Independent Jewelers See Sales Grow in June

Omaha, Neb.—Independent jewelers posted revenue growth in June, the first time that’s happened since February, near the start of the worldwide spread of COVID-19.

Data from The Edge Retail Academy shows total revenue was up 2 percent year-over-year in June.

Diamond revenue climbed by double digits, growing 12 percent year-over-year.

The average retail sale was up 25 percent year-over-year to $432 from $345.

“June was a strong month for our independent retailers despite the challenges and restrictions associated with reopening,” said Sherry Smith, ERA’s director of business development and a National Jeweler columnist.



Retailers were active in bringing shoppers into stores, according to ERA’s research.

Kate Marks, owner of Marks of Design in Shelton, Connecticut, took to Facebook to auction her jewelry after her store closed due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“I nearly met my original May sales goal with these auctions,” Marks said in the survey, noting she sold hundreds of items online.

The auctions continued through June to maintain customer engagement and bring customers into the reopened store.

Alan Miller, owner of Alan Miller Jewelers in Oregon, Ohio, told ERA he ran a promotion at the beginning of the month to move older merchandise.

Around half the items in the store were offered at 25 to 50 percent off the original price.

Miller said he had a “strong June,” seeing sales climb 66 percent year-over-year.

“It has been great to see how quickly and creatively our retailers adapted to the current environment. This adaptability clearly shows in the numbers,” said Smith.

ERA collected data for its June insight report from more than 1,200 jewelers via its Edge Pulse program.

Insight reports are sent to the industry monthly via its “The Vibe” newsletter.

Retailers and vendors interested in being added to the free mailing list can contact Inquiries@EdgeRetailAcademy.com.