“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.
January Retail Sales Surpass Expectations
The National Retail Federation credits the holiday season momentum and stimulus checks for the rise in sales.

New York—Consumer spending in the United States was off to a strong start in 2021, bolstered by momentum from the holiday season and stimulus checks.
Overall retail sales were up 5.3 percent month-over-month in January to $568.2 billion, according to data from the U.S. Department of Commerce, climbing 7.4 percent year-over-year.
The results surpassed analyst expectations of a monthly rise of 1.2 percent.
As with other months, December’s numbers were revised to reflect more recent information.
Sales were down 1 percent month-over-month in December, but up 2.5 year-over-year.
“January’s retail sales numbers reflect a very strong start for consumers and retailers as we look ahead to a critical year curbing the global pandemic and strengthening our economic recovery,” said National Retail Federation President and CEO Matthew Shay in a press release about the results.
NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said the rise in retail spending was expected, due in part to the latest round of stimulus checks and improving COVID-19 trends.
“There was none of the falloff in spending that we often find post-holiday and the increase was even better than expected,” he said.
“There is plenty of purchasing power available for most consumers, and the pickup in shopping has even been reflected in the number of hours worked by retail employees.”
Kleinhenz said consumer confidence is growing because of the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine and the easing of restrictions on economic activity by state and local governments.
Shay said NRF has communicated with the White House, stressing how important it is to retailers for the COVID-19 vaccine to be administered into communities as quickly and as safely as possible.
The retail organization also calculates monthly retail sales, narrowing in on core retail and excluding auto sales, gas stations, and restaurants.
Its calculations show January sales were up 5.9 percent seasonally adjusted from December and up 10.7 percent unadjusted year-over-year.
Seven out of nine retail categories saw year-over-year increases, according to the NRF, led by electronics and appliance stores on a monthly basis and online sales on a yearly basis.
The Latest

Designer Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.

The company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.

Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America


Simon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.

A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.

The risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.

The organization also announced its board of directors.

Charms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.

Located in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.

Paola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.

A platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.

The basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.

The Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.

The 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.

Lilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.

GCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.

The Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.

“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Van Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.

Industry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
The two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

The Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.

The jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.

The “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.