International News
US Watch and jewelry sales remain steady in March, overall increase of 0.4 percent
US Watch and jewelry sales remained steady in March, with a slight overall increase of 0.4 per cent, according to the latest US Department of Commerce figures. Jewelry sales rose slightly, while
Watch and jewelry sales in the US remained steady in March, with a slight overall increase of 0.4 per cent, according to the latest US Department of Commerce figures. Jewelry sales rose slightly, while watch sales dipped, as consumers opted for higher-priced items, but bought fewer of them.
In February overall sales increased by just 0.2 per cent and in January they fell by 1.0 per cent
The US government’s BEA (Bureau of Economic Analysis) reported a 0.7 per cent increase in consumer spending in March, the biggest increase for two years, but said it was largely driven by a rush to buy cars before US reciprocal tariffs forced prices up.
Watch and jewelry sales have been characterized by very modest increases in recent months, following on from a year of sustained growth – 10 per cent or more in some months – as shown below.
Reciprocal US tariffs – announced in April, then paused until July – will almost certainly hit sales, as producers forced to either absorb the costs or pass them on to consumers.
International News
US Jewellery Companies Continued To Shrink In The Third Quarter:JBT
During Q3, Business Closures Dropped To 116 Compared To 126 In The Prior Year’s Third Quarter, Driven By 88 General Operational Cessations, 28 Acquisitions Or Mergers, and Zero Bankruptcies.
The number of active US jewelry companies continued to shrink in the third quarter, but at a slower pace than a year ago, according to the latest data from the Jewelers Board of Trade (JBT).The US jewelry industry continued its structural consolidation through Q3, though the pace of business closures showed signs of stabilizing compared to the previous year. Data from the Jewelers Board of Trade (JBT) reflects ongoing consolidation across retail, wholesale, and manufacturing, coupled with heightened credit volatility.
Key Data & Metrics
Nationwide, the active business footprint stands at 21,831 companies, reflecting a 1.4% year-over-year decline. During Q3, business closures dropped to 116 compared to 126 in the prior year’s third quarter, driven by 88 general operational cessations, 28 acquisitions or mergers, and zero bankruptcies. Meanwhile, new market entrants also slowed, with 67 new business openings recorded in Q3 down from 89 during the same period last year.
Sector-by-Sector Breakdown
| Sector | Active Count | YoY Change | Impact Summary |
| Retailers | 16,564 | -1.5% | Makes up the majority of the sector; experienced the largest net store count reduction. |
| Manufacturers | 2,061 | -1.7% | Steepest percentage decline among all segments. |
| Wholesalers | 3,206 | -0.9% | Relatively stable, holding the mildest contraction rate. |
Credit & Financial Health Trends
The JBT report highlights dynamic shifts in creditworthiness across US and Canadian businesses, signaling bifurcated financial health:
- Credit Downgrades: Jumped sharply to 1,655 (up from 620 in Q3 of the prior year).
- Credit Upgrades: Rose significantly to 1,480 (up from 551 in Q3 of the prior year).
While net business closures are tapering off, high numbers of simultaneous upgrades and downgrades point to a split market where resilient operators are strengthening their positions while vulnerable businesses face tighter financial pressures.
Aspect Bullion & Refinery Unveils Signature Collection At Two-Day Launch Event At Oberoi Mall, Mumbai
This Diwali, Say It With A Candere: Thoughtful Gifting Picks From Candere By Kalyan
Gold Is Back On The Moodboard: Palmonas’ 9KT Jewellery Picks For Festive Gifting
Dhanteras Shopping Guide 2026:Gold, Silver, Diamonds & Festive Jewellery Trends To Watch
The Solenne Collection: A Celebration Of Diwali By Bharti Bangur Fine Jewels
From Diya Puja To Diwali Soirées: Jewellery Designed To Go Beyond The Festive Season
-
JB Insights1 week agoDhanteras Shopping Guide 2026:Gold, Silver, Diamonds & Festive Jewellery Trends To Watch
-
BrandBuzz1 week agoThe Solenne Collection: A Celebration Of Diwali By Bharti Bangur Fine Jewels
-
BrandBuzz1 week agoFrom Diya Puja To Diwali Soirées: Jewellery Designed To Go Beyond The Festive Season
-
National News1 week agoIndriya, Aditya Birla Jewellery Unveiled India’s Largest Sustainable Jewellery Rangavalli
JewelBuzz is Asia’s First Digital Jewellery Media & India’s No.1 B2B Jewellery Magazine, published by AM Media House. Since 2016, we’ve been the trusted source for jewellery news, market trends, trade insights, exhibitions, podcasts, and brand stories, connecting jewellers, retailers, and industry professionals worldwide.