Anne Hathaway was seen wearing the toggle necklace three times while filming scenes for “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”
NRF: Retail Sales to Increase 3 Percent in 2016
The National Retail Federation is predicting that retail industry sales will grow 3.1 percent this year as wages rise and unemployment continues to decline.
Washington--The National Retail Federation is predicting that retail industry sales, excluding automobiles, gas stations and restaurants, will grow 3.1 percent this year as wages rise and unemployment continues to decrease.
This is higher than the 10-year average of 2.7 percent, it said.
The NRF also noted that it expects non-store (direct-to-consumer, kiosks and online sales) sales in 2016 to grow between 6 and 9 percent, and for economic growth overall to likely be in the range of 1.9 to 2.4 percent this year.
“Wage stagnation is easing, jobs are being created and consumer confidence remains steady, so despite the headwinds our economy faces from international developments, particularly in China, we think 2016 will be favorable for growth in the retail industry.”--Matthew Shay, National Retail FederationAdditionally, the NRF said that employment gains should average about 190,000 jobs a month, a pace it said is down from 2015 but consistent with the labor market. By year’s end, NRF said it expects unemployment to be down to 4.6 percent.
More spending from consumers also is expected, though the NRF said that will come more from the growth in jobs than increased wages.
“Wage stagnation is easing, jobs are being created and consumer confidence remains steady, so despite the headwinds our economy faces from international developments, particularly in China, we think 2016 will be favorable for growth in the retail industry,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said.
NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz added that despite volatility in the economy in 2015, unemployment levels continued to decrease while wages went up and GDP increased by more than 2 percent. Additionally, lower gas prices are leaving consumers with more discretionary income to save, pay down debt and spend on travel, eating out and the like.
Retailers also have benefited, he said, as they continue to find ways to compete and succeed in a cost-conscious environment.
The Latest

Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong is scheduled for Sept. 15 to 21, and buyer pre-registration will be available until Sept. 7.

Renovations at Tiffany & Co. stores ate into profits in the company’s watch and jewelry division.

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

Mark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers will receive the honor at the 24th annual Gem Awards next March.


While struggles continue at the mining and trading end of the pipeline, consumer demand for diamond jewelry is holding steady.

The “Fantasia” jewelry collection turns the intaglio animals from her “Close Encounters” collection into 3D characters.

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

The special Classic Avi Chronograph 42 with an Eagles-green dial is limited to 59 pieces, a nod to the Super Bowl Philadelphia just won.

JSA has received reports of mobs swarming jewelry stores, driving cars into the storefront or smashing through the windows.

The “Kashmir” collection features centuries-old craft techniques made in collaboration with the region’s master papier-mâché artisans.

Creative Director Erica Bianchini shared why the jeweler is looking to expand into the U.S. and how it’s putting Canadian craftsmanship on the map.

Two Los Angeles Fire Department stations plan to use the donations to upgrade their equipment and tools.

Next week, the auction house will kick off a selling exhibition of jewelry by British artist Hannah Martin and Coldplay’s Guy Berryman.

“Stolen: Heist of the Century” is based on “Flawless,” the book about the middle-of-the-night theft, and will debut on Netflix in August.

Emmanuel Raheb shares the top five gifting moments outside of major holidays that jewelers should build marketing campaigns around.

The wholesale trade show’s Luxury Lifestyle section will showcase established and emerging jewelry designers.

The mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers is slated for Aug. 9 to 10 on Zoom.

Graduated stones make for elevated tennis-style pieces and dramatic statement necklaces.

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

The charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.

The organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.

Campbell joins the company as vice president of business development while Liebler is the new vice president of operations.

The medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.

Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025

Globally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.

The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.