Jewelry Stores

Jewelry Stores

Brief Excerpt from Industry Overview Chapter:

Companies in this industry sell jewelry, silverware, watches, and clocks through electronic home shopping and physical retail stores. Major US companies include Kay Jewelers, Tiffany and Co, and Zales Jewelers; other industry leaders include the retail operations of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group (Hong Kong) and Richemont and Swatch (both based in Switzerland).

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Demand is driven largely by consumers' disposable income. Profitability depends on merchandising and marketing. Large companies enjoy economies of scale in purchasing. Small jewelers can compete with large chains by establishing favorable reputations. The US industry is fragmented: the 50 largest companies generate about 45% of revenue.

PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY

Diamond jewelry accounts for the largest share of total jewelry store sales, at about 50%. Watches, watchbands, and parts account for about 30%, other gemstone jewelry at 10%, as well as karat gold jewelry accounting for about 10%. Other products include loose gemstones and costume and novelty jewelry.