International News
US sees modest month-over-month retail sales growth amidst consumer worries over inflation
Data released today by the U.S. Census Bureau showed modest month-over-month retail sales growth in February amid consumer worries over inflation and Washington policy decisions, National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said.
“Lower-than-expected consumer spending in the first couple of months of the year likely reflected payback for very strong spending in the fourth quarter and weather-related events since then,” Jack Kleinhenz said. “Moreover, these results show that households are apprehensive and carefully navigating lingering inflation and turmoil related to changing economic policies. Regardless of the softer spending, consumer fundamentals remain healthy and intact so far, supported by low unemployment, steady income growth and other household finances. American shoppers will likely continue to spend as long as unemployment remains low and job growth continues.”
The Census Bureau said overall retail sales in February were up 0.2% seasonally adjusted month over month and up 3.1% unadjusted year over year. That compared with a decrease of 1.2% month over month and an increase of 3.9% year over year in January.
February’s core retail sales as defined by NRF — based on the Census data but excluding automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants — were up 0.9% seasonally adjusted month over month but down 0.2% unadjusted year over year because of the comparison against unusually high sales in February 2024. Core sales were down 1.2% year over year on a three-month moving average, also skewed by last February.
The results come after core retail sales grew 4.2% year over year during the 2024 holiday season and 3.6% for the full year.
Last week, the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, powered by Affinity Solutions, reported that core retail sales were down 0.22% seasonally adjusted month over month in February but up 4.11% unadjusted year over year. That compared with a decrease of 1.27% month over month and an increase of 5.72% year over year in January.
As the leading authority and voice for the retail industry, NRF provides data on retail sales each month and also forecasts annual retail sales and spending for key periods such as the holiday season each year.
International News
Van Cleef & Arpels Gives Its Iconic Alhambra a Pink Enamel Makeover
The Maison Introduces Five New Alhambra Creations Featuring Translucent Pink Enamel and Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels has unveiled a vibrant new chapter for its iconic Alhambra collection, introducing translucent pink enamel to the signature four-leaf clover motif for the first time. The new creations combine the Maison’s emblem of luck with yellow gold, bringing a fresh, contemporary expression to the enduring design.
The new five-piece selection comprises a Vintage Alhambra pendant, five-motif bracelet, 10-motif necklace, 20-motif long necklace and Magic Alhambra two-motif earrings. The earrings additionally feature guilloché yellow gold, adding texture and contrast to the pink enamel.
The distinctive pink is the result of several years of research at Van Cleef & Arpels’ enamel workshops. Inspired by the historic 17th-century “gold-ruby” technique, the colour is created using fine particles of gold rather than traditional pigments. Carefully controlled particle size, shape and concentration produce the desired translucent hue.
Adding to its visual depth, the enamel contains tiny bubbles, giving each Alhambra motif a distinctive character while creating subtle variations as the surface catches and reflects light. The motifs are framed by the Maison’s signature gold beaded contours, further enhancing the interplay between the pink enamel and yellow gold.
Since its debut in 1968, Alhambra has continually evolved through different stones, materials and colours while retaining its instantly recognisable four-leaf clover silhouette. The introduction of enamel marks another significant step in that evolution, bringing together heritage craftsmanship, technical innovation and contemporary colour.
With its new pink interpretation, Van Cleef & Arpels continues to reinvent one of jewellery’s most recognisable motifs, demonstrating how traditional savoir-faire can give a familiar icon an entirely new expression.
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