Barneys is hunting elsewhere for a different brand mix.
Some key retailers are forgoing the Las Vegas jewelry shows this week due to various factors including election uncertainty, stagnant wages and a strong dollar that’s weakened tourism, the Financial Times writes. Jennifer Sunwoo of Barneys spoke with the news outlet, saying that “jewelry is performing OK but is softer than we would like.” That has prompted the retailer to skip Vegas this year and instead look for brands that can’t be found at other outlets.
The article adds: “Many of today’s consumers are faced with tighter budgets as well as a multiplicity of brands and places to buy, both online and offline, so attracting — and holding — their attention is key. Sticking to trusted brands, stones, items or styles is one way of doing this, even when it is at the cost of innovation and adventure.”
Yancy Weinrich, senior VP of Reed Jewelry Group, which owns JCK, told the FT that retailer registration is up 3 percent over last year.
Read more at The Financial Times