The luxury and jewelry industries bounced back this holiday
season with strong sales increases, according to MasterCard Advisors’ SpendingPulse, which tracks sales nationally.

After what the company called a “mild start,” the jewelry category posted weekly year-over-year sales increases, and ended the season with an
8.4 percent boost in sales. Luxury items excluding jewelry rose 6.7 percent
over last season.
 
“If last year’s holiday story was about gaining some stability, this year’s is
about getting back to growth,” Michael McNamara, vice president of research and
analysis for SpendingPulse, said in a statement.  
 
Retail sales, excluding autos, increased 5.5 percent Nov. 5–Dec. 24.

JCK