TrendsJul 10, 2026
Jade Trau Creates a Constellation of DiamondsThe “Constellation Plié” collar, our Piece of the Week, features diamonds arranged in a constellation of shining stars.
TechnologyNov 29, 2016
Here’s How Thanksgiving Weekend Was for Retailers Overall
Initial results show that a lot of shopping took place online and that average spending per person was down slightly.
New York--The numbers are in for how the long Thanksgiving weekend was for retailers across the country, and they’re mixed.
ShopperTrak, the Chicago-based firm that tracks foot traffic in stores, reported that shopper visits to stores on Thursday and Friday were down a combined 1 percent when compared with the same days last year. Black Friday shopper visits in particular were flat year-over-year.
Over the past few years, Thanksgiving Day store openings were pulling shoppers from visiting stores on Black Friday. However, this year that trend reversed itself for a number of reasons, including fewer store openings on Thanksgiving Day and online shopping, ShopperTrak said.
The company also said that moving forward this holiday season, it’s “imperative” that brick-and-mortar retailers align their operations, including marketing, staffing and inventory, to exceed customer expectations and capitalize on the sales opportunities that remain for the busy shopping days ahead.
The National Retail Federation also released its numbers from the weekend, finding that more than 154 million consumers shopped over Thanksgiving weekend, up from 151 million shoppers in 2015, on the strength of Black Friday deals and promotions. The 154 million shoppers is also exceeded the NRF’s prediction of 137 million.
Average spending per person, however, was down from $299.60 to $289.19, with an average of $214.13, or 74 percent of total purchases, going toward gifts.
When it comes to where consumers shopped over the weekend, the survey found that 44 percent went online and 40 percent shopped in-store (survey takers were allowed to select more than one answer).
Of those that shopped in store, 75 percent shopped on Black Friday (up 3 percent from last year), 40 percent on Saturday, 35 percent on Thanksgiving and 17 percent on Sunday.
The most popular day to shop online was Black Friday, up more than 1 percent from last year to 74 percent, followed by Saturday (49 percent), Thanksgiving (36 percent) and Sunday (34 percent).
Other interesting points the NRF reported are as follows.
• Of the consumers who shopped in stores, 51 percent shopped at department stores, 34 percent at discount stores, 32 percent at electronics stores, 28 percent at clothing or accessories stores and 25 percent at grocery stores/supermarkets.
• Among those who shopped in store on Thursday and Friday, 29 percent headed out after 10 a.m. on Black Friday, which is up from 24 percent last year. Less than 15 percent arrived to stores by 6
a.m. or earlier on Black Friday.
• Early Thanksgiving Day in-store shopping also dropped, declining 19 percent, with only 7 percent consumers heading to stores before 5 p.m. Shopping on that day itself was up 1 percent.
• Millennials continued to drive the increase in shopping during Thanksgiving weekend, with eight out of 10 shoppers in this age group shopping over the weekend. Twenty five to 34 year olds shopped the most in store (56 percent) and online (62 percent).
Sales on so-called Cyber Monday, meanwhile, are set to exceed initial estimates and reach a record $3.39 billion, CNBC reported early Tuesday.
http://www.cnbc.com/2016/11/29/us-cyber-monday-sales-jump-set-to-surpass-initial-estimate.html
That is a 10 percent year-over-year increase that further underscores the shift to online shopping, which also was strong over Thanksgiving, and helps to make up for the sales that retailers aren’t making in stores.
--Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff contributed to this report.
• Early Thanksgiving Day in-store shopping also dropped, declining 19 percent, with only 7 percent consumers heading to stores before 5 p.m. Shopping on that day itself was up 1 percent.
• Millennials continued to drive the increase in shopping during Thanksgiving weekend, with eight out of 10 shoppers in this age group shopping over the weekend. Twenty five to 34 year olds shopped the most in store (56 percent) and online (62 percent).
Sales on so-called Cyber Monday, meanwhile, are set to exceed initial estimates and reach a record $3.39 billion, CNBC reported early Tuesday.
http://www.cnbc.com/2016/11/29/us-cyber-monday-sales-jump-set-to-surpass-initial-estimate.html
That is a 10 percent year-over-year increase that further underscores the shift to online shopping, which also was strong over Thanksgiving, and helps to make up for the sales that retailers aren’t making in stores.
--Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff contributed to this report.
More on Technology
The Latest
SourcingJul 10, 2026
CFO of De Beers’ Consumer-Facing Division Leaves Company Shaun Wills joined the company in 2024 and was chief financial officer of the De Beers Brands and Consumer Markets division.
WatchesJul 10, 2026
Brilliant Earth Expands Into WatchesIn honor of its 20th anniversary, the jewelry brand has released a limited-edition collection of Swiss-made timepieces.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
CollectionsJul 09, 2026
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Is an Ode to the Human Touch“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.
Weekly QuizJul 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesJul 09, 2026
Damiani Group Finalizes Acquisition of Baume & MercierRichemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.
AuctionsJul 09, 2026
Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter Hires Former Bonhams Exec to Head New Watch DivisionNate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
Halstead Names 2026 Grant WinnerEnoch Platero, founder and designer behind Enoch Michael, is the first Native American jeweler to win the award.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
AGS, GIA Name 2026 Beatrice Shipley Scholarship WinnerAGS also announced the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 ExecsArien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
