SurveysJul 27, 2026
Jewelry Leads Luxury Market Amid Stabilization, Bain SaysBain & Company delved into the trends shaping the luxury market, the impact of AI, and more in its recent study.
EditorsNov 13, 2015
Singling out Singles Day
Singles Day, a celebration held in China, translated to more than $14 billion in sales for Alibaba.com on Wednesday. Senior Editor Hannah Connorton asks, why don’t we do that in the U.S.?
It’s being reported as bigger than Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Facebook’s total revenue last year, and it’s something retail jewelers should take note of: Singles Day.
On Wednesday, Alibaba.com, China’s largest e-commerce company, held its annual 24-hour online sale that marks Singles Day, a Chinese celebration for single (unmarried) people, celebrated on Nov. 11 (11/11) for the date’s connection between singles and the number one.
When midnight struck on Nov. 11, Chinese shoppers had bought $14.3 billion worth of merchandise through Alibaba alone. Not only is that number a 60 percent increase over last year’s total of $9.3 billion, it doesn’t even take into account competing websites.
From my chair, what Singles Day appears to do is give unattached consumers the green light to do something nice for themselves in light of their solidarity. I don’t know about you, but when it’s suggested I do something nice for myself, it always results in a purchase. Apparently, that suggestion does the same for many, hence Alibaba’s considerable payday yesterday.
So, if telling single consumers that they not only have a day out of the year dedicated to their marital status, but that they also can reward themselves with shopping deals online, why aren’t retailers in the U.S. doing it?
What a Singles Day equates to, for jewelry retailers, is a self-purchasing day.
On Thursday, daily e-newsletter The Skimm called Singles Day “Black Friday meets the anti-Valentine’s Day.” What this translates to, to me, is a self-empowerment day. Women who don’t need a partner to buy them jewelry. Men who won’t wait for someone else to buy them that new timepiece they’ve been eyeing. It’s Singles Day, baby--I can do this all for myself, they’ll say.
Tom Caporaso, CEO of Clarus Commerce, an e-commerce solutions provider, told CNN Money this week that while some firms are attempting to capitalize on Singles Day, most companies--including Costco and Blue Nile--are pushing it in China, rather than the U.S. What’s more, Alibaba, a huge Singles Day player, is not really a competitor to retailers here; Alibaba sold its first U.S.-based e-commerce venture, 11 Main, over the summer after it failed to gain any traction.
This leaves a huge opportunity for independent retailers.
Bottom line: Singles Day drove people in China--very many of them--to buy. Let’s give consumers in the U.S. the same reason to get online and spend.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Editors
The Latest
SourcingJul 27, 2026
‘Rubies’ Goes on Display at Harvard MuseumThe exhibition reveals the gemology, geology, and cultural history of the iconic red gemstone.
Policies & IssuesJul 24, 2026
New Trump Tariffs: What They Mean for Jewelry The new sweeping slate of tariffs impacts 60 countries, including India, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates.
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.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ode to ‘The Odyssey’From coin pendants to diamond shields, these old world-inspired jewels are the perfect accessory for an epic journey.
Weekly QuizJul 23, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Courtney Leidy’s Silk Cord Pendants Center Unexpected Pairings Our Piece of the Week pairs a checkerboard-cut amethyst with an ivy green silk cord.
PodcastsJul 23, 2026
Episode 7: Reinhold Jewelers on the Power of RelationshipsMildred Marcano Abrams and Yael Reinhold join the podcast to talk community connections, holiday plans, and preserving Reinhold’s legacy.
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.
SourcingJul 23, 2026
De Beers’ Production Jumps 88 Percent in Q2 Production also was up in the first half of 2026 but is expected to “substantially” decrease in H2 as two key mines undergo maintenance.
CollectionsJul 23, 2026
Silvia Furmanovich’s New Collection Travels Back to the 1920s“Art Deco” fuses ancestral techniques, rare materials, and modern perspectives as a tribute to the optimism and curiosity of the movement.
IndependentsJul 23, 2026
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens Casino StoreThe jeweler’s newest store is inside Arkansas’ Saracen Casino Resort.
WatchesJul 23, 2026
Movado Inks Licensing Deal With Kate Spade New YorkThe watch company will design, manufacture, and distribute Kate Spade New York watches.
Policies & IssuesJul 22, 2026
Trump to Put 50% Tariff on Canadian Goods The higher tax is set to go into effect in August and will apply to loose polished diamonds as well as precious and base metals jewelry.
CollectionsJul 22, 2026
Monica Rich Kosann’s High Jewelry Is FruitfulThe “Enchanted Garden” series features a cherry, lemon, and pear that each hold a little secret inside.
IndependentsJul 22, 2026
Liljenquist Beckstead Opens Rolex New BoutiqueIt’s located in Tysons Galleria, an upscale shopping center in the Washington, D.C., metro area.
Events & AwardsJul 22, 2026
NY Now Returns in August Under New OwnershipThe show, recently acquired by Rockview Management Group, will be held at New York City’s Javits Center from Aug. 2-4.
ColumnistsJul 21, 2026
Sherry Smith: Shattering the Illusion of the ‘Either/Or’ Diamond MarketSmith offers retailers guidance on creating an environment where natural and lab-grown diamonds can both thrive.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2026
Apollo Funds Completes Emerald AcquisitionFormer Emerald President and CEO Hervé Sedky has transitioned to the role of senior advisor.
CollectionsJul 21, 2026
Graff’s New Butterfly High Jewelry Brooches MetamorphosizeThe 12-piece capsule collection transforms from brooches to pendants.
SourcingJul 21, 2026
Anglo Reportedly Selects Gareth Penny’s Consortium as Top Bidder for De BeersA Botswana government official told lawmakers Anglo has selected The Global Diamond Consortium, an entity chaired by Penny, to buy De Beers.
Policies & IssuesJul 20, 2026
Tariffs on Brazil to Increase But Rough Gemstones ExemptThe new tariff, imposed after a Trump administration study, is 25 percent and will stack on top of existing tariffs.
CollectionsJul 20, 2026
Vhernier Transforms ‘Freccia’ Collection Into High JewelryThe collection from 2014 has been reinterpreted into high jewelry with its signature triangular-shaped elements.
MajorsJul 20, 2026
Krista Collins Walters Promoted to Publisher of InstoreShe will also take on the role of vice president of jewelry for SmartWork Media, a newly created position.
Events & AwardsJul 20, 2026
TJS Accepting Speaker Proposals for 2027 EventOrganizers are looking for presentations on topics like manufacturing, technology and research, bench work, gemstones, and sustainability.
CollectionsJul 17, 2026
HOWL Taps Shailene Woodley for ‘Home Sweet Home’ CampaignWoodley is seen in the campaign wearing our Piece of the Week, the “Frida” collar featuring 13 pieces of hand-carved Venetian glass.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
U.K. Woman Pays £5 for £15K Diamond Ring at Car Boot SaleA WeBuyVintage jewelry expert uncovered how much the flea market find was actually worth.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
Diamond Dealer Jeff Pancis Pens MemoirThe founder of natural colored diamond wholesaler Pancis Gems shares stories from his five decades in the industry.
