CMJ retailers and suppliers report significant uplift of December sales
January 9, 2015 – In a survey of retailers and suppliers to the UK’s biggest buying group, The Company of Master Jewellers (CMJ), 88% of retailers said jewellery sales over the Christmas period were the same or better than in the previous year, while 100% of CMJ approved suppliers reported same or better sell-in than last Christmas.
The majority of CMJ retailers reported upturns of between 10% and 20% in sales compared to the previous Christmas, with some even reporting a sales lift of 60%. Overall, sales through the CMJ group were up by 20% during the four-week run up to Christmas compared to 2013.
Jewellery brands that performed exceptionally well for retailers in December included Pandora, Clogau and Ti Sento, with many retailers also citing an upturn in diamond sales and own brand fine jewellery.
Meanwhile 72% of CMJ retailers who trade online reported that sales over the Internet were better or the same as the previous year.
82% of CMJ retailers who took part in the survey also reported that watch sales were the same or better than December 2013. Brands that enjoyed strong sales this Christmas included Rolex, Bering and Citizen along with pre-owned watches.
CMJ’s Chief Executive Willie Hamilton said: “The survey results and the verbal feedback I’ve had from retailers is that Christmas was late again, which is no different to the last five years as online shopping is now a core part of any consumer’s shopping.
“Trade picked up when consumers thought they were vulnerable to late delivery for online shopping and of course any precious jewellery or high-end watch sale is predominantly done in store, rather than online.”
Hamilton added, “By far the majority of retailers are happier this year than they have been in previous years. The suppliers’ feedback in the survey is very reflective of the feedback I’ve received verbally with retailers buying well and volumes moving through stores followed by repeat purchases.”
The next CMJ trade event will be taking place in Birmingham on February 15th-16th, where over 100 CMJ approved suppliers will be exhibiting new collections to CMJ retail buyers.
