A Holiday Check-In With John Mays Jewelers
It’s crunch time for retailers across the country and around the world, as holiday shoppers seek to clinch the perfect gifts for their loved ones. As ever, jewelry is a reliable category for consumers to shop, with endless options for every important person in their lives (themselves included).
While one might predict jewelry to be a big seller every holiday season, trends tend to vary, and more so depending on where a store is located and what they sell. Trend touchpoints like Instagram influencers and big box stores can only paint so much of the picture, with the rest filled in by independent businesses with either brick-and-mortar or online presences (or both).
So, we checked in with Kevin Mays of John Mays Jewelers, the award-winning retailer with stores in Arkansas and Oklahoma, to give us the good word on what customers are scooping up this year. The answer? Diamonds (always!), color, and watches, too. More on the metal making a comeback in the area, the best purchases for first-time buyers, and more are below.
How have holiday sales been so far compared to the last several years?
Sales for this year are up considerably over years past and we are excited to see what this December holds for us.
Which categories are shoppers buying in most?
Traditional Hearts On Fire diamond pieces are always a home run around the holidays for us. This year natural-colored stones and timepieces are also big hits.
Is there any particular trend or popular style/item that has surprised you this season?
Yellow gold is making a comeback in our area again, so we are happy to see that trend return.
What sort of advertising/marketing has your store done leading up to the holiday season?
We have done our usual marketing that has been effective for our area as well as some additional social media and online advertising.
What's the one item first-time jewelry buyers should splurge on this year?
So many holiday engagements this year with first-time customers for us. Hearts On Fire Diamond pendants and Solitaire Studs have been our biggest draw for new clients this year.