International News
Clothing and jewellery top list of gifts US shoppers have purchased in Christmas season
Every year, the Saturday just before Christmas turns into a shopping frenzy called Super Saturday. This year, it falls five days before December 25, and experts predict it will be bigger than ever. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), about 158.9 million Americans plan to shop on this day. That’s 1.7 million more shoppers than in 2024 and even beats the old record of 158.5 million from 2022. The NRF learned this from a survey they did with Prosper Insights & Analytics, asking thousands of people about their holiday plans.
What are people buying? Clothing, accessories, and jewelry top the list—48% of shoppers picked these so far. Toys came next at 30%, and gift cards at 27%. The fun doesn’t stop on Christmas Day either. About 70% of people said they’ll keep shopping the week after to snag sales, use gift cards, or handle returns. The NRF surveyed 8,005 adults from December 1 to 10 to get these insights. They also predict total holiday sales from November to December will jump 3.7% to 4.2% this year, topping $1 trillion.
Super Saturday is special for shoppers and stores because it’s the perfect time to grab last-minute gifts. Katherine Cullen, who studies shopping trends for the NRF, says it’s prime time for holiday buys. In the survey, 45% of people planning to shop said they’ll do it both online and in stores. Another 29% will only go to physical shops, while 26% stick to online shopping. By early December, most people had finished about half their holiday shopping. Those still shopping said they were deciding on gifts, busy with money matters, or waiting for ideas from family and friends. Overall, shoppers plan to finish up online (46%), at department stores (33%), or discount stores (26%).
International News
GJEPC Auckland Visit Targets Growth In India-NZ Jewellery Trade
The Opportunity In New Zealand Is Significant Relative To The Current Level Of Jewellery Trade. India’s Gem and Jewellery Exports To New Zealand Rose 50.56% To US$25.46 Million In FY2025-26, From US$16.91 Million In FY2024-25.
The GJEPC trade delegation’s Auckland programme has highlighted the scope for expanding India’s gem and jewellery exports to New Zealand as the two countries move towards implementing their recently concluded Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
The Auckland visit was part of GJEPC’s Australia and New Zealand trade delegation, held from 20-26 August 2026, with the delegation focused on connecting Indian manufacturers and exporters with buyers and industry stakeholders across the two markets.
The opportunity in New Zealand is significant relative to the current level of jewellery trade. India’s gem and jewellery exports to New Zealand rose 50.56% to US$25.46 million in FY2025-26, from US$16.91 million in FY2024-25.
The recently concluded India-New Zealand FTA is expected to create further opportunities for Indian exporters. New Zealand has committed to duty-free access for Indian exports across 100% of its tariff lines once the agreement enters into force.
On 26th August, Vijay Mangukiya, Convener – International Events, GJEPC and leader of the delegation, met Dr. Madan Mohan Sethi, Consul General of India in Auckland. Mangukiya has said the delegation was aimed at bringing Indian manufacturers and exporters closer to buyers and industry stakeholders in both Australia and New Zealand, with the objective of identifying new business opportunities and developing long-term partnerships.
The delegation’s Auckland market visits covered a broad cross-section of the local jewellery sector, including Michael Hill, Wallace Bishop, Hardy Brothers, Prouds, and Partridge Jewellers. The delegation also observed international luxury and contemporary jewellery brands including Van Cleef & Arpels, Roberto Coin, Messika and FOPE, reflecting the competitive environment in which Indian exporters would be seeking to establish or expand relationships.
India’s exports of individual jewellery categories to New Zealand also recorded strong growth in FY2025-26. Gold jewellery exports rose 84% to US$17.47 million, while silver jewellery exports doubled to US$0.91 million. Lab-grown diamond exports rose 2% to US$0.63 million, and imitation jewellery increased 13.16% to US$0.43 million. Cut and polished diamond exports were US$5.76 million.
The figures underline the growing contribution of finished jewellery to India’s New Zealand business. With the FTA expected to improve market access and the Auckland market showing demand across gold, diamonds, coloured stones, pearls and branded jewellery, GJEPC’s delegation is seeking to convert this existing growth into deeper commercial relationships.
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