EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
MajorsNov 28, 2017
NRF: 174M Americans Shopped Over Thanksgiving Weekend
This exceeded the National Retail Federation’s expectations, as consumers took advantage of deals and good weather.
Washington--More than 174 million Americans shopped in stores and online between Thanksgiving Day and Cyber Monday, according to the National Retail Federation.
This beat the NRF’s initial estimate that 164 million people would shop over the weekend.
This year marked the first that the National Retail Federation included Cyber Monday data in its final review of the weekend, which, combined with a new methodology for gathering numbers, means that it cannot make comparisons to previous years.
Though the NRF did not release total sales numbers for the weekend, it said overall, it was a strong start to the holiday season for retailers.
In a conference call Tuesday, CEO Matthew Shay attributed retailers’ performance to a number of factors: positive consumer sentiment, the overall health of the macro economy, favorable weather across the country and an investment from retailers in both the in-store experience and technology.
Shay also added that for first time in several years, there were no disruptive external factors, like the so-called fiscal cliff, a government shutdown, elections or Brexit, looming over the weekend.
These positive results from the NRF mirror what many jewelers told National Jeweler Monday morning when asked how the start of the holiday shopping season went for them.
According to the NRF, among those who shopped over the weekend, 60 percent said they were mostly driven to shop by the sales. Forty eight percent said the deals they saw this weekend were better than those earlier in the season, which indicates that retailers were ready with the right inventory mixes at good prices, Shay said.
The average spend per person over the five-day period was $335.47.
The demographic that spent the most was the 25- to 34-year-old age group at $419.52. Interestingly, 50 percent of that age group was shopping at department stores, either in store or online.
Fifty eight million consumers shopped exclusively online, 51 million shopped exclusively in store and 65 million did both. The multichannel shopper spent $82, or 32 percent more, on average than the online-only shopper, and $49, or 17 percent more, on average than the in-store shopper.
Top shopping destinations included department stores (43 percent), online retailers (42 percent), electronic stores (32 percent), clothing and accessories stores (31 percent), and discount stores (31 percent).
Some of the most popular gifts purchased included clothing or accessories (58 percent), toys (38 percent), books and other media (31 percent), electronics
(30 percent) and gift cards (23 percent).
The most popular day for in-store shopping was Black Friday followed by Small Business Saturday. The top two days consumers shopped online were Cyber Monday and Black Friday.
Still, according to the NRF, 91 percent of shoppers still have more shopping to do and 90 percent of them expect promotions to be the same or better as the holiday season progresses.
“A big key (to meeting expectations) is going to be capturing the momentum that we’ve seen over the last few days, turning that consumer interest into actual sales,” Shay said. “To make that happen, I think we’ll see retailers focusing on their inventory management, pulling all the levers that they can in all areas so ensure they’ve got the right product in the right place, the merchandising mix, the pricing mix, the marketing.”
The most popular day for in-store shopping was Black Friday followed by Small Business Saturday. The top two days consumers shopped online were Cyber Monday and Black Friday.
RELATED CONTENT: The 10 Days Predicted to be the Busiest This Holiday SeasonLooking ahead, Shay said he expects a strong holiday season, between the success of this weekend and the four full weekends of shopping left.
Still, according to the NRF, 91 percent of shoppers still have more shopping to do and 90 percent of them expect promotions to be the same or better as the holiday season progresses.
“A big key (to meeting expectations) is going to be capturing the momentum that we’ve seen over the last few days, turning that consumer interest into actual sales,” Shay said. “To make that happen, I think we’ll see retailers focusing on their inventory management, pulling all the levers that they can in all areas so ensure they’ve got the right product in the right place, the merchandising mix, the pricing mix, the marketing.”
More on Majors
The Latest
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
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.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
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.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule CeremonyThe organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in SeptemberSaks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
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.
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.
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.
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.
