PodcastsJan 12, 2026
The latest poscasttest
SurveysFeb 06, 2016
No. of jewelers closing continues to rise
According to statistics released by the JBT Monday, the number of retail jewelers who have ceased operations rose again in the third quarter and is up 30 percent year-to-date.
Warwick, R.I.--The contraction of the jewelry industry continued in the third quarter, the latest statistics from the Jewelers Board of Trade show.
According to quarterly data released by the JBT Monday, 240 retail jewelers in the United States and Canada ceased operations in the third quarter 2015, up from 172 in the third quarter 2014. Year-to-date, 612 retailers closed their stores, a 30 percent increase when compared with last year.
Overall, business discontinuances across the industry--including retail jewelers, wholesalers and manufacturers--have increased 15 percent on the year.
These statistics reflect the continuation of a trend that began in earnest last year and has a myriad of root causes: the retirement of baby boomers, being behind in terms of technology, shrinking margins and overall slow retail sales.
The JBT’s third quarter statistics also show that consolidations--meaning sales and mergers--among retail jewelers, wholesalers and manufacturers have continued to decline while the number of bankruptcies remains low, historically speaking. These two trends are also consistent with what the industry witnessed in the first two quarters of the year.
RELATED CONTENT: Industry shrinkage trend continues in Q2
Overall, the JBT’s total listings for retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers in the U.S. and Canada is down 3 percent, from 30,254 at the end of the third quarter 2014 to 29,409 now.
While the size of the industry continues to shrink, the number of new jewelry businesses in the U.S. and Canada actually has increased year-to-date, rising 4 percent.
The JBT recorded a total of 180 new retailers so far this year, compared to 173 at this time last year. In the U.S., the most openings occurred in the Southeast and South Central regions of the country.
There were also 30 new wholesalers, compared to 26 last year, and 16 new manufacturers, down from 19 last year.
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.
