Jewelry Retailers Enjoy Post-Lockdown Growth

RAPAPORT... Most US jewelers have recorded sales growth since stores reopened, supported by a shift toward digital business and strong engagement-ring demand, according to a study into the pandemic's impact on the market.One-third of retailers said post-lockdown sales had been slightly higher than a year earlier, while a further 21% reported a "significant surge," a survey found. Some 27% experienced lower sales, with 19% saying figures were roughly flat year on year."While this may reflect 'pent-up' demand when stores reopened, it is a good sign that some stores are actually able to increase sales in a highly volatile and uncertain environment," according to the survey, which jewelry insurer BriteCo carried out in October and November. It released the results this week as a report entitled "Jewelers Going Digital," which it produced in cooperation with trading platform Polygon and other industry players.The study identified a clear advantage for digitally savvy companies, as 54% of respondents with an online presence reported a rise in e-commerce traffic during 2020. However, there is a sharp development gap, with 9% of companies not even possessing a website. Meanwhile, as during the 2008 recession, bridal was the least affected jewelry category, with 56% observing increases in engagement-ring purchases. The results were based on around 200 responses to questionnaires, most of which were from independent jewelers in the US. Image: Jewelry in a store. (Shutterstock)