Headlines

US Jewelry Sales Soared in May, Survey Finds

Sales were up 44.7 percent from May 2019.

Published

3 years ago

June 14, 2021

INSTORE Staff

Jewelry sales were up 203.4 percent in May 2021 compared to the same month a year earlier, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the latest Mastercard SpendingPulse report.

Sales were up 44.7 percent from May 2019.

Total U.S. retail sales, excluding automotive and gasoline, increased 12.2% year-over-year in May 2021, and 10.2 percent compared to May 2019. Online sales in May grew 1.1 percent and 94.8 percent respectively, compared to the same periods.

Mastercard SpendingPulse reports that May marked the eighth consecutive month of total retail sales growth, excluding automotive and gasoline.

Total U.S. retail sales are expected to grow 5.5 percent excluding automotive and gas during the critical July 15 through Sept. 6 back-to-school period compared to 2020. Compared to 2019, sales are expected to grow 6.7 percent.

Mastercard SpendingPulse measures in-store and online retail sales across all forms of payment.

MasterCard Spending Pulse

MasterCard Spending Pulse 2

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”