Holiday Sales Start Strong

As of Sunday night, in the first week of December, 60% of Freshley Media/IMG stores report sales up over last year. This number would certainly be higher if stores in the central part of the country had not been hit by the snow storm Thursday and Friday. Stores in Kentucky and other states closed on Friday and folks were simply not out shopping on Saturday due to the storm. On the positive side, multiple stores in the group reported solid traffic for our Diamond Events with six figure weekend totals. This is strong for the usually very slow, first weekend of December.

All this being said, after decades at this holiday retail jewelry thing, we all know you never know how the season will go. We don’t know when it will come…but it always does. We have a shorter season overall so you really have to count November and December together when comparing years. I still stand by my earlier prediction of a better Christmas than last year. We’re seeing large ticket sales happening and even bread and butter customers back in the stores this season. Strong national advertising by the chains and Forevermark are also helping energize jewelry consumers. You cannot turn on a football game, pro or college, and not see several jewelry ads and you know what I say…people buy what they are told to buy.

Anyway…we are off to a good start! This week probably seems a little slow but remember…the real rush has not even begun. Have fun, stay positive and spread the holiday cheer each day. Keeping your team’s attitude up and everyone motivated until the end is the most important thing you can do now. Don’t stress out! You’ve done the marketing, you have the people and inventory. Stop second guessing yourself and work your plan.The business is coming…it always does!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!