IMG Jewelers May Sales up 18%

Freshley Media’s Ideal Marketing Group stores were up again in May 18.37%, continuing the growth trend started last year. Only two out of the eighteen jewelers reported lower sales for May. This growth number is ahead of the overall 14% growth in total US jewelry and watch  sales, according to numbers guru Ken Gassman, but that is as it should be. US specialty jewelry stores have historically out performed the majors in a recovering market.

In talking with wholesalers this week I am hearing the same the same refrain “jewelers who are advertising are growing, those who are not, are not”. Market dominant stores who stayed in the game during the downturn and have stayed on the advertising gas this year are really growing their businesses. In fact, 2011 will be the biggest year ever for about half of our jewelers, eclipsing 2005-2006 numbers! The overall economy is still tough, but the leading jewelers, especially those who are tapping into bridal and high end consumers are leading this recovery. I see this trend actually getting stronger through the year as more consumers find employment and the overall economy improves. It’s happening slowly…but its happening, and fine jewelers are leading the way.