AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
SurveysFeb 18, 2016
The Top 10 Trends Expected to Drive Retail in 2016
In its latest market brief, Synchrony Financial predicted that technology will shape eight of the top 10 trends expected to have the greatest impact on retail sales this year.
New York--Though trends in retail often tend to be consumer driven, these days the influence of technology is increasingly apparent.
In its latest market brief analyzing the retail environment, Synchrony Financial identified a number of trends impacting retailers nationwide. Synchrony developed the list from ongoing retail and consumer research, and by tracking emerging as well as well-established trends that continue to be important in the marketplace, as well as those impacting the payments space.
According to Synchrony, technology is part of eight out of the top 10 trends expected to have the greatest impact on retail sales this year.
Here are those trends and what they’ll mean for retailers.
1. Wearable technology. Fashion and function continue to mix, driving consumers’ desire for wearable technology. What’s more, wearable tech continues to change the way consumers are shopping, with eight out of 10 shoppers who are interested in wearables indicating they want their devices to enhance their in-store experience. Retailers should make sure that the in-store experience they’re creating is aligned with wearables, especially in areas such as payments and personalized, real-time marketing.
2. New retail holidays. To spur sales and increase customer acquisition, some retailers have been creating their own shopping holidays beyond the 20 found on the standard U.S. calendar and are seeing big rewards--the Alibaba Group launched Singles’ Day this year and logged $14.3 billion in sales. With large retailers having more clout and customer loyalty to create their own successful holidays, smaller retailers should consider the opportunities that might fit with their brand and launch a competitive response when this does happen.
3. Voice technology. While the main advantage to voice technology is quicker searches with audiences, it goes beyond that. Synchrony noted that one retailer unveiled a robotic in-store assistant with which that shoppers can interact (think: an in-store Siri), enhancing the consumers’ experience. Retailers should understand how consumer search behavior is trending toward voice-based and optimize their online platforms to fit this.
4. Virtual reality in the shopping experience. Virtual reality can create sensory experiences with which users can interact. Some progressive retailers already are using it to create immersive experiences for shoppers directly in their home, such as a virtual store tour or trying on new styles. Virtual reality can take the shopping experience to a
new level, providing consumers with a personalized, interactive retail context leading to more sales across all channels.
5. Video streaming. A trend that has taken off particularly with millennials, video streaming in a sales context can allow retailers to answer consumer questions and show the product in action, helping to increase sales. In fact, 85 percent of consumers have indicated they are more likely to purchase after seeing a product video, Synchrony said. Retailers should look at where there might be opportunities in their own sales process to use online streaming video.
6. Internet of Things. The Internet of Things is the network of physical objects--such as devices, buildings, etc.--that are embedded with electronics, software, sensors and network connectivity, enabling these objects to collect and exchange data. Rather than just collecting data at the point of sale, retailers are able to gather it in more places, providing further insight into consumer behavior, trends, buying patterns and more. This also can lead to cost-saving through productivity improvements.
7. Mobile payment and alternative payments. Though the percentage of total retail sales paid through mobile payments remains small (less than 2 percent in 2015), it’s expected to more than triple in 2016, especially as more smartphones offer mobile wallet apps such as Apple Pay and Samsung Pay, and as more wearable are equipped with near-field communication. Retailers should keep an eye on the payment market and update POS systems and e-commerce platforms accordingly.
8. Social network buy buttons. Most of the big social networks have added the capacity to shop directly from their sites now. Even though adoption has been slow with millennials, the growing use of mobile will continue to advance the trend. It will be important for retailers to make sure their marketing message is integrated with top social channels so that products are in front of consumers.
9. Increased spending on pets. Synchrony said that consumer spending on pets has risen 25 percent over the past five years and likely will continue to rise for a number of reasons--urban couples are opting to get animals as they wait longer to have children, and more pet owners are thinking of their pets as family. Retailers who find a way to appeal to animal-loving consumers will benefit.
10. Personalization. Consumers today are looking for personalized experiences and offers, with more than three out of four shoppers indicating they’d be more loyal to a store that provided their preferred loyalty benefits. Thanks to data and the Internet of Things, retailers now can give them that. Department stores are using beacon technology to push ads to mobile devices while shoppers are still in store, online retailers are enabling product recommendation based on browsing history and some retailers are tailing loyalty programs to boost customer loyalty and repeat spending.
5. Video streaming. A trend that has taken off particularly with millennials, video streaming in a sales context can allow retailers to answer consumer questions and show the product in action, helping to increase sales. In fact, 85 percent of consumers have indicated they are more likely to purchase after seeing a product video, Synchrony said. Retailers should look at where there might be opportunities in their own sales process to use online streaming video.
6. Internet of Things. The Internet of Things is the network of physical objects--such as devices, buildings, etc.--that are embedded with electronics, software, sensors and network connectivity, enabling these objects to collect and exchange data. Rather than just collecting data at the point of sale, retailers are able to gather it in more places, providing further insight into consumer behavior, trends, buying patterns and more. This also can lead to cost-saving through productivity improvements.
7. Mobile payment and alternative payments. Though the percentage of total retail sales paid through mobile payments remains small (less than 2 percent in 2015), it’s expected to more than triple in 2016, especially as more smartphones offer mobile wallet apps such as Apple Pay and Samsung Pay, and as more wearable are equipped with near-field communication. Retailers should keep an eye on the payment market and update POS systems and e-commerce platforms accordingly.
8. Social network buy buttons. Most of the big social networks have added the capacity to shop directly from their sites now. Even though adoption has been slow with millennials, the growing use of mobile will continue to advance the trend. It will be important for retailers to make sure their marketing message is integrated with top social channels so that products are in front of consumers.
9. Increased spending on pets. Synchrony said that consumer spending on pets has risen 25 percent over the past five years and likely will continue to rise for a number of reasons--urban couples are opting to get animals as they wait longer to have children, and more pet owners are thinking of their pets as family. Retailers who find a way to appeal to animal-loving consumers will benefit.
10. Personalization. Consumers today are looking for personalized experiences and offers, with more than three out of four shoppers indicating they’d be more loyal to a store that provided their preferred loyalty benefits. Thanks to data and the Internet of Things, retailers now can give them that. Department stores are using beacon technology to push ads to mobile devices while shoppers are still in store, online retailers are enabling product recommendation based on browsing history and some retailers are tailing loyalty programs to boost customer loyalty and repeat spending.
More on Surveys
The Latest
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
Weekly QuizDec 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock WatchThe classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
AGA Announces 2026 Tucson Speaker LineupThe association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
CBG Announces Speaker Lineup for 2026 Miami Event The January show will include a workshop for jewelry retailers on implementing AI to strengthen their businesses.
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement RingFellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.
Policies & IssuesDec 03, 2025
Costco Joins Growing Wave of Retailers Suing for Tariff Refunds The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
AuctionsDec 03, 2025
Fabergé’s 'The Winter Egg' Achieves Record $30MThe historic egg, crafted for Russia's ruling family prior to the revolution, was the star of Christie’s recent auction of works by Fabergé.
FinancialsDec 02, 2025
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Up Amid Continued Focus on Lower Price PointsThe retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.
