Brendan Fallis

US jewelry sales experienced a 2.5% increase in November, driven by a 4.6% year-over-year rise in the average expenditure per item by consumers.   This uptick in jewelry expenditure is part of a trend indicating a turnaround in US demand for fine jewelry. So far this year, sales have increased almost every month, as did consumers’ average expenditure.   The rise in expenditure has offset the decline in unit sales, which has been another notable trend over the past year.   Sales of diamond jewelry, both finished and store-set, exhibited a similar pattern, albeit with different dynamics. While revenue remained stable and unit sales fell, the average expenditure surged by 5.4%.   Additionally, the results for November may have been influenced by a shift in holiday selling days, as two days typically in November were moved to December 1-2. https://lnkd.in/dRi3uPWq

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I’m excited to share that a new episode of the 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭 🎙 has just dropped, featuring serial entrepreneur jake browne, co-founder of Retrograde! Jake, along with his co-founders Grace Beverley and Gary Meehan, is on a mission to transform the creator economy with Retrograde, an AI talent agency for content creators that recently raised €2 million in pre-seed funding. On a personal note, I’ve witnessed numerous founders of apps aimed at simplifying content creators' tasks face challenges with product adoption, including social media management platforms. In contrast, Retrograde’s user-friendly experience and the fact that it requires no adaptability—who doesn’t use WhatsApp?—truly set it apart. ✨ In this episode, we dive into:  → His previous startup, Peblo, which also aimed to address challenges in the creator economy → The inception of Retrograde and its mission  → A deep dive into the customer journey with Retrograde  → Their impressive referral program → The latest metrics for Retrograde → And much more! 🎧 Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts https://lnkd.in/ercnBsEm Join me for new episodes every Tuesday at 9am CET on all platforms! 🎧🌟 💘If you liked the episode, please consider leaving a rating and review to support the show! #IndustryVoices #Podcast #CreatorEconomy

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If Trump’s proposed tariffs are adopted, it will undoubtedly be a massive headache for fashion brands, but there are some silver linings. First, the bad… These changes threaten to increase production costs, reduce already slim margins, complicate supply chains, and potentially raise consumer costs. I empathize with the uncertainty brands face. But amidst these challenges lies another forcing function for brands to embrace circular models like resale, which I believe will lead to more financially and environmentally sustainable businesses in the long run. A few predictions if these tariffs come to fruition: 🔮 Rising COGS will make higher-margin resale programs more appealing, where brands will profit 2-3X off the same item. 🔮 An even greater focus on buttoning up returns operations to reduce costs wherever possible and ensure all second-quality returns are resold for the highest margins. 🔮 As brands look to extract more value from existing inventory, they’ll get savvier about where they sell their off-price goods. 🔮 With higher prices, cost-conscious shoppers will flock to resale and further accelerate the rapidly growing secondhand market. Of course, while I think adoption of circular models might be a silver lining, it won’t be a silver bullet. The challenges brands face will not be solved by launching a resale program alone, but I do think it might lessen the bite.

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Today over on my Substack, I’m exploring the intersection of cultural cachet—the intangible prestige and social relevance a brand holds within society—Gen Z’s evolving luxury preferences, and why so many sustainable brands are missing the mark. 👀 I dive into why consumers are choosing brands like Revolve and Skims over sustainable options and how sustainability-focused brands can break into the mainstream by tapping into the same emotional and social drivers while staying true to their core values of environmental responsibility and ethical production. I also discuss Everlane’s new CEO, Alfred Chang, formerly of Fear of God. While both brands focus on minimalist basics, Fear of God has built incredible cultural cachet and exclusivity, making it highly desirable. Chang’s experience in creating that cultural relevance could position Everlane to reach a new level of influence and desirability. Will Everlane evolve toward a more fashion-forward, culturally relevant vision, or stick to its minimalist, basics-driven ethos? I’m definitely watching to see if they can break through! Plus, I touch on how early consumer habits complicate the shift toward sustainability later in life. With new legislation in the U.S. and abroad restricting children's access to platforms like Instagram and TikTok, industry experts expect brands to shift toward more traditional marketing methods or explore platforms like Twitch and Roblox to reach younger audiences... but should they? Oh, and I throw a little shade at a New York Times article on individual vs. corporate action… but just a little. 😏 Come hang out and join the conversation! 🤓🧠: https://lnkd.in/g8MEQxh7

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Today over on my Substack, I’m exploring the intersection of cultural cachet—the intangible prestige and social relevance a brand holds within society—Gen Z’s evolving luxury preferences, and why so many sustainable brands are missing the mark. 👀 I dive into why consumers are choosing brands like Revolve and Skims over sustainable options and how sustainability-focused brands can break into the mainstream by tapping into the same emotional and social drivers while staying true to their core values of environmental responsibility and ethical production. I also discuss Everlane’s new CEO, Alfred Chang, formerly of Fear of God. While both brands focus on minimalist basics, Fear of God has built incredible cultural cachet and exclusivity, making it highly desirable. Chang’s experience in creating that cultural relevance could position Everlane to reach a new level of influence and desirability. Will Everlane evolve toward a more fashion-forward, culturally relevant vision, or stick to its minimalist, basics-driven ethos? I’m definitely watching to see if they can break through! Plus, I touch on how early consumer habits complicate the shift toward sustainability later in life. With new legislation in the U.S. and abroad restricting children's access to platforms like Instagram and TikTok, industry experts expect brands to shift toward more traditional marketing methods or explore platforms like Twitch and Roblox to reach younger audiences... but should they? Oh, and I throw a little shade at a New York Times article on individual vs. corporate action… but just a little. 😏 Come hang out and join the conversation! 🤓🧠: https://lnkd.in/g8MEQxh7 (Yes, I posted this already. Yes, this is a test to see what image performs better. Yes, I'll write about this at some point. 😅 Yes, I love my community!)

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Despite the current global economic and geopolitical landscape, the luxury industry continues to thrive, demonstrating its resilience. At The Emerald Company, we recognize that the definition of luxury is evolving. Today’s discerning consumers seek more than just exceptional craftsmanship—they demand authenticity, sustainability, and transparency. We are leading the transformation of the emerald market with a commitment to these values, utilizing Web3 technology and proprietary IP platforms to revolutionize mining practices and retail experiences. Our vision is to redefine luxury, setting new standards that resonate with the next generation of customers and investors alike. Read on and learn what we are doing: https://lnkd.in/enbH8uiS

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Will impact investors turn their back on fashion? Great piece by Megan Doyle for Vogue Business on the growing pressure on fashion brands to accelerate sustainability progress. ASN Impact Investors' decision to divest from major fashion brands due to insufficient progress sends a clear message to the industry: it's time to move from promises to measurable action. At Apparel Impact Institute (Aii), we believe that investors can play a pivotal role in this transformation. As I shared in the article, “Investors should engage deeply with brands to understand where progress is being made and recalibrate expectations to support long-term environmental and social goals.” This divestment highlights the need for transparent results, not just commitments. https://lnkd.in/gJkWiGqQ. Kudos to Megan Doyle for sparking this important conversation. #Sustainability #ImpactInvesting #FashionClimateAction

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Why Some Fashion Brands Never Reach $500M. While Others Soar Past $1B? In the fashion industry, crossing the $500M and $1B sales thresholds represents two critical turning points. But not every brand makes it to these milestones (I witnessed how some brands struggle to even maintain sales levels), and the challenges differ for each group: 📈CHALLENGES FOR FASHION BRANDS BELOW $500M: 1️⃣LACK OF BRAND LOYALTY: Without a loyal customer base, companies struggle to maintain consistent sales. Consumers are bombarded with options and need more than a trendy product—they seek an emotional connection. 2️⃣OPERATIONAL INEFFICIENCIES: Scaling from a niche player to a mid-sized brand requires fine-tuned operations—especially when it comes to supply chain management, production quality, and distribution. 3️⃣UNDERINVESTMENT IN TECHNOLOGY: The digital revolution is transforming fashion, from e-commerce to data analytics. Many smaller brands lack the capital to invest in the right tech to fuel sustainable growth. 4️⃣MARKETING LIMITATIONS: Getting noticed in the fashion world is expensive. Brands under $500M often lack the budget for effective digital campaigns, influencer partnerships, and far more important efficient global reach (one of the most common problems). 📉WHAT DRIVES SUCCESS PAST $1B: 1️⃣GLOBAL MARKET EXPANSION: Brands that cross $1B leverage international markets, tailoring their approach to local cultures and preferences. 2️⃣STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS: Collaborating with other brands, tech firms, or even influencers at this level can drive brand visibility and customer acquisition, opening up new revenue streams. 3️⃣INNOVATION AS A CORE VALUE: From sustainability initiatives to embracing AI and virtual fashion, billion-dollar brands prioritize innovation. They lead trends, rather than follow them. 4️⃣OMNICHANNEL MASTERY: Companies that dominate both online and offline channels create seamless customer experiences, leading to higher conversions and customer retention. For those stuck under $500M, the pathway to higher revenue lies in building a scalable global, tech-savvy business model that speaks to today’s consumer demands. For those surpassing $1B, the challenge is staying agile and relevant in a fast-changing industry. #fashion #smartbusiness #growth #innovation #globalvision #management

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I thoroughly enjoyed doing a stock deep dive on Hermès with Shreekkanth Viswanathan. Since the IPO in 1993, shares of Hermès have compounded at 20.6%, while the S&P 500 had a total return of just 10.4% over the same period. Shree did an exceptional job telling the story of Hermès and explaining why this business is so high-quality. During the episode: - We give a business overview of Hermès. - We share the story of the attempted takeover of Bernard Arnault (very fascinating!). - We discuss the strength of Hermès’ moat, the growth opportunities that lie ahead, and much more. Whether you are interested in Hermès or not, I think there is a lot we can learn about such a company that we can implement into our own business or personal lives in some form or fashion. Links to listen are below. Let me know what you think if you tune in!

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Today Robb Report picked up and covered the findings of Collective Horology's first ever Collective Voice study. The study looked at attitudinal data, but also gave respondents the chance to answer a number of open ended questions about their feelings regarding the modern watch market. The findings, which can you read about in the attached article, paint a positive image - but not without its warnings. Collectors are still quite passionate, with 72% of respondents stating that the industry is in a “strong” or “very strong” position. However, there's still a large segment - 15% - that are not optimistic about the future of the watch industry. On the positive side, collectors want to see more risk taking and creativity from manufactures: for brand CEOs this is great news. If you were wondering if this was the year to launch that crazy project, the answer appears to be "yes." However, pricing remains a significant barrier to purchase. With the consecutive quarter-upon-quarter decline of the secondary market, new watches are now being cross-shopped with pre-owned "deals" making value and value retention a major consideration for collectors. Learn more by reading Victoria Gomelsky's coverage. https://lnkd.in/gbHGCVNe

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🌍 Exciting News! 🌍 I’m honored to share that my insights were featured in a piece by Context Newsroom, a subsidiary of Reuters, following my interview with Md. Tahmid Zami earlier this month. The article discusses the significant investment needed for the fashion industry to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050—more than $600 billion for existing solutions and another $400 billion for innovation, according to the Apparel Impact Institute (Aii). At Aii, through the Fashion Climate Fund, we’ve worked with over 1,000 suppliers to idenitfy opportunities to improve energy and water efficiency, and in many cases begun those project via our Clean By Design program. We act as a "clearing house" to identify and scale decarbonization programs and technologies, focusing on 1,500 suppliers in the FEM with high energy usage. Our goal is to support locally grown decarbonization solutions, with input and buy-in from multiple stakeholders to ensure a unified approach. You can read the full article here: Fashion suppliers want brands to help with EU green regulations. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this important topic! #SustainableFashion #ClimateAction #SupplyChain #GreenRegulations #Bangladesh #FashionIndustry #Leadership #Decarbonization

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🌎 Living in a Next-Gen Material World is about envisioning radical futures and solving systemic issues in the Fashion Industry. 🔬 In my latest TOMORROW column (issue #28) for Spur magazine, we focused on the Bio-Industrial Revolution and how forward-thinking leaders are reshaping industries with groundbreaking solutions. ⏩ There's a momentum I’ve witnessed grow in over a decade of covering fashion futures and bio-materials. 💚 A moral imperative drives this bio-industrial revolution, transforming how we produce fashion goods to create a new normal. 🛰️ The future is about reimagining what's possible. 📰 Read the insights here (in English) https://lnkd.in/gf9e_f7W Featuring: Sway GANNI BioFluff Kuori Natural Fiber Weldings Living Ink Modern Synthesis Rubi Laboratories Qorium & More!

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I’m excited to announce that Hill & Co. is launching its first-ever industry report - The Business of Jewelry. This report marks the beginning of a unique series exploring the most significant themes shaping the future of the diamond, gemstone, and jewelry industry. We all know how challenging the market landscape is at the moment: supply chains are consolidating, consumer demands are evolving and technology is transforming how we do business. Generational brands are disappearing from our malls and main streets. With every challenge, there lies a golden opportunity. This is a pivotal moment for you to reflect on the future direction of your business, and we are here to support you in this journey of growth and adaptation. Demand for fine jewelry isn’t changing, but businesses must work harder to capture their customers' attention. That may mean fine-tuning your approach or transforming your business altogether. With our market changing rapidly, we wanted to produce a report that shares our insights and gives a platform to leading business thinkers in our industry and beyond. The first edition is all about the supply chain consolidation we’re witnessing and how you should respond in your business. We normally reserve our frameworks and strategic thinking for some of the fastest-growing businesses in our industry that we’re privileged to call our clients. But today, we’re providing it to you. Download your copy at the link below, I’d love to hear what you think in the comments. Breaking the Chain — Hill & Co. https://bit.ly/3XXmtTa

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No Time for Fussing—Bid Now for a Purposeful Piece that Marks A Moment, Prioritizes Responsible Luxury and Pass Down The Legacy Through the creation of the "BeeSpoke" Twin Bees Pendant, I am proud to align my Ani Fine Jewelry work with several key Sustainable Development and ESG goals. This design prioritizes responsible sourcing by using a 2.6 carat Asscher-cut amethyst, mined by Wales, a female artisanal miner in Tanzania, and ethically sourced through ANZA Gems & Moyo Gems. This ensures gender equality (Goal 5) by empowering women miners and promoting safe, fair working conditions. The use of 14K Harmony Fairmined Gold supports decent work and economic growth (Goal 8) and promotes sustainable consumption and production patterns (Goal 12). By participating in Pure Earth's 25th-anniversary auction, I’m contributing to the mitigation of mercury pollution and helping to create a safer planet for future generations, which aligns with climate action (Goal 13) and life on land (Goal 15). This isn’t just about luxury; it’s about sustainability, empowerment, and making a real impact. Help continue this mission—bid now to support ethical craftsmanship and a healthier planet for all. 🌍✨ https://lnkd.in/etgY3Xwc #PureEarthNow #SustainableDevelopmentGoals #ESGGoals #GenderEquality #ResponsibleSourcing #SustainableLuxury #EmpowerWomen #EthicalMining #FairTradeGems #ClimateAction #NoMercury #SustainableJewelry #DecentWork #LifeOnLand #CircularEconomy

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Went to the #ikeasleepeasy #NYC pop-up event this weekend. Overall, it was well executed: a faux bodega entrance, followed by a “secret” graffiti-covered hallway that led into a series of rooms highlighting different aspects of sleep -- sound, temperature, air, light, and comfort -- each with some hangtagged and QR-coded IKEA products. There was a DJ, free food (surprisingly no #meatballs), an embroidery station, an #AI dream interpreter, and plenty of spaces for grownups, kids, and those in between. It was staffed with friendly associates and well marketed, especially in the subways and stations closest to the event. That being said, I left -- as often happens with pop-ups -- wondering what it was for and what it accomplished. Yes, the whole thing was #grammable (Insta shows “100+” #ikeasleepeasy posts) and there was an #IkeaFamily check-in station (you needed to scan in to get a #swagbag). But from what I observed during the 45 min we were there, it was a #tweener, stuck in between being a #party and a #store. It wasn’t fun enough to hang out for the afternoon, and it lacked enough product tie-ins to make it a productive shopping event. We went as a family because we are looking to revamp / update our kids’ rooms. So I was hoping to get inspiration, ideas, or perhaps even some room design guidance (my kids were hoping for the same). So while we enjoyed the treats, we didn’t really learn anything new that could help or see any #MustHave products, and we didn’t leave any more likely to consider #Ikea than we were going in. And as I write this 2 days later, I have not received any follow-up, and am interested to see how they re-engage on the items I scanned and the fact they know I attended. I've been to a lot of pop-ups, and this was one of the better ones. The theme was clear, and well-aligned to the brand and its products. The staging and flow gave people something to do. And most of the attendees seemed to be having fun. I think, though, for the #brands and #retailers who put these on, there's never enough happening before or after to drive the customer engagement -- and ultimately the #sales and #CLV -- to make them seem worth the effort. A pop-up cannot be viewed as a "thing" unto itself; it has to be a means to an end. And all too often, that's the part that's missing.

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The market is shrinking and labels are reviewing their leather accessories’ prices and assortment, cutting down on small leather goods and relying on expensive high-end items, according to a Retviews by Lectra study. #fashion #retail #business #brand #brands #branding #startups #entrepreneurship

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Where is CSARA at: Milestones, Momentum, and Moving Forward ✅ Brand Identity: Carefully crafted and now fully aligned with our core purpose. ✅ Spring 2025 Collection: Production is underway, and we’re on track for an impactful launch. ✅ Accessories Range: Entering the second round of samples, refining every detail. ✅ Expanding Investor Community: who believe in CSARA’s future and our long-term vision. ✅ VR Showroom: Our team is fully immersed in creating an immersive virtual space to showcase our collections in a way that connects. ✅ Winter 2025 Collection: Featuring our new fitness range, ready for the sampling phase. ✅ SEIS Approval: This key milestone opens fresh pathways for growth and investment. Every milestone reminds us that CSARA is more than just a brand—it’s about building a community and creating a lasting impact. Lessons and Reflections from the Journey So Far: 1. Trust the Journey, Step by Step: The progress can feel incremental, but each small step builds towards the larger vision. 2. Surround Yourself with Believers: Our investors, mentors, and team members fuel our determination. The right support network can amplify what’s possible. 3. Be Bold in Innovation: Creating our VR showroom has been a bold move, and it’s shown us the power of fresh ideas to set CSARA apart. 4. Acknowledge Every Win: Each step, whether design approval or securing SEIS, deserves recognition. Celebrating these moments fuels motivation for what’s next. 5. Hold Tight to Your Purpose: CSARA isn’t just about products—it’s about empowering a community around women’s sports and lifestyle. Staying true to this purpose gives every effort deeper meaning. Closing the week welcoming a new incredible investor to the CSARA community. Their belief in our vision and commitment to supporting our mission is a powerful reminder of what we’re building together. A sincere thank you to everyone who has supported this journey so far and to our newest investor - For anyone out there striving to bring their ideas to life, remember: every step, no matter how small, moves you closer to your goals. Keep going, stay focused, and trust the process. *Photo of me shared as not in activewear for once 😂 #CSARA #Entrepreneur #BuildingABrand #FemaleFounder #WomensSports #WomensGolf #Innovation #VR #Networking #Investment

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Mother’s Day sparked a promising trend in the jewelry industry this year. With sales surpassing last year's figures, US consumers are showing signs of increased demand. In May, jewelry sales rose by 1.8% year over year, with a 2% increase in average expenditure per item. The Jewelry Index reflects this positive shift, with a continuous upward trend since March. Notably, sales surged by 5% on May 10-11 compared to the same period in 2023. Retailers are also optimistic about the year ahead, as evidenced by the positive outcomes at recent trade shows in Las Vegas. Exhibitors reported heightened buyer demand, indicating a strong market outlook. However, the demand for loose lab-grown diamonds at JCK was subdued, resulting in notably reduced prices. Read more about the latest trends in jewelry sales from Tenoris: [Link to the article](https://lnkd.in/d7j-upjC) #JewelryIndustry #ConsumerDemand #RetailTrends

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