What Two Retailers Saw in Vegas—And How They’re Planning for the Holidays
Just as exhibitors at the JCK Show saw patterns in what retailers placed orders for this year, those retailers noticed potential top-sellers in their travels throughout the show floor. With so much to take in from the show’s massive offerings, it can take a savvy, strategy-minded retailer to know what to look for and who to visit.
These two retailers—Miner’s Den in Royal Oak, Mich., and Hamilton Jewelers, with locations in Princeton, NJ, and Palm Beach, FL—know all about that, as seasoned show attendees with a knack for understanding their respective customer bases.
So, we checked in with them about the styles they noticed were trending at JCK this year, as well as how those trends might carry over to their in-store sales. And of course, this time of year, everyone’s starting to think about the holidays, so we had to get the lowdown on their stocking plans for that, too.
Here's what Jackie Rose of Miner’s Den and Anne Russell of Hamilton Jewelers had to say.
Jackie Rose, Miner’s Den, Royal Oak. Mich.
What were some of the biggest trends/most common sightings for you at JCK?
Yellow gold made a bold statement at JCK this year—it was everywhere. Stacking bands were front and center, and the lab-grown diamond sections were packed. Fashion-forward designs clearly stole the spotlight!
Is that translating to what's been selling in stores this summer at all?
Absolutely: Yellow gold is leading the way with our clients right now. Many are gravitating toward one or two stackable rings, often treating themselves, and they’re just as popular for gifting. We’re also seeing a split in interest when it comes to lab-grown diamonds: some clients seek them out, while others prefer natural. That said, lab-grown diamonds are especially appealing in larger, bold fashion pieces, where clients love getting a big look for less.
What are you planning to stock up on?
We’re stacking up—literally and figuratively—on everything our clients are loving right now. Yellow gold continues to trend across all categories, especially in stacking bands, fashion earrings, and gold necklaces. Bracelets are also gaining momentum, with layering looks catching on. Both natural and lab-created diamonds are performing well, with lab-grown pieces especially popular in larger, bold fashion styles where clients can get maximum sparkle and size for the value. Stacking bands remain a go-to for self-purchasing and gifting, while statement earrings and modern diamond necklaces are rounding out strong fashion-driven sales.
Anne Russell, EVP, Hamilton Jewelers
What were some of the biggest trends/most common sightings for you at JCK?
JCK is always a great show but there's so much to see—it can be a lot to take in. We tend to be very strategic when we walk the floor and not get too distracted by trends. We are thankful to have our longtime partners with whom we have worked for many years who continue to bring out the best, classic jewelry for us. That being said, one trend that we noticed was mixed shape jewelry, which elevates a traditional style.
Is that translating to what's been selling in stores this summer at all?
Yellow gold is a consistent best-seller, and we expect it will continue to do well. This summer we saw new and existing clients come in to celebrate their milestones with us with traditional, giftable pieces such as diamond studs, tennis bracelets, and pendant necklaces.
What do you anticipate being the top selling styles/categories this holiday season? What are you planning to stock up on?
We are committed to natural diamond jewelry at Hamilton, and we are always looking for the best, classic silhouettes to put forward for the holiday season. We are focusing on our proprietary collection—engagement rings and diamond and gold jewelry—that we design based on our longstanding history and experience in each of our markets.