Core retail sales during the 2024 holiday season surpassed the National Retail Federation’s forecast.
Surveys
![A report by Adobe Analytics shared the top takeaways about online shopping over “Cyber Week” and what that means for the rest of the holiday season. Person at keyboard holding credit card](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/f65aad0946f2ce2c27847a318db883a3.jpg)
An Adobe Analytics report explored the rise in mobile shopping, the popularity of Buy Now Pay Later options, and peak shopping hours.
A more positive view of the current labor market boosted the Conference Board’s index last month.
Latest in Surveys
![An 18-karat yellow gold “Stilla” ring set with marquise and round diamonds by Tacori ($2,990). Bain & Company’s new “Luxury Goods Worldwide Market Study” examines how the market performed in 2024 and what’s ahead in 2025. Tacori Stilla ring](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/6e34695c827d856045bcf86793fe3352.jpg)
Bain & Co.’s latest report on the luxury market examines why the market’s customer base is shrinking and how to appeal to consumers in 2025.
![The “Sweet Life” ring by Mined + Found is made of 14-karat yellow gold with enamel and diamonds ($6,450). Consumers are expected to spend a record $27.5 billion on Valentine’s Day this year, according to the annual survey by the NRF and Prosper Insights & Analytics. Chocolate box ring by Mined + Found](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/3e435626bba1270b46bdf27f7be2bb1d.jpg)
Those celebrating Valentine’s Day this year are expected to spend a record $27.5 billion on jewels, flowers, candy, and more.
![The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index declined again in January, slipping to 104.1. Consumers surveyed were more pessimistic about the current job market and are concerned about lingering inflation and recent signals from the Federal Reserve that the pace of interest rate cuts will slow in 2025. Stock image of couple shopping for jewelry](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/f7beaa918fc783eb829ffed46ffdcf09.jpg)
It hit a four-month low in January due to concerns about the job market, though consumers remain bullish about the stock market.
![Header Image.jpg](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/1555783e83d2a9c8f7b7545155d28368.jpg)
This year will feature a new MJSA Showcase and partnership with Piazza Italia.
![Around 126 million consumers did their holiday shopping in stores this season, up from 121.4 million last year, with Small Business Saturday faring particularly well, the National Retail Federation’s annual Thanksgiving weekend survey shows. The number of online shoppers, meanwhile, declined 7 percent. People outside holding shopping bags](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/f0813c77d27e08e6a9f9e7f12d14a416.jpg)
A total of 126 million consumers shopped in stores over the five-day period, about 5 million more than last year.
![](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/99a46b30cc354962ac2e29ecd113587a.jpg)
![For its 10th annual “Holiday Outlook” report, PricewaterhouseCoopers compared shoppers today with the consumers of 2015. PwC surveyed a total of 4,000 consumers for the report. Holiday presents](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/c0aa2036249a18b8325639e47d533976.jpg)
PricewaterhouseCoopers’ 2024 holiday trends survey took a 10-year look back to see what mattered to consumers then versus now.
![The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index rose to 108.7 in October from an upwardly revised 99.2 in September. Hands pushing a shopping cart](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/38d151179f7a6e38687e786791ca546e.jpg)
A more positive view of the labor market contributed to the strongest monthly gain since March 2021.
![Top Image.png](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/17d84393fb1ce78143e2cc3ca59f2af5.png)
Colored stones are stepping into a jewelry spotlight typically reserved for diamonds—are you ready to sell color?
![The National Retail Federation just released its annual holiday retail spending forecast. Stock image of mini shopping cart with gifts](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/6a22b7e2611081f3bb3c9da56f32ca34.jpg)
The U.S. presidential election, inflation, and the aftermath of recent hurricanes could all have an impact on spending.
![The first predictions about the 2024 holiday season have begun rolling in, with Deloitte forecasting 2 to 3 percent retail sales growth and a “solid” holiday overall, and Adobe Analytics touting the importance of mobile shopping and generative AI. Stock image of hand holding phone by keyboard](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/fe40a5daf94a65ce7770360405cc5461.jpg)
Deloitte and Adobe Analytics shared their insights on the season, from the retail sales forecast to the role of generative AI.
![Hill & Co. logo](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/7388ab3d3bcc347dceec5e5c21b70dfd.jpg)
The first in what is slated to be a series of in-depth reports from the consulting company, it focuses on shortening supply chains.
![The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index fell to 98.7 in September from an upwardly revised 105.6 in August. Hand holding shopping bags](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/327593b0e48394325770b801b1a5d82b.jpg)
Respondents also showed a greater preference for buying goods over services.
![The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index rose to 103.3 in August from an upwardly revised 101.9 in July. Woman shopping](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/c81493410771141d0031101194ab30ef.jpg)
Inflation remained a top concern among survey-takers who included write-in responses.
![Confidence among consumers improved last month, according to The Conference Board, with U.S. shoppers feeling more optimistic about the next six months, but slightly less secure about their current situations. Stock image of a store](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/f8417435a91d90ba86225e3deac8e821.jpg)
The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index rose to 100.3 from a downwardly revised 97.8 in June.
![The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index fell to 100.4 in June from 101.3 in May. Hand holding shopping bags](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/c362699a6fbfec4552f0f0d00d17f4c4.jpg)
The costs of food and groceries remained a top concern, followed by the labor market and U.S. politics.
![A pair of 14-karat yellow gold multicolor gemstone pavé drop earrings ($3,228) by Allurez. Bain & Company released the new “Luxury Goods Worldwide Market Study,” delving into what’s behind the recent slowdown and how luxury brands can better serve their customers. Allurez drop earrings](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/0f5b00f01d218e048c9c5318e65712b7.jpg)
Its recent report dives into the current dilemma facing luxury brands.
![The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index rose in May after three consecutive months of decline. Woman shopping](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/6c11c0f58b9ea92701a5957763675337.jpg)
Expectations of a recession rose for the second consecutive month.
![The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index fell to 97 in April, marking a third consecutive month of decline. Woman holding a dress](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/034b4244a1ef56a34060ab9abf27e993.jpg)
Concerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
![The “Mom Tattoo” pendant by Established in 14-karat yellow gold with rubies ($9,240). Shoppers are expected to spend $7 billion on jewelry gifts for Mother’s Day, down from last year, according to an annual survey by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights and Analytics. Established Mom tattoo pendant](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/2c3d3848692111ad1e893eea2a1662de.jpg)
Gifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
![The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index slid down to 104.7 in March as consumers expressed concerns about inflation and anxiety about the future economy. Hand holding shopping bags](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/4dd47a6ffdb70728de6123c43a5ca7c9.jpg)
Optimism about the current state of the economy was offset by anxiety around inflation and the political environment.
![Jewelers of America’s new “Careers in the Jewelry Industry” guide is available online and in print. Stock image of woman on laptop with charts](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/05c9d06a641d122ccad44ca4a0cd2190.jpg)
From bench jewelers to appraisers, Jewelers of America’s updated guide shares an overview of how much industry employees are being paid.
![The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index fell to 106.7 in February as consumers grappled with economic uncertainty. Shoppers holding bags in winter weather](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/23390ee76945ef7a0ec7f4d5aa5f13f1.jpg)
The Conference Board’s revised January reading suggests consumers did not start off 2024 as confidently as previously thought.
![The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index rose to 114.8 in January—its highest level since December 2021—from a downwardly revised 108.0 in December 2023. Shoppers outside in winter weather](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/6e51185e836503e4b5b11a2f0809636d.jpg)
The Conference Board attributed the upbeat results to slowing inflation and the anticipation of lower interest rates.
![An 18-karat yellow gold and enamel ruby heart ring by Sig Ward (price upon request). Shoppers are expected to spend $6.4 billion on jewelry this Valentine’s Day, according to the annual survey by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights and Analytics. Sig Ward heart ring](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/2519d3c3dc0ff2aea82bc6b94c850a4d.jpg)
The organization shared its predictions on how much consumers will be spending and on whom.
![Retail sales, excluding sales at gas stations, restaurants, and car dealerships, were up 3.8 percent year-over-year during the 2023 holiday season and rose 3.6 percent for the full year, the NRF said last week. Stock image of hand holding holiday shopping bags](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/8e9d379978382b0e4c72db3a3260667b.jpg)
Retail sales also were up about 4 percent for the full year.
![The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index rose to 110.7 in December from a downwardly revised 101.0 last month, its highest level since July. Winter shoppers holding shopping bags](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/e21a465cb8a9b56c9424722bfc62a355.jpg)
More optimistic views on the labor market as well as current and future business conditions gave the index a boost.
![In the five-day period from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, 200.4 million consumers went shopping, according to the National Retail Federation’s annual survey. Holiday shoppers holding bags](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/60e2f9d75cdb0357f1e73c226d6c9f30.jpg)
From Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, 200.4 million consumers shopped online and in stores.
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