EditorsJun 11, 2025
Q&A: Al Cook on Differentiating Natural Diamonds, Traceability, and TariffsThe De Beers Group CEO discusses the company’s new “beacon” program, the likelihood diamonds will be exempt from tariffs, and “Origin.”
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
MajorsJun 11, 2025
Pandora Bets on Las Vegas for First North American FlagshipThe Danish jewelry giant hosted its grand opening last weekend, complete with a Pandora pink roulette wheel.
GradingJun 11, 2025
Tiffany Stevens Exits IGI, Lab Appoints New Board LeaderIndustry veteran Anoop Mehta is the new chairman and independent director of the IGI board.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
Events & AwardsJun 11, 2025
Kering Announces Winners of Sustainability-Focused AwardThe winners of the inaugural “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” are student Lee Min Seo and China-based startup Ianyan.
Weekly QuizJun 05, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJun 10, 2025
De Beers Turns to Brown, Yellow Diamonds for New ‘Beacon’“Ombré Desert Diamonds” will emphasize cream-, champagne-, and brown-colored diamonds, shades that set natural stones apart from lab grown.
AuctionsJun 10, 2025
Noonans to Auction 16th-Century Signet RingIt's one of the “Gresham grasshopper” rings English financier Sir Thomas Gresham was known to gift to acquaintances or business associates.
Brought to you by
The True Power Behind the Counter: Why Sales Associates Are the Heart of the Jewelry BusinessWhen investing in your jewelry business, it's important not to overlook the most crucial element of success: the sales associates.
CollectionsJun 10, 2025
Tabayer Names Mary Chiam as CEOThe brand also debuted its new “Zorae” collection featuring a talisman of protection and harmony inspired by a sheaf of wheat.
MajorsJun 10, 2025
Lauren Johansen Joins Loudr As Loudr’s new account manager, Johansen will partner with clients to craft and execute marketing strategies.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2025
And the Winners of the 2025 Couture Design Awards Are … Designers were recognized in 12 categories, from platinum to pearls, before the evening ended with a new, retail-focused award.
AuctionsJun 09, 2025
Nancy Astor’s Cartier Tiara Sells for $1.2MThe rare turquoise and diamond jewel was the top lot at Bonhams’ June jewelry sale.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2025
Here Are the 2025 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s honorees include a Midwest retailer and two multi-store independents, one in New York and the other in New England.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2025
CASE Awards Now Accepting Entries For 2025The deadline to submit is June 16.
MajorsJun 09, 2025
RDI Diamonds Partners With LavalierThe diamond wholesaler is working with the insurance provider to seamlessly offer personal jewelry insurance to RDI retailers’ clients.
CollectionsJun 06, 2025
Piece of the Week: Harwell Godfrey’s ‘Granny Squares Eleanor’ Necklace As an homage to iconic crochet blankets, the necklace features the nostalgic motif through a kaleidoscope of cabochon-cut stones.
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
The 12 Fresh Faces in Couture’s Design AtelierDiscover the dozen up-and-coming brands exhibiting in the Design Atelier for the first time.
SourcingJun 05, 2025
A Rare Suite of Rubies Has Arrived in Las VegasThe “Royal Ruby” Collection is a quintet of untreated rubies curated by collector Jack Abraham.
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
MajorsJun 05, 2025
Platinum Guild International Updates Leadership TeamTwo existing executives have been given new roles.
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
Zillion Announces 'Women in STEM' Scholarship RecipientMeredith Tiderington, an electrical engineering student, was selected for the award.
Lab-GrownJun 04, 2025
GIA Reverting to More General Terminology for Lab-Grown DiamondsIt will quit assigning the stones specific color and clarity grades in favor of applying “new descriptive terminology.”
Events & AwardsJun 04, 2025
As JCK Talks Returns, Don’t Miss These 12 SessionsFrom design trends to sustainability, here’s a roundup of can’t-miss education sessions at JCK Las Vegas.
CrimeJun 04, 2025
10 Safety Tips for the Las Vegas Shows The Jewelers’ Security Alliance offers advice for those attending the annual trade shows.
MajorsJun 04, 2025
Amy Curran Promoted at Hill & Co.Her new role is director of strategic initiatives.
CollectionsJun 03, 2025
In Her Latest Collection, Viviana Langhoff Is Leaning Into GoldThe designer is embracing bold pieces with weight to them in “AU79,” a collection she celebrated with a creative launch party.
FinancialsJun 03, 2025
Signet Jewelers Sees Turnaround in Q1 With Sales Ticking Up 2%On an earnings call, CEO J.K. Symancyk discussed what’s working for the company and how it’s preparing for the potential impact of tariffs.
