Jewelry Sales Remain Buoyant in April

RAPAPORT... US jewelry sales rose in April amid consumer excitement to return to in-store shopping, according to Mastercard SpendingPulse.Revenue for the category climbed 33% year on year during the month, Mastercard reported last week. That figure is up from March's 12% year-on-year increase. The segment also benefited from consumers refreshing their wardrobe for summer travel. Jewelry purchases jumped 52% compared to the same period of 2019."Whether for a family barbecue, returning to the office or senior prom, it seems like everyone is out shopping for something," said Mastercard senior adviser Steve Sadove. Total spending in April was up 7% from 2021 and 15% versus the same period three years ago. E-commerce sales slipped 1.8% year on year, while in-store revenue gained 10%. Online soared 92% compared to 2019, with brick-and-mortar sales increasing 5%.Sales advanced across all segments Mastercard covers. Jewelry saw the sharpest increase, while luxury goods, which exclude jewelry, were up 26% year on year. Spending in department stores rose 16%, with overall purchases of apparel growing 11%.Image: A couple shopping for jewelry. (Shutterstock)