On Data: The First 7 Days of December
Sherry Smith shares data on independent jewelers’ sales for the first week of the month.

The first seven days of December show the independent jewelers up 30 percent in gross sales, 9 percent in units sold and 18 percent in average retail sale.
The last 21 days (Nov. 17–Dec. 7) show independents up 32 percent in gross sales and 12 percent in units sold.
The discount rate has declined, falling from 27 percent to 19 percent when compared with the same 21-day period last year.
And the December rush has only just begun.
Did you know that, according to a roundup of Christmas shopping statistics by Fortunly, that 62 percent of U.S. shoppers buy gifts the week before Christmas?
All in all, the holiday season is looking very good for independent jewelers.
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