net worth have all set the stage for very robust growth in the nation’s consumer-driven economy.
“Tax reform and economic stimulus have created jobs and put more money in consumers’ pockets, and retailers are seeing it in their bottom line. We knew this would be a good year, but the first half turned out to be even better than expected.”
So far, retail sales have increased 4.8 percent year-over-year in the first half of 2018 and are up 4.4 percent in the latest three-month average.
Earlier in the year, the NRF predicted that gross domestic product would increase 2.5 to 3 percent; now it says that the figure should fall at the higher end of that range.
The organization expressed concern, however, over recently imposed tariffs on steel, aluminum and goods imported from China.
While advocates of such policies believe that higher taxes on foreign imports will help bolster domestic industries, the NRF warned of the potential to negatively affect consumer confidence.
“We don’t want to see these economic gains derailed by protectionist trade policy,” Shay said. “With retailers ramping up imports and stocking their warehouses before most of the proposed tariffs will take effect, an immediate impact on prices on consumer goods is unlikely, but that won’t last for long.
“And just the mere talk of tariffs negatively impacts consumer and business confidence, leading to a decline in spending. It’s time to replace tariffs and talk of trade wars with diplomacy and policies that strengthen recent gains, not kill them.”
According to the NRF’s Global Port Tracker report, imports have reached record highs this summer, as retailers import what they can before tariffs are implemented.
While the NRF ultimately maintains an optimistic outlook for the year, NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said that uncertainty surrounding the trade war and higher-than-expected inflation due in part to increased oil prices could make consumers “cautious” come this fall.
The Latest

As an homage to iconic crochet blankets, the necklace features the nostalgic motif through a kaleidoscope of cabochon-cut stones.

Discover the dozen up-and-coming brands exhibiting in the Design Atelier for the first time.

When investing in your jewelry business, it's important not to overlook the most crucial element of success: the sales associates.

The “Royal Ruby” Collection is a quintet of untreated rubies curated by collector Jack Abraham.


The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

Two existing executives have been given new roles.

More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.

Meredith Tiderington, an electrical engineering student, was selected for the award.

It will quit assigning the stones specific color and clarity grades in favor of applying “new descriptive terminology.”

From design trends to sustainability, here’s a roundup of can’t-miss education sessions at JCK Las Vegas.

The Jewelers’ Security Alliance offers advice for those attending the annual trade shows.

Her new role is director of strategic initiatives.

The designer is embracing bold pieces with weight to them in “AU79,” a collection she celebrated with a creative launch party.

On an earnings call, CEO J.K. Symancyk discussed what’s working for the company and how it’s preparing for the potential impact of tariffs.

The actress stars in the latest campaign set in Venice, Italy, and is set to participate in other creative initiatives for the jeweler.

The company has joined other labs, including GIA and Lotus Gemology, in adopting the Chinese term for "jadeite jade."

The large stone will be offered at its June sale along with a selection of secondary-type rubies from a new area of the Montepuez mine.

Located in Bangkok, the laboratory is Gemological Science International’s 14th location worldwide.

Those born in June have a myriad of options for their birthstone jewelry.

The diamond industry veteran has been named its senior sales executive.

The company plans to raise the prices of select watches to offset the impact of tariffs.

Between tariffs and the sky-high cost of gold, designers enter this year’s Las Vegas shows with a lot of questions and few answers.

Designed by founder Renato and his daughter Serena Cipullo, it showcases a flame motif representing unity and the power of gathering.

However, the tariffs remain in effect in the short term, as an appeals court has stayed the U.S. Court of International Trade’s decision.

The pop icon is one step closer to launching her “B Tiny” jewelry collection, a collection she first began posting about last fall.

Sponsored by Stuller