Events & AwardsApr 25, 2024
Alexis Padis Takes Over as AGS Board President Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
SurveysOct 16, 2014
This holiday, NRF expects a more giving consumer
Shoppers are projected to spend more on others, less on themselves and pay the economy little mind this holiday season, the latest National Retail Federation survey shows.
Washington--Shoppers are projected to spend more on others, less on themselves and pay the economy little mind this holiday season, the latest National Retail Federation survey shows.
Consumers polled said they plan to spend more on gifts for their family, friends and co-workers this year, with projected dollar spend on all three up 7 percent year-over-year, as well as 14 percent more on others, which includes people such as babysitters and even pets.
However, self-gifting, also known as self-purchasing, is expected to decline from an average of $134.77 last year to $126.68 this year, a 6 percent drop.
In addition to perhaps feeling a bit more benevolent this holiday season, consumers also are feeling better about the economy--or perhaps they just have decided to start ignoring the news.
When asked if the “state of the U.S. economy” would impact their holiday spending plans, 59 percent said no and 41 percent said yes, almost an exact flip from last year when about 60 percent of respondents said the economic news would impact their plans. The NRF notes that 41 percent is the lowest number to answer yes to that question since 2009.
Of those who answered yes, the majority, 76 percent, said the state of the economy would have them spending less while others said it would have them hunting for sales (49 percent) or using coupons more often (37 percent).
The NRF, the world’s largest retail trade association, publishes surveys throughout the holiday season. Prosper Insights and Analytics conducted this particular poll, questioning 7,547 consumers between Oct. 1 and 7.
Other findings include the following.
--Early birds avoid the crowds. A total of 40 percent of those polled said they begin their holiday shopping before Halloween, consistent with 10 years of survey findings. Those who get out early said their number one reason was to spread out their spending (62 percent) followed by a desire to avoid holiday crowds (52 percent) and avoid the stress of last-minute shopping (51 percent).
--The online numbers keep climbing. The average person plans to do 44 percent of their holiday shopping online and 19 percent said they will purchase items from their smartphones this year. Both are all-time survey highs.
--A good mobile website is important. One-quarter of shoppers polled said a good mobile website is an important factor in their decision to shop with a particular retailer, as is
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
free shipping/shipping promotions (42 percent); knowledgeable customer service (30 percent); convenient locations (48 percent); and low prices and sales or price discounts (75 percent).
--Quality is important, too. A total of 61 percent of respondents also listed the quality of the merchandise as a key factor in deciding where to shop while 59 percent cited selection.
--About one-quarter of consumers want to get jewelry for Christmas. A total of 25 percent of survey-takers said they’d like to receive jewelry as a gift this holiday season, up slightly from 23 percent last year.
Prior to this poll, the Washington, D.C.-based organization released its 2014 holiday forecast, which predicts a 4 percent increase in sales this November and December as compared with last year.
More on Surveys
The Latest
EditorsApr 25, 2024
5 Tips for Creating Fans from the Top (Savannah) Banana Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
WatchesApr 25, 2024
Audemars Piguet and John Mayer Partner on Limited Edition WatchThe Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
SourcingApr 25, 2024
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2024The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
Weekly QuizApr 26, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
MajorsApr 25, 2024
Detroit Lions’ QB Jared Goff Keeps Going to JaredThe three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
CrimeApr 24, 2024
Jewelry Crime Declines Significantly, But Dollar Losses Remain High A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your BusinessFor over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
CollectionsApr 24, 2024
Pippa Small Announces ‘Venus’ CollectionInspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
FinancialsApr 24, 2024
Kering’s Jewelry Brands a Bright Spot in Tough Q1The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2024
JCK Industry Fund Announces 2024 Grant RecipientsThe selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
SourcingApr 24, 2024
Rio Tinto’s Q1 Production Drops Amid Pause to Honor Lost Colleagues The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
WatchesApr 24, 2024
These Are Rolex’s New Watches for 2024 The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
ColumnistsApr 23, 2024
The Smart Lab: Advanced Email Marketing Strategies for Mother’s DayEmmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
IndependentsApr 23, 2024
Hannoush Jewelers Opens New Store in New York Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
SourcingApr 23, 2024
Lucapa Sells 3 Diamonds for $10.5M in First Lulo Tender of 2024A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
GradingApr 23, 2024
GIA Has a New Book About William RuserRuser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
CollectionsApr 22, 2024
Jacquie Aiche’s New Campaign Stars Adam Levine, Behati PrinslooThe “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
EditorsApr 22, 2024
The 22 Best Quotes from AGS Conclave 2024 Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
SourcingApr 22, 2024
Virtual Diamond Boutique Rebrands as ‘VDB’The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
MajorsApr 22, 2024
Signet Raises Nearly $9M for St. Jude Children’s Research HospitalThe money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
CollectionsApr 19, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Treasure NecklaceA new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
CrimeApr 19, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO ShowLast month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
MajorsApr 19, 2024
Unique Designs Acquires China PearlThe move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
GradingApr 19, 2024
AGS Ideal Report Now Available in Printed FormFrom now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
SourcingApr 18, 2024
Diamond Trade Remains Cautious Amid Economic UncertaintyDe Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Supplier BulletinApr 18, 2024
Discover History’s Hidden Gems at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
