Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
Start Holiday Shopping Early, Says NRF
The National Retail Federation’s new campaign, set to air in October, will encourage customers to shop safely and early in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Washington, D.C.—The National Retail Federation’s latest campaign, “New Holiday Traditions,” wants consumers to shop safely and early this year.
The retail trade organization’s new nationwide consumer education campaign is set to air across digital and social media, radio, and TV from October through mid-November.
Historically, November has been the most popular month to start holiday shopping, the NRF said.
This year, 43 percent of shoppers surveyed said they plan to wait until November to start holiday shopping, according to the NRF’s annual consumer holiday survey.
A majority of those surveyed, 59 percent, plan to shop more online this year compared with last year.
The organization is encouraging shoppers to start earlier in light of the COVID-19 pandemic to avoid long lines and shipping delays.
“Retailers are ready with inventory and sales, and there’s no reason to wait until Thanksgiving weekend to kick off your gift shopping,” NRF CEO Matthew Shay said in a press release announcing the campaign.
National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith echoed a similar sentiment in a July column, noting that since the pandemic could hamper the usual uptick in November and December, retailers should “get in the spirit of Christmas, and get there sooner rather than later.”
He added: “There is a fine line between predatory and pragmatic marketing and retailers need to be sensitive and empathetic, but we have no idea what the coming weeks and months will hold.”
For more information about the NRF campaign, visit the NRF website.
The Latest

The 2025 Australian Open champion is the jewelry brand’s first athlete ambassador.

The West Village jewelry boutique’s new shop-in-shop is the cornerstone of Nordstrom’s revamped jewelry hall.

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

This past year, the manufacturer said it recorded below-zero emissions per carat of natural diamond.


The brand’s “Golden Strada” statement necklace features round, marquise, and pear diamonds that sparkle like Fourth of July fireworks.

JSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.

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

Located on Rodeo Drive, the store’s design was inspired by Hollywood and Los Angeles culture.

The new location continues the brand’s celebration of its 25th anniversary.

The online watch marketplace’s “Time Is Our Thing” campaign highlights the importance of time.

She will oversee strategic planning, fundraising, industry partnerships, and the launch of the Gem Legacy Campus in Tanzania.

Working with Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit and law enforcement, Pandora helped to shut down a large-scale counterfeit network in China.

The jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.

The company is providing the opportunity for an FIT student to work alongside master diamond cutter Willie Lopez in its workshop.

He is remembered for his successful entrepreneurship, generosity, and dedication to his family.

The jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.

Welcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.

Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.

The best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

This year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.

“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.

The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.

Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.

AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.

Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.