PodcastsJan 12, 2026
The latest poscasttest
SurveysDec 11, 2013
Consumer spending slows after holiday weekend
Shoppers took a bit of a break after the Black Friday weekend, as sales and traffic at brick-and-mortar stores were both down last week, according to data released by ShopperTrak.
Chicago--Shoppers took a bit of a break after the Black Friday weekend, as sales and traffic at brick-and-mortar stores were both down last week, according to data released by ShopperTrak.
For the week of Dec. 2 to 8, retail sales of general merchandise, apparel, furniture and other products at stores decreased 3 percent as compared with the same period a year earlier, and traffic was down 22 percent year-over-year.
“Shoppers usually take a brief break in the week after Black Weekend,” said ShopperTrak founder Bill Martin. “Lighter crowds and many in-store deals, however, helped Saturday, Dec. 7 see a 1.4 percent sales increase compared to the same day in 2012.”
The company notes that despite an uptick on Dec. 7, sales were still weak during the week due to calendar changes--with Hanukkah beginning on Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 28) this year, many people had finished their Hanukkah shopping in November, rather than in early December like last year.
Additionally, Cyber Monday (Dec. 2) kicked off that week of shopping. Spending from desktop computers alone on that day--not even counting money spent via smartphones and tablets--reached $1.74 billion. That was an 18 percent year-over-year increase, making it the heaviest online spending day in history and meaning fewer people were heading into stores to shop.
Despite the dip, Martin said shopper activity is expected to increase each week because the 2013 calendar creates a shorter shopping period for consumers.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Surveys
The Latest
Weekly QuizOct 03, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
PodcastsNov 27, 2025
Test Podcast With VideoTest Podcast With Video. New interview with Ada Lovelace.
PodcastsNov 25, 2025
Test New Podcast PostAbstract for tests. New Podcast interview with John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morison.
ColumnistsOct 09, 2024
Peter Smith: 7 Things to Know When Selling LuxuryAhead of the holiday season, Smith delves into the often subconscious reasons people buy luxury products for themselves or their loved ones.
AuctionsOct 09, 2024
Rolex Worn on Apollo 14 Mission Up for SaleThe GMT-Master “Pepsi” belonging to astronaut Edgar Mitchell is a standout in RR Auction’s online “Space Auction,” going on now.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
New Simon Campaign Invites Gen Z to ‘Meet Me At The Mall’The ads celebrate the mall culture of the ‘80s and ‘90s.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
PGI Launches New Virtual Sales TrainingRetail sales associates can access the video series on mobile to refresh their selling skills.
Policies & IssuesOct 09, 2024
GJNRF: Reaching Out, Rebuilding Futures For 25 years, India’s Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation has provided aid in the wake of war, natural disasters, and global crises.
AuctionsOct 08, 2024
Sotheby’s Selling Jewelry That Belonged to a Bulgarian TsarThe November auction will feature a collection of jewels owned by Ferdinand I, the first king of modern Bulgaria, and his family.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Rio Tinto Begins New Phase of Production That Will Extend Diavik’s LifeCommercial production has begun underground at the Canadian diamond mine’s A21 pipe.
CollectionsOct 08, 2024
Sylvie Adds New Men’s BandsThe Texas-based jeweler collaborated with luxury clothing brand Uncommon Man on men’s bands designed with European influences.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Is Current Diamond Industry Turbulence Shaping a ‘New Normal’? Industry players have found ways to cope with market conditions while working to reshape themselves in the face of emerging realities.
SourcingOct 07, 2024
Rio Tinto to Offer 76 Diamonds in 2024 Beyond Rare Tender The sales event, in its second year, features a selection of rare diamonds from the miner’s Argyle and Diavik diamond mines.
CollectionsOct 07, 2024
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi Partners With Heller Jewelers on New CollectionA portion of the proceeds from the “Always Dream” collection will go to Yamaguchi's foundation, supporting early childhood literacy.
WatchesOct 04, 2024
Watches of Switzerland Clocks Another Acquisition—HodinkeeThe company said Benjamin Clymer will return to his role as head of the watch news website, which will maintain editorial independence.
