Get Over Here... and Buy Some Jewels! Luxury Spending is Down, But Bling is UP!

Retail's Mortal Blow?

Bah! The Elder Gods themselves must be displeased. They predicted a glorious 2025 for luxury retail! Instead U.S. credit card spending on lavish trinkets has plummeted faster than Quan Chi's reputation. Citi's data reveals a grim tale. Luxury spending has fallen and it seems the post election euphoria was about as real as Shang Tsung's promises! It seems we may have gotten ahead of ourselves. Perhaps we should retreat and regroup like when I faced defeat against the elder Sub Zero... only to return stronger! **GET OVER HERE!**... and listen up.

Jewelry: The Shining Light in the Netherrealm of Retail

But fear not for a beacon of hope shines brighter than my burning skull! Jewelry it seems is the one realm still thriving. While leather goods and ready to wear wither like those who dare face me in kombat jewelry sales surge like a flaming spear through the chest of an unsuspecting opponent. Monthly spending on sparkly things has risen since September! And in May? A glorious 10.1% year over year increase! It seems even in these dark times the allure of shiny objects remains strong. They do make a lovely addition to my collection... you know for intimidation purposes. Or perhaps as a peace offering to appease my rage. *cough*.

More Money More Problems... and More Jewels!

What truly separates jewelry from the rabble? It's not just the average Joe spending more it's the fact that *more* Joes are spending! Except for the really REALLY high end stuff apparently some of those folks are pinching pennies. But those who remain? They're dropping serious coin spending 11.7% more! It seems some understand the true value of a finely crafted bauble. It's not just about looking good; it's about feeling powerful! Now where's my tiara?

The Gold Standard: Why Jewelry is the Ultimate Investment

Citi's analyst Thomas Chauvet speaks of jewelry as "investment pieces." Wise words! It's not merely frivolous adornment; it's a tangible asset! A symbol of status! And dare I say a hedge against the impending doom of Shao Kahn's return! (Okay maybe not that last one but you get the idea.) Chauvet notes that jewelry holds sentimental value making it a superior choice over say a handbag that looks like every other handbag. Speaking of which...

Handbags: As Exciting as Sub Zero's Personality

Handbags it seems have become as predictable as Sub Zero's ice ball. They've jacked up prices by as much as 40% since the pandemic yet offer nothing new! Chauvet laments their lack of "newness," and I couldn't agree more. They're as bland as a Tarkatan's table manners. When you can't tell one brand's bag from another what's the point? It's like facing the same generic foot soldier over and over again... tiresome! No give me a jewel encrusted dagger any day. Now THAT'S a statement!

Trouble on the Horizon: Tariffs Oil and the Ever Weakening Dollar

Alas even the glittering world of jewelry faces looming threats. Trump's tariffs are about to return the Iran Israel conflict is messing with oil prices and the U.S. dollar is weaker than Johnny Cage's acting skills. Chauvet warns that a weak dollar makes Americans less inclined to spend lavishly abroad. So before you rush out to buy that diamond studded mask keep an eye on the horizon. The winds of change are blowing and they may bring more than just a pleasant breeze. After all nothing is ever as it seems; such is the nature of the Mortal Kombat tournament... and apparently the luxury retail market.