MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
EditorsDec 03, 2013
A case of the (holiday season) Mondays
It seems hard to believe considering that I feel like I am still new to New York, but this year marks my seventh straight calling retailers first thing on Monday morning to ask them how their weekend sales were.
It makes perfect sense, especially considering that so many of the jewelry-for-Christmas purchasers are men, who prefer to procrastinate until about Dec. 23 before making up their minds on gifts. Oh, boys …
Still, I think there is value in seeing how the holiday season started for retailers, what they sold, if anything, and how they think Thanksgiving weekend bodes for the rest of the holiday season. (In case you missed yesterday’s story, the answer for 2013 is very well.) We think it’s beneficial for retailers to know what their peers are up to and we hope you, our readers, feel the same.
I think it’s also worthwhile to look at the overall picture and, while there are many, many surveys out there these days, I rely on the data produced by the National Retail Federation, a trade organization for the retail industry as a whole.
One of the main takeaways from the NRF data is this: Outside of department stores, more consumers shopped online than anywhere else over the holiday weekend.
For the survey, the NRF polled more than 4,000 consumers and then extrapolated that data to paint an overall picture of consumer behavior over the weekend.
When asked where they shopped (a category in which they could pick more than one response), 54 percent of survey-takers said department stores while 42 percent said online. That’s more than picked discount stores (39 percent), electronics stores (32 percent) and clothing stores (29 percent).
Online shopping will only continue to grow in popularity, and retailers (must) know this by now.
While she hated to admit it as a brick-and-mortar storeowner, Arizona retailer Stephenie Bjorkman, CEO of Sami Fine Jewelry, acknowledged in our interview Monday morning that Amazon.com, the giant among online retailers, is pretty great, and I wouldn’t argue.
It is nice to be able to sit in the comfort of your own home, find exactly what you want by simply typing in a few keywords and have it delivered to your doorstep in no time at all,
all without having to get wet, be cold and fight crowds or traffic.
Almost everyone does it, at least once in a while. This past weekend, “almost everyone” totaled 59 million shoppers who spent 44 percent of the entire weekend’s budget online, according to the NRF.
So what does this mean for brick-and-mortar retailers, even those off to a fast start this holiday season? They need to make shopping in their store more than just shopping. It needs to be an experience.
Whether that involves throwing a holiday party with a fun theme, coming up with a fantastic giveaway that’s only available in-store and/or giving customers the ability to be part of the design process, it is something each store owner must decide for themselves, based on their demographics and resources.
But, if it wasn’t clear before, it certainly is now: putting merchandise in a display case and slapping a price tag on it isn’t enough anymore.
Or, as Arizona retailer Bjorkman puts it, “If you are going to compete with the Internet you have to do it on a personal level. If you’re just like every other store, why wouldn’t they buy online? It’s easier.”
Almost everyone does it, at least once in a while. This past weekend, “almost everyone” totaled 59 million shoppers who spent 44 percent of the entire weekend’s budget online, according to the NRF.
So what does this mean for brick-and-mortar retailers, even those off to a fast start this holiday season? They need to make shopping in their store more than just shopping. It needs to be an experience.
Whether that involves throwing a holiday party with a fun theme, coming up with a fantastic giveaway that’s only available in-store and/or giving customers the ability to be part of the design process, it is something each store owner must decide for themselves, based on their demographics and resources.
But, if it wasn’t clear before, it certainly is now: putting merchandise in a display case and slapping a price tag on it isn’t enough anymore.
Or, as Arizona retailer Bjorkman puts it, “If you are going to compete with the Internet you have to do it on a personal level. If you’re just like every other store, why wouldn’t they buy online? It’s easier.”
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 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
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.”
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.
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
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.
