Jewelry Stores NAICS 458310

Jan 5, 2026 - Slower Growth Expected

• The US jewelry stores industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 1.77% between 2025 and 2029, according to a forecast from Inforum and the Interindustry Economic Research Fund, Inc. The expected growth rate is slower than the overall economy‘s anticipated growth. The report projects sluggish but positive economic growth in the coming years. Factors that continue to limit consumer spending are lower consumer sentiment levels, higher interest levels, and elevated price levels. Real disposable income is being limited by a slow rise of employment and higher consumption prices, with a projected increase of real disposable income of 1.8% in 2025 and 1.6% in 2026. The report noted that some shifts in consumer behavior persisted in 2025, including increased online shopping.
• Consumer sentiment in December 2025 signaled a cautious spending environment for the US retail sector. The University of Michigan Index rose 3.7% month over month to 52.9, though confidence remains 30% below December 2024, and 63% of consumers expect rising unemployment. Inflation expectations eased to 4.2% (1 year) and 3.2% (long run), offering modest relief but not enough to shift overall caution. Meanwhile, the Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index fell to 89.1, with the Present Situation Index down 9.5 points and expectations holding at a recession associated 70.7. Consumers continue shifting spending toward essential, lower cost categories. For US retailers, these indicators point to ongoing pressure on discretionary spending, softer demand for big ticket items, and continued strength in value oriented and necessity driven segments. Retailers may face a slow growth environment as consumers prioritize affordability and delay nonessential purchases.

• A new AlixPartners survey of 9,000 consumers ranked Tiffany & Co as the top jeweler overall, favored for accessibility, product, and experience, according to reporting in JCK Online. Tiffany led among Gen X and millennials, while Gen Z preferred Cartier, and baby boomers favored Signet-owned brands like Kay and Zales. Tiffany and Cartier were the only brands cited across all age groups, highlighting their broad generational appeal. Despite a 5% growth in jewelry sales in 2024, AlixPartners forecasts softer demand in 2025 due to economic uncertainty. Jewelers should note that “service” overtook other factors as the top consumer priority, followed by accessibility and product. Nearly half of respondents still consider in-store shopping essential, reinforcing the importance of brick-and-mortar presence. These insights suggest that jewelers must tailor offerings by generation, emphasize service quality, and maintain strong physical retail strategies to navigate shifting consumer preferences.
• Claire’s North American business was acquired by an affiliate of private equity firm Ames Watson in September 2025, according to a company announcement. The deal was approved by bankruptcy courts in the US and Canada. Claire’s filed for bankruptcy protection in early August 2025, for the second time since 2018, citing a challenging commercial environment. Tariffs also weighed on the company, which has relied on China for low-cost sourcing. Known for its young customer base, Claire’s operated nearly 2,000 stores worldwide prior to the bankruptcy announcement. Ames Watson said it would modernize and revitalize Claire's stores to reignite sales at the company. The company has scaled back its store closure plans to nearly 300 from close to 700 announced in August, per Retail Dive. Ames Watson is a private holding company, worth more than $2 billion in revenue, with holdings including Lids and Champion teamwear.