Anyone else see that light—the flicker at the end of a seemingly long and dark retail tunnel? JCKLuxury does, and it’s getting brighter each day.

That’s because consumerism has possibly turned a corner. Better-than-expected sales have been reported at recent trade fairs, innovative and savvy retail jewelers continue to skillfully adapt promotions and merchandise mixes to changing times, and luxury store owners whom JCK Luxury spoke to at press time revealed good news: store openings, new store formats, renewed interest in higher-ticket items, and excitement about fourth-quarter sales.

“Last week we couldn’t even take lunches because we were so busy,” says Cathy Calhoun, owner, Calhoun’s Jeweler’s, Royersford, Pa., on business of late. “Women can only hold back from shopping for so long.” [For more insight from Calhoun, turn to “Retailer Soundoff” on page 106.]

To help retailers prepare for a robust holiday season, this issue of JCK Luxury offers content to inspire and educate. An array of fun and funky cuff bracelets—priced from $30 to $1,000 retail—in “À La Mode” present great gifting options. Retailers interviewed in “Retail Soundoff” predict the lines that will sell best this holiday season, summer parties sizzle in “Festivities” on page 104, and a New York–based nonprofit exec dishes on her design preferences in “At Last” on page 108. And be sure to check out “The Go-Getter,” a Personality profile of Carol Brodie, the authority on reinventing yourself (p. 93).

We hope you enjoy the issue and offer our best wishes for a vibrant selling season.