The latest report from Retail Edge Consultants uncovered a 4.4 per cent decrease in revenue on a year-on-year comparison and a 9 per cent decline on a two-year comparison.
This followed consecutive sales increases in February and January. With that said, the report noted that the pace of decline in March has eased comparatively.
Unit sales decreased by 9 per cent in March on a one-year comparison and 17 per cent when compared with 2023.
“While this marks the second consecutive March of contraction, the pace of decline has eased slightly from the previous year,” general manager Leon van Megen explained.
“This continued downward trend in volume may suggest a shift in consumer preference toward fewer but higher-value purchases.”
The average retail sale (inventory only) increased to $285, rising by 6 per cent compared with March 2024 and 11 per cent with March 2023.
Taking a closer look at specific categories, sales of diamond jewellery decreased by 6 per cent year over year, with the analysis suggesting that this trend indicated a return to market conditions similar to those experienced before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sales of colour gemstone jewellery decreased modestly (1.5 per cent) on a year-on-year comparison, while silver and alternative metals jewellery revenue declined sharply by 24 per cent.
Finally, sales of jewellery without a precious gemstone or diamond decreased by 7 per cent.
Analysis of the pattern in laybys in dollar terms between new orders and pickups and cancellations was positive, while declines were noted in services, such as repairs, and special orders.
2025 Jewellery Retail Sales March Results
Charts published with permission courtesy of Retail Edge
The charts below are based on data collected via Retail Edge POS software
at more than 400 independent Australian jewellery stores.
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