Sales News
The Plumb Club Podcasts: Navigating the Future of Jewelry Retail

Empowering Retailers for Enduring Success
Navigating Leadership Transitions in Family Jewelry Enterprises
Successfully transferring ownership and leadership within family-run jewelry businesses requires careful consideration of various elements, such as optimal timing, methodology, and fostering positive relationships among family members and employees during the transition. This episode features Michael Burpoe of Ostbye, alongside retailers Monteca Confer Beisel (Confers Jewelers), Samantha Tupper (Wink’s Fine Jewelers), and Craig MacBean (Ostbye), who share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs in assuming leadership roles within their family enterprises and outline their plans for future generations.
Exploring Cutting-Edge Trends and Innovations for Retail Growth
Keeping pace with the latest industry shifts and innovations is crucial for enhancing a retailer's market presence. In this podcast, Ethan Akhavan of Ryan Gems discusses key takeaways, including current market trends, the significance of ethical sourcing, and the strategic adoption of technology in jewelry retail. He offers practical advice for staying competitive and elaborates on the concept of jewelry curation, which involves thoughtfully assembling compelling collections that resonate deeply with consumer preferences.
Other Articles
A Comprehensive Review of Jewelry Retailer Closures in 2025
This report provides a detailed account of jewelry retail establishments across the United States that either ceased operations or announced their closure in 2025. It compiles information from various news outlets and social media platforms, organizing the closures by state. While not exhaustive, the list highlights a significant trend within the industry, acknowledging that some businesses may transition to online-only models or be acquired. The article underscores the profound impact these closures have on local communities and the broader jewelry sector.
Holiday Retail 2025: Record Sales, Shifting Demand, and the Path Forward for Jewelers in 2026
The 2025 holiday season marked a historic milestone with over $1 trillion in U.S. retail sales. However, this growth was primarily driven by price increases rather than consumer demand. Independent jewelers experienced a 5% overall growth in gross sales, largely due to a 12% rise in average retail prices. Diamond jewelry saw an 11% increase in average retail sale but a 4% decrease in gross sales and a 13% drop in units sold. Colored stones outperformed with a 3% growth in finished sales, supported by a 20% price increase. Sterling silver faced an 8% decline in gross sales and a 17% drop in units.
IIJS Bharat - Signature 2026: A Premier Global Jewellery Exhibition
The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) is set to host the IIJS Bharat - Signature 2026, a significant event in the global jewellery calendar. This exhibition, spanning two Mumbai venues from January 8-12, 2026, is anticipated to feature over 1,600 exhibitors and attract more than 25,000 trade buyers from across India and 40 countries worldwide. It will serve as a crucial barometer for market sentiment, influencing sourcing, design, and business trends for the upcoming year in the gem and jewellery sector.