Demand for online jewellery helped boost retail sales in December, defying an otherwise challenging festive period for retailers. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported a 0.4% increase in sales compared to the previous month, attributing the rise to heightened demand for precious metals like gold and silver from online jewellers.
Internet shopping demonstrated strong performance overall, alongside a marginal increase in supermarket sales and automotive fuel. However, non-food retailers, including department, clothing, and household stores, experienced a 0.9% decline in sales. This monthly increase, exceeding expectations, followed an unexpected sales dip in November, even with the inclusion of Black Friday sales. November saw a 0.1% decrease, preceded by a 0.8% drop in October. While monthly growth rates can fluctuate, the ONS indicated a 0.3% decrease in sales volumes during the final three months of the year compared to the preceding quarter, with both supermarkets and online stores experiencing a decline. Nevertheless, retail sales for 2025 as a whole increased by 1.3%, driven by stronger performances in food and non-food stores, as well as non-store retailers, primarily online businesses.
The surge in online jewellery sales highlights the evolving landscape of retail, where e-commerce platforms are increasingly influencing consumer behavior. This trend has significant implications for traditional brick-and-mortar stores, which must adapt to compete with the convenience and accessibility offered by online retailers. The data suggests a potential shift in consumer preferences towards online channels, particularly for luxury goods like jewellery.
The jewellery industry, traditionally reliant on physical stores for sales, is witnessing a digital transformation. Online jewellers are leveraging AI-powered tools to enhance the customer experience, offering personalized recommendations, virtual try-on features, and AI-driven chatbots for customer support. These advancements are making online jewellery shopping more appealing and accessible to a wider audience.
Looking ahead, the future of retail will likely be shaped by further integration of AI and e-commerce. Retailers that embrace these technologies and adapt to changing consumer preferences will be best positioned to thrive in an increasingly competitive market. The rise of online jewellery sales serves as a case study for how specific sectors can leverage digital platforms to drive growth, even during periods of broader economic uncertainty.
AI-Assisted Journalism
This article was generated with AI assistance, synthesizing reporting from multiple credible news sources. Our editorial team reviews AI-generated content for accuracy.
Deep insights powered by AI
Continue exploring
Brazilian filmmaker Janaína Marques' debut feature, *I Built a Rocket Imagining Your Arrival*, has been picked up by Patra Spanou Film for international sales ahead of its world premiere at the Berlin Film Festival's Forum section. This acquisition positions Marques' experimental indie film for a major launch, reminiscent of past Forum successes that have propelled first-time directors into the spotlight.
Researchers have identified five previously overlooked genes responsible for hereditary gradual blindness, potentially resolving unexplained cases of retinitis pigmentosa, which impacts millions globally. This genetic discovery offers new avenues for understanding and potentially treating this common cause of vision loss, highlighting the complex interplay between genetics and human health. The findings underscore the importance of ongoing genetic research in addressing inherited diseases and improving diagnostic capabilities.
Guinea-Bissau has suspended a US-funded hepatitis B vaccine trial, sparking debate over research oversight in Africa and raising concerns about the coordination between international funders and local public health authorities. The suspension, pending technical and ethical review, highlights the need for clearer communication and collaboration in global health research initiatives, potentially influencing future vaccine trials and public health policies in the region. The trial's status remains uncertain despite conflicting statements from involved organizations.
This week's book summaries explore diverse topics, from the foundational discoveries of microbiology by Antoni van Leeuwenhoek and the interconnectedness of humans and nature through biosemiotics, to the complexities of human memory and its fallibility in recalling significant events. These works offer insights into the microscopic world, the philosophical implications of our relationship with the environment, and the cognitive processes that shape our understanding of the past.
Research indicates that the speed and effectiveness of nasal cell antiviral defenses determine cold severity, suggesting the body's response is more critical than the virus itself. This finding highlights the potential for therapies that boost these natural defenses to prevent or lessen cold symptoms, offering a new approach to managing rhinovirus infections.
Research indicates that individuals maintaining exceptional cognitive function into their 80s, termed "super agers," possess a genetic profile characterized by a reduced prevalence of the APOE-ε4 Alzheimer's risk gene and increased presence of the protective APOE-ε2 variant. These findings, published in *Alzheimer's & Dementia*, suggest a significant genetic component in preserving cognitive health during advanced aging, offering potential targets for future Alzheimer's prevention strategies. Understanding these genetic factors could inform personalized approaches to promote brain health and resilience against age-related cognitive decline.
A novel blood test shows promise in detecting Crohn's disease years before the onset of symptoms by identifying an unusual immune response to gut bacteria. Experts suggest this early detection could lead to earlier diagnosis and potential preventative interventions, minimizing long-term damage associated with the disease.
New research indicates that long-term type 2 diabetes can alter red blood cells, impairing blood vessel function and elevating cardiovascular risk. Experts at the Karolinska Institutet identified a specific molecule within these cells that may serve as an early biomarker for rising heart disease risk in diabetic patients, highlighting the importance of early monitoring and intervention. This finding underscores the need for ongoing management of diabetes to mitigate potential vascular damage.
The House of Representatives passed a series of spending bills to avert a government shutdown, though funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) faced strong opposition from Democrats due to concerns over agency tactics. Despite Democratic objections, the bills passed with bipartisan support and now move to the Senate for a vote, where they are expected to face further scrutiny.
A House resolution seeking to limit presidential war powers in Venezuela failed in a tie vote, highlighting divisions within Congress regarding executive authority over military actions. Republicans argued that the U.S. military's mission in Venezuela, including the capture of Nicolás Maduro, was a law enforcement action already completed under existing presidential authority, while proponents of the resolution aimed to reassert congressional oversight. The measure would have required congressional approval for any future military presence in the country.
TikTok has finalized agreements with investors like Oracle and Silver Lake to form TikTok U.S., a new American entity designed to address national security concerns through enhanced data protection and content moderation. This restructuring allows U.S. users to continue using the platform under redefined safeguards, with Adam Presser appointed as CEO and oversight from a majority-American board.
Venezuela is considering a significant overhaul of its oil sector, potentially opening it to private and international investment after decades of state control initiated by Hugo Chávez. This move, driven by economic pressures and encouraged by the U.S. following recent political upheaval, signals a shift away from resource nationalism amidst a global context of oil oversupply and strained U.S.-Venezuelan relations. The proposed legislation aims to revitalize Venezuela's struggling oil industry by creating opportunities for foreign companies and establishing international arbitration for investment disputes.
Discussion
Join the conversation
Be the first to comment