EditorsDec 22, 2020
Retail Rewind: The Year of Chapter 11SurveysFeb 19, 2021
5 Things to Know About the Latest JBT Stats
Jewelers Board of Trade President Erich Jacobs breaks down the data and shares his predictions for the year ahead.
Fewer jewelry stores closed in 2020 than in 2019, as per the Jewelers Board of Trade’s latest data.
New York—Earlier this year, the Jewelers Board of Trade released its data for the fourth quarter and the full year, giving an overview of the jewelry trade amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
National Jeweler sat down via Zoom with JBT President Erich Jacobs to break down the results and get a clearer picture of the year ahead.
Fewer stores closed in 2020 than in 2019.
The COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on the jewelry industry in 2020, but there were fewer permanent closures in 2020 than in 2019.
In the United States, there were 605 business discontinuances (defined as businesses that ceased operations, consolidated, or declared bankruptcy), compared with 912 in 2019. In the fourth quarter, 92 businesses closed, down significantly from 324 in 2019.
In compiling its data, JBT includes retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers.
A total of 495 retailers closed in 2020, as well as 63 wholesalers and 47 manufacturers.
Fewer closures may seem surprising given the difficult retail environment, but Jacobs had a different perspective.
“This was an environment that basically created a more forgiving situation. It was terrible economically for certain people, but it was more forgiving,” he said.
Jacobs noted that JBT cut jewelers some slack by listing a business’ pre-COVID rating in every JBT Credit Report.
He also noted that some states had both residential and commercial eviction moratoriums in place, shielding some businesses from a permanent closure for the time being.
Fewer new stores opened in 2020.
With the retail environment uncertain, JBT reported fewer new businesses opening in 2020.
In the U.S., 40 new businesses opened in the fourth quarter while 152 opened for the full year.
Looking to the year ahead, Jacobs said the industry may see “a lot more new businesses,” noting that there are some new businesses that its data doesn’t currently reflect.
He said there is a “blindspot” in JBT’s data that it’s looking to correct—at this time, it doesn’t account for those who set up online stores, like on Etsy, or those who sell through Instagram, which is becoming an increasingly significant part of the industry.
The decline in bankruptcies may not be what it seems.
The number of bankruptcies was on the decline in the U.S. last year, but that could be attributed to a backlog of filings rather than a sign that fewer businesses are filing.
“There is still a lag in the system, which is on the bankruptcy side of things,” said Jacobs.
In the fourth quarter, there was 1 bankruptcy, compared with 4 last year. For the full year, there were 23 compared with 22 in 2019.
Related stories will be right here …
National Jeweler sat down via Zoom with JBT President Erich Jacobs to break down the results and get a clearer picture of the year ahead.
Fewer stores closed in 2020 than in 2019.
The COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on the jewelry industry in 2020, but there were fewer permanent closures in 2020 than in 2019.
In the United States, there were 605 business discontinuances (defined as businesses that ceased operations, consolidated, or declared bankruptcy), compared with 912 in 2019. In the fourth quarter, 92 businesses closed, down significantly from 324 in 2019.
In compiling its data, JBT includes retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers.
A total of 495 retailers closed in 2020, as well as 63 wholesalers and 47 manufacturers.
Fewer closures may seem surprising given the difficult retail environment, but Jacobs had a different perspective.
“This was an environment that basically created a more forgiving situation. It was terrible economically for certain people, but it was more forgiving,” he said.
Jacobs noted that JBT cut jewelers some slack by listing a business’ pre-COVID rating in every JBT Credit Report.
He also noted that some states had both residential and commercial eviction moratoriums in place, shielding some businesses from a permanent closure for the time being.
Fewer new stores opened in 2020.
With the retail environment uncertain, JBT reported fewer new businesses opening in 2020.
In the U.S., 40 new businesses opened in the fourth quarter while 152 opened for the full year.
Looking to the year ahead, Jacobs said the industry may see “a lot more new businesses,” noting that there are some new businesses that its data doesn’t currently reflect.
He said there is a “blindspot” in JBT’s data that it’s looking to correct—at this time, it doesn’t account for those who set up online stores, like on Etsy, or those who sell through Instagram, which is becoming an increasingly significant part of the industry.
The decline in bankruptcies may not be what it seems.
The number of bankruptcies was on the decline in the U.S. last year, but that could be attributed to a backlog of filings rather than a sign that fewer businesses are filing.
“There is still a lag in the system, which is on the bankruptcy side of things,” said Jacobs.
In the fourth quarter, there was 1 bankruptcy, compared with 4 last year. For the full year, there were 23 compared with 22 in 2019.
Jacobs noted that in states with a lot of jewelers, particularly Florida and New York, the courts are months behind on bankruptcy dockets.
Filing for bankruptcy will likely take longer than it did in previous years.
Adaptability is paramount right now.
The most important takeaway from JBT’s report? “Adapt or die,” said Jacobs.
“The jewelers that typically closed down were the ones that were not very good at adapting.”
Retailers who were not able to establish an online presence or couldn’t handle remote customer interactions were the ones that closed, he said.
“The industry has basically adapted. It’s gone, from a financial characteristic standpoint, back to the way it was pre-COVID,” said Jacobs.
He said it will be interesting to see how jewelers adapt further going forward, noting many stores are still operating with a reduced staff and have a more automated shopping experience.
“As we come out (of the pandemic), I think some jewelers are going to have harder decisions than they had during COVID, trying to figure out, ‘OK, how do I optimize now that we’re back in a new normal?’”
Jewelers may find they don’t need to bring back all of their staff as customers get used to a new shopping experience and spend less time in the store, he noted.
Keep an eye on travel data.
COVID-19 restrictions have caused many to put travel plans on hold, leaving some consumers with money to burn.
With vacations not in the cards for many, discretionary income has gone toward other purchases, particularly on the bridal side, said Jacobs.
An important statistic to look at is 90-plus-day bookings of leisure flights, which have plummeted and stayed down.
“To the extent that that starts rising up, I think the jewelry industry is going to have to really pay attention to that because my guess is the pendulum is going to swing the other way,” Jacobs said.
Editor's Note: This story was edited post-publication to reflect the correct number of bankruptcies.
More on Surveys
The Latest
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned PlatformThe Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, AgainThe retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
IndependentsJun 03, 2026
Jessica Alba Is the New Face of Gabriel & Co.The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.
Weekly QuizMay 28, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
SourcingJun 02, 2026
Leader Appointed for Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.
WatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’sSotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.
AuctionsJun 02, 2026
Sotheby’s to Auction 10-Carat Blue Diamond, 1960s Harry Winston Necklace A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.
IndependentsJun 02, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
Events & AwardsJun 01, 2026
Design Atelier Brands Have a Big Night at Emotional Couture Design AwardsThe show started by honoring Mildred Marcano, ended with a tearful Beth Anne Bonanno, and recognized a dozen-plus designers in between.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
RapNet Rebranding as Rapaport TradeThe revamped online diamond marketplace will feature pricing intelligence and data-driven tools for more efficient buying and selling.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
Gemfields’ Higher-Quality Emerald Auction Achieves $26.8MThe miner said demand for higher-quality emeralds is stable, but there is notable caution in the market.
CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ DesertThe “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerThe author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.
MajorsMay 28, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Buy The Clear Cut Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.
CollectionsMay 28, 2026
Meet The 17 Newcomers to Couture’s Design AtelierThese up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.
GradingMay 28, 2026
GCAL By Sarine Launches 8X Cushion CutThe lab’s proprietary diamond cut grade has been expanded to include the popular fancy shape.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
5 Security Tips for Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week 2026This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.
ColumnistsMay 27, 2026
What Jewelers Can Learn From Luxury Fashion’s Digital PlaybookHigh-end fashion houses know how to emotionally connect with customers online. Retail jewelers should take note, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
Couture’s ‘The Iridescence’ Will Showcase 7 Emerging Jewelry DesignersThe designers are the third cohort of mentees from the show’s Belonging @ Couture mentorship program.
ColumnistsMay 26, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
12 JCK Talks Sessions to Add to Your Las Vegas ScheduleThe trade show’s education series returns, with sessions on retail trends, AI, watches, marketing, corporate responsibility, and more.
