ColumnistsJan 21, 2025
Peter Smith: Sales Training’s Dirty Little SecretPeter Smith pulls back the curtain on the often misinterpreted, and sometimes maligned, world of sales training.
IndependentsMay 04, 2016
Jewelry Business Closures Climb 34% in Q1
A number of different factors are influencing the trend and it’s not expected to reverse course anytime soon.
Warwick, R.I.--The number of companies exiting the jewelry industry continues to climb due to a number of different factors, and the trend is not expected to reverse course anytime soon.
Data released this week by the Jewelers Board of Trade shows that in the United States and Canada, a total of 335 businesses ceased operations in the first quarter 2016, compared with 250 in the first quarter 2015. That’s a 34 percent increase.
Closings among manufacturers drove up the first quarter percentage increase as they more than doubled, from 15 in the first quarter 2015 to 34 this year.
The number of wholesalers ceasing operations rose from 38 to 46, a 21 percent year-over-year increase, while the number of retailers closing climbed from 250 to 255.
“The factors are in place for there to be fewer stores, for that pace to pretty much continue as it is.” --Anthony Capuano, JBT presidentThere also was a jump in the number of consolidations (sales/mergers), which rose from 28 in Q1 2015 to 53 in the first quarter this year, an 89 percent jump.
In an interview with National Jeweler on Monday, former JBT President Dione Kenyon, who will continue with JBT on a part-time basis through the summer, said the same factors that have been contributing to business closings since they began to spike in 2014 continue to do so today.
Among them are the retirement of baby boomer-aged store owners; competition from online sellers; and consumers with less discretionary income and more choices.
Both Kenyon and JBT’s new president, Anthony Capuano, agreed that the trend will continue for the foreseeable future.
Addressing specifically the closing of retail stores, which increased 29 percent in the first quarter, Capuano noted that the aging ownership of the family-owned independent jewelers and the shift to online retailing, “aren’t going to go away overnight.”
“The factors are in place for there to be fewer stores, for that pace to pretty much continue as it is,” he said.
Despite the continually climbing closures, Kenyon pointed out that there are bright spots in the industry, jewelers who have embraced technology and/or began thinking outside the box who are doing well.
There are also certain product categories that appear to have a head of steam among consumers.
According to statistics just released by De Beers, U.S. diamond jewelry sales grew 4 percent year-over-year in
2015. The U.S. remains the world’s No. 1 market for polished diamonds, increasing its share from 42 to 45 percent last year.
It’s also worth noting that independent jewelers aren’t the only brick-and-mortar retailers closing their doors.
Department store chains, for example, have been forced to shutter hundreds of stores--most recently, Sears announced it would be closing 78 additional locations--and according to The Wall Street Journal, even more are needed.
The WSJ cited a report from Green Street Advisors stating that six of the U.S.’s largest department store chains need to shutter a total of 820 stores among them in order to get back to the same level of profitability they enjoyed a decade ago.
It’s also worth noting that independent jewelers aren’t the only brick-and-mortar retailers closing their doors.
Department store chains, for example, have been forced to shutter hundreds of stores--most recently, Sears announced it would be closing 78 additional locations--and according to The Wall Street Journal, even more are needed.
The WSJ cited a report from Green Street Advisors stating that six of the U.S.’s largest department store chains need to shutter a total of 820 stores among them in order to get back to the same level of profitability they enjoyed a decade ago.
More on Independents
The Latest
TrendsJan 21, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Decadent Mocha MoussePantone’s 2025 Color of the Year takes the form of jewelry through gemstones and enamel that look just as delicious as mocha mousse.
Policies & IssuesJan 21, 2025
These Designers and Retailers Are Raising Money for LA Wildfire Relief From raffles to auctions to donations, the industry is working to aid charities in Los Angeles amid the raging wildfires.
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.
SourcingJan 21, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Adds 2 Board MembersJulia Hackman Chafé and Monica Elias have joined the organization’s board of directors.
Weekly QuizJan 16, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsJan 17, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Rise 14% in Holiday QuarterThe company, which owns Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, had a record Q3, with sales topping $6 billion.
CollectionsJan 17, 2025
Piece of the Week: Picchiotti’s Transformable ‘Classic Blue and Green’ NecklaceThe necklace features a sapphire drop weighing more than 9 carats that detaches to transform into a ring.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday CampaignA Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
MajorsJan 17, 2025
Tiffany & Co., CFDA Name First Winner of Jewelry Designer AwardJameel Mohammed, founder of Afrofuturist brand Khiry, will receive a cash prize and a one-year paid fellowship with Tiffany & Co.
WatchesJan 16, 2025
Timex Launches Collection of National Park WatchesThe watches’ dials feature artwork celebrating the vibrant energy and unique landscapes of six of America’s national parks.
AuctionsJan 16, 2025
Elizabeth Taylor’s Diamond Line Bracelet Going up for Auction Offered by U.K. auction house Woolley & Wallis, the yellow diamond bracelet was a gift from Taylor’s good friend Michael Jackson.
Events & AwardsJan 16, 2025
JCK Las Vegas 2025 Open for RegistrationThe jewelry trade show returns to The Venetian Expo and The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas from June 6 to 9.
EditorsJan 15, 2025
The Jewelry I’d Bid On in Christie’s Iris Apfel AuctionAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite fashion jewelry pieces from the upcoming “Unapologetically Iris” auction.
MajorsJan 15, 2025
Macy’s to Close 66 Stores as Part of Turnaround StrategyThe closures are part of the retailer’s plan to close 150 locations over a three-year period.
Policies & IssuesJan 15, 2025
JVC Debuts Guide to Americans with Disabilities Act ComplianceThe online guide is available for free and written with the jewelry industry in mind.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Open for SubmissionsThe awards honor the late Jose Hess, a founding member of AJDC and an award-winning jewelry designer.
GradingJan 14, 2025
GIA CEO, President Susan Jacques to Retire at the End of 2025The grading lab said the search for her successor is underway.
ColumnistsJan 14, 2025
Jules Kim: Building Bridges Between Creators and IndustryIn this special op-ed, designer Jules Kim calls on big brands to collaborate with independent creators instead of copying their designs.
GradingJan 14, 2025
Former SSEF Director Henry A. Hänni DiesA pioneering figure in gemology, he is remembered for his spirit of generosity, curiosity, and joy.
FinancialsJan 14, 2025
Signet Jewelers Lowers Q4 Guidance After Holiday Sales Fall ShortThe peak selling days leading up to Christmas did not meet the jewelry retailer’s expectations.
MajorsJan 14, 2025
Edouard Schneider Joins Messika as Chief Brand OfficerSchneider brings over 20 years of luxury and fashion industry experience to his role as a key member of the brand’s global leadership team.
SourcingJan 13, 2025
Zambia Reinstates 15% Export Duty on Precious Gemstones, Shocking GemfieldsGemfields said the Zambian government revoked the 2019 suspension of the tax with no warning.
TechnologyJan 13, 2025
Ultrahuman Unveils Luxury Smart RingWith versions in 18-karat gold and platinum, the wearables company is blending health technology and fine jewelry.
Policies & IssuesJan 13, 2025
Brandee Dallow Elected President of Ethical MetalsmithsThe executive brings more than two decades of industry experience to the role.
Policies & IssuesJan 10, 2025
Jewelers Relief Fund Reopened to Aid Victims of LA Fires Created by JA and DCA, the fund is collecting money for jewelry businesses damaged by the wildfires in Los Angeles County.
TrendsJan 10, 2025
Piece of the Week: Elsa Jin’s ‘Mozi’ BroochAdrien Brody received his first Golden Globe while wearing the “Mozi” brooch, which depicts a spill of traditional Chinese calligraphy ink.
SourcingJan 10, 2025
De Beers, GJEPC Partner to Promote Natural DiamondsThe pair will work together to support independent retailers in India with marketing assets, training materials, and other tools.
