Sales Strategy
The Jewelry Store Buyers Circle: How to Spot a Trend Six Months Before It Goes Mainstream | February 06, 2026 (0 comments)
Merrick, NY--In retail, the biggest wins go to those who see the next wave before everyone else. While many retailers wait until a trend becomes “obvious,” the most successful ones spot shifts months in advance, giving them time to buy strategically and position themselves ahead of competitors.
The good news? You don’t need a crystal ball. Here’s how to get ahead of the curve.
Let’s discuss: Email your response to hhauben1@gmail.com. All submissions will remain anonymous. Here are a few ideas/questions to get started:
- What tools have helped you spot trends early in the past?
- Which ecommerce retailers do you think tend to set trends before they reach your store?
- How do you currently track competitors, and what signals do you find most useful?
1. Pay Attention to Social Media Micro-Trends
Social media is one of the fastest-moving forecasting tools available. TikTok creators, niche Instagram accounts, and Pinterest mood boards can offer early clues. What starts as a quiet aesthetic trend often becomes a full-blown market shift.
Look for:
- Rising hashtags
- Influencers switching up their aesthetic
- Sudden engagement spikes in certain jewelry categories
Use platform tools like TikTok Creative Center, Pinterest Trends, or Instagram Explore to see what’s bubbling.
2. Let Google (and AI) Do the Heavy Lifting
Google Trends works like an early-warning system. When searches for a specific style, like “chunky chain necklace” or “yellow gold hoop earrings” start climbing steadily, it signals a shift in demand long before customers walk into your store asking for it.
Pairing Google Trends with AI-driven analytics gives you an even clearer picture of what’s coming next. AI research tools can help you spot patterns in search behavior, track emerging keywords in your niche, and identify “breakout” terms that are gaining traction quickly.
Together, these insights show you what is trending, how fast the trend is accelerating and where the momentum is coming from, allowing you to make smarter buying decisions months in advance.
3. Study Your Local Competitors (Quietly)
Visit local competitor stores and monitor their social feeds to see what they consistently promote.
Online, look for practical signals such as “in stock” filters or “best sellers” sections on competitor websites, which often indicate strong-performing items. E-commerce assortments can be especially revealing, as these indicators update more frequently than in-store displays and provide insight into what is currently driving demand.
Key things to watch:
- New categories or styles being introduced across multiple retailers
- Metals or stone shapes that begin appearing more frequently, signalling a broader shift rather than a one-off trend
- Cultural or celebrity-driven moments, such as a high-profile social media engagement or red-carpet appearance that suddenly increase demand for specific styles
4. Build a Network of Out-of-State Retailers
One of the strongest predictors of what’s coming your way is what retailers in other regions are already seeing. Trends move geographically. That means a product gaining traction in California, Florida, or Texas today may become your next bestseller in a few months.
Set up monthly calls, group chats, or mastermind sessions with other retailers, especially those in different states or markets similar to yours. Comparing notes with peers who see trends earlier in their regions can give you insights that are often more accurate and timely than any algorithm.
5. Follow Industry Publications
Industry trade publications such as The Centurion News Daily, National Jeweler and INSTORE often share insights pulled from retailer POS systems, highlighting trends like “yellow gold up 22% year-over-year” or “bold florals trending for Spring.”
These numbers matter. When a category sees a sharp percentage increase, the market is shifting… and you can ride the wave early.
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Our Mission: The Jewelry Store Buyers Circle column is designed to empower jewelry store buyers with actionable insights and strategies that drive success in today’s dynamic market. By combining the precision of data analysis—such as key reports, inventory optimization, and sales forecasting—with practical advice on merchandising, vendor negotiations, and pricing strategies, this column will serve as a comprehensive guide. Beyond the numbers, I aim to explore the art of building strong vendor relationships and mastering the nuances of customer-centric buying decisions, ensuring readers are equipped to navigate both the analytical and human aspects of the jewelry business.
About the Author: Megan Crabtree is the Founder & CEO of Crabtree Consulting, a boutique consulting firm with a proven track record of successfully growing jewelry retailers and manufacturers for over two decades. Known for their unique data-driven approach, they flawlessly identify barriers and create tailored growth opportunities, fueling unprecedented success and helping clients reach their goals in the industry. For more information, visit https://www.crabtreeadvisory.com/