Recorded WebinarsMar 31, 2023
Watch: How Is the Industry Doing When It Comes to Diversity?Annie Doresca and Michelle Graff welcome Reggie Johnson and Sheryl Jones for a frank conversation on the state of DEI in fine jewelry.
ColumnistsDec 18, 2019
On Data: A Merry December for Independents So Far
The Edge Retail Academy’s Sherry Smith returns with a mini-update on how the holiday season is going.
Sherry Smith is director of business development for data and consulting company The Edge Retail Academy. She can be reached at sherry@edgeretailacademy.com.
I kicked off my new column, On Data, earlier this month with a look at independent jewelers’ 2019 performance through the month of October.
Today, I’m back with a mini month-to-date update for December, since it is one of the most important months of the year for retail jewelers.
With only seven days left until Christmas, independents are showing a 3.2 percent uptick in gross sales for Dec. 1 to 14 when compared with the same period in 2018.
The number of units sold continues to trend down at -8.2 percent, but the average retail sale is up 8.4 percent year-over-year, currently at $348.
The diamond fashion jewelry category continues to stand out with a 5.6 percent increase in gross sales and a 4.4 percent increase in units.
However, the average retail sale for diamond fashion jewelry has slipped 2.3 percent. It is currently at $1,465, down from $1,500.
Also, I need to mention the colored stone and pearl category, which is up 1.5 percent in gross sales year-over-year, down 7.7 percent in units but only down by $3 in average retail sale.
If the month-to-date growth continues, independents will finish up in calendar year 2019, topping the majors’ performances.
Look for my next mini month-to-date briefing on Monday, Dec. 23.
Today, I’m back with a mini month-to-date update for December, since it is one of the most important months of the year for retail jewelers.
With only seven days left until Christmas, independents are showing a 3.2 percent uptick in gross sales for Dec. 1 to 14 when compared with the same period in 2018.
The number of units sold continues to trend down at -8.2 percent, but the average retail sale is up 8.4 percent year-over-year, currently at $348.
The diamond fashion jewelry category continues to stand out with a 5.6 percent increase in gross sales and a 4.4 percent increase in units.
However, the average retail sale for diamond fashion jewelry has slipped 2.3 percent. It is currently at $1,465, down from $1,500.
Also, I need to mention the colored stone and pearl category, which is up 1.5 percent in gross sales year-over-year, down 7.7 percent in units but only down by $3 in average retail sale.
If the month-to-date growth continues, independents will finish up in calendar year 2019, topping the majors’ performances.
Look for my next mini month-to-date briefing on Monday, Dec. 23.
More on Columnists
The Latest
MajorsMar 31, 2023
Macy’s Longtime CEO to Retire Next YearJeff Gennette will step down in February 2024, passing the torch to the CEO of another notable retailer.
AuctionsMar 31, 2023
Piece of the Week: The Extraterrestrial Lunar NecklaceArtisan Martin Roberts fashioned lunar meteorites into 48 beads to create this out-of-this-world necklace.
Brought to you by
Full Disclosure at Your FingertipsDistinguishing natural diamonds from laboratory-grown stones – now more available than ever – has been difficult for jewelers. Until now.
MajorsMar 31, 2023
JBT Re-Elects Richard Katz as Board ChairmanAs for new members, the organization welcomed Jewelers of America’s Annie Doresca and Parag Jain of Parag Diamonds.
Weekly QuizMar 31, 2023
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
WatchesMar 30, 2023
At Watches & Wonders, a $20M Watch Makes Its DebutJacob & Co.’s new “Billionaire” timepiece features more than 200 carats of yellow diamonds.
AuctionsMar 30, 2023
See the Jewelry Collection Expected to Top Elizabeth Taylor’s at AuctionHeidi Horten, wife of department store magnate Helmut Horten, collected jewelry from Bulgari, Cartier, Harry Winston and Van Cleef & Arpels.
Brought to you by
Bringing Over 130 Years of Diamond Expertise to Modern GradingDe Beers Institute of Diamonds provides the very best in diamond verification, education and diamond services.
MajorsMar 30, 2023
Jewelers Mutual Marks a Major MilestoneThe jewelry industry insurer and solutions provider is celebrating 110 years in business this month.
SurveysMar 30, 2023
NRF Says Brick-and-Mortar Stores Remain ‘Primary Point of Purchase’The statement came as the National Retail Federation released its retail sales forecast for 2023.
AuctionsMar 29, 2023
10.57-Carat Purplish Pink Diamond Expected to Sell for $35M+Sotheby’s will auction the diamond, which it says is “arguably the most significant pink diamond to ever appear at auction,” in June.
MajorsMar 29, 2023
Blue Nile to Close Fulfillment Center, Lay Off WorkersThe retailer, recently acquired by Signet Jewelers, will lay off 119 employees in July.
WatchesMar 29, 2023
See All the New Patek Philippe Watches for 2023The Swiss watchmaker introduced 17 new models at Watches & Wonders Geneva.
MajorsMar 29, 2023
Mark Henry Jewelry Offering Complimentary ‘Masterclass’ on Sales from Peter SmithAs part of the promotion, Smith will share his sales expertise during a 90-minute training session.
EditorsMar 28, 2023
I’m Enchanted With Parmigiani Fleurier’s Perfect Travel WatchAt Watches & Wonders, the Swiss brand unveiled a follow-up to last year’s Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante.
CollectionsMar 28, 2023
Helzberg’s New Lab-Grown Diamond Collection Earns SCS CertificationThe “rêve” collection’s engagement rings and wedding bands are geared toward “sustainability minded customers.”
EditorsMar 28, 2023
This New Rolex Day-Date Tells Time … and AffirmationsA new word appears on the dial each day of the week.
IndependentsMar 28, 2023
D.C. Jeweler That Honored 50-Year-Old Gift Certificate Closes Bensons Jewelers closed for good Feb. 24, impacted in part by the decline in foot traffic downtown since the onset of the pandemic.
MajorsMar 28, 2023
Swarovski Names New GM of North AmericaKolja Kiofsky has been with the crystal and jewelry company since 2010.
AuctionsMar 27, 2023
Jewels to Shine in Upcoming ‘Golden Age’ of Hollywood AuctionThe Kruse GWS Auctions sale will include the replica “Taj Mahal” necklace Elizabeth Taylor made with Avon as well as a costume piece Marilyn Monroe wore.
MajorsMar 27, 2023
Pandora Promotes GM to Chief of Retail OperationsMassimo Basei is moving up, while Chief Commercial Officer Martino Pessina is stepping down.
Events & AwardsMar 27, 2023
Registration Is Open for the HardRock SummitAGTA GemFair and the Denver Gem & Mineral Show also will have a presence on the show floor.
AuctionsMar 24, 2023
Piece of the Week: The $5.8M Patek Philippe ‘Sky Moon Tourbillon’Sold by Christie’s Hong Kong, this masterwork of complications now holds the record for most expensive watch ever auctioned online.
FinancialsMar 24, 2023
Movado Predicts Declining Sales Amid ‘Volatile’ Retail EnvironmentThe watch company expects first-quarter sales to fall as much as 15 percent due to inflation and tough comps.
Lab-GrownMar 24, 2023
Lightbox Promotes General Manager to COOAdam O’Grady, general manager of the Lightbox Lab, has taken on the new role and will report directly to Lightbox CEO Antoine Borde.
WatchesMar 23, 2023
Which Brands Do Watch Enthusiasts Love Most? Chrono24 Takes a LookThe watch marketplace gathered data from 1.3 million collectors, highlighting the most popular timepieces and exploring value appreciation.
SourcingMar 23, 2023
Burgundy Diamond Backing Out of Ellendale Mine Deal Burgundy has opted not to exercise its option to buy the mining claims Gibb River Diamonds currently owns.
