The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
Retail sales growth expected to top 2013
With the economy anticipated to grow at its fastest rate in three years and unemployment dropping, the National Retail Federation predicts retail will be in a “relatively good place” in 2014.
Washington--With the economy anticipated to grow at its fastest rate in three years and unemployment dropping, the National Retail Federation predicts retail will be in a “relatively good place” in 2014.
In its forecast released Thursday, the NRF said it expects retail industry sales, excluding automobiles, gas stations and restaurants, to grow 4.1 percent this year, up from the preliminary 3.7 percent growth seen in 2013.
Online sales are forecast to increase between 9 and 12 percent.
“Measured improvements in economic growth combined with positive expectations for continued consumer spending will put the retail industry in a relatively good place in 2014,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said.
The term “cautiously optimistic” pops up in the statement released by the NRF. This has been the phrase echoed by the entire retail industry since the recession, and it doesn’t seem that will change any time soon.
In National Jeweler’s year-end sales survey, the full results of which will be published this month, the greatest percentage of survey-takers, 42 percent, said they were “somewhat optimistic” about 2014. The next greatest percentage of respondents, 26 percent, said they were uncertain while 24 percent were very optimistic.
Only 9 percent reported being somewhat (7 percent) or very (2 percent) pessimistic about the year ahead. (Total may not add up to 100 percent due to rounding.)
Positive factors contributing to the NRF’s retail forecast include early estimates for economic growth as measured by real GDP of 2.6 to 3 percent, its fastest pace in three years, and a growing labor market that could decrease unemployment to 6.5 percent or lower by the end of the year.
The jobs reported issued Friday, however, showed that employers added jobs at a slower rate than expected in January, indicating weakness in the labor market. Despite the discouraging jobs news, the unemployment rate did drop a tenth of a percentage, to 6.6 percent.
In addition, the NRF points out that the housing sector is expected to continue to improve, and increased household and business confidence should spur more spending overall, though NRF Senior Economist Jack Kleinhenz notes that the economy remain susceptible to “buffets,” external forces that could knock it off course.
These include harsh winter weather, which nearly all of the country has experienced, and domestic and global financial issues.
“While we are careful not to ignore the challenges, we are optimistic and
The Latest
The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
The three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
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.
Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
Ruser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
The “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
The money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.