Platinum Jewellery Market to Grow Further 35% in 2014 in India

MUMBAI, May 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

PGI's Retail Trade Barometer is the First Platinum Jewellery Market Research on Retail Sales

Platinum Guild International (PGI) globally piloted a research to track consumer sales and released its first 'Retail Trade Barometer' for platinum jewellery. The Barometer is the first independent research of its kind to analyse and forecast global trends in the platinum jewellery market from the perspective of retail sales. In India, the Barometer was reviewed and reported by StratWon Business Consulting and the sample covered a cross section of retailers from chain stores and independents, who account for 50% of the platinum jewellery sales.

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The key findings of PGI's 2014 Retail Trade Barometer for India were:

Platinum Jewellery (PJ) sales 2013

• 2013 saw strong growth of +41% in both chain stores and independents grew at the same pace
• Despite a slow market, platinum was the fastest growing category in the Indian jewellery sector

Consumer demand on rise: 2013 growth drivers

• Footfall driving category and the volume driver was the Platinum Day of Love (PDOL) - Couple Bands with +35% growth with innovative designs, concepts linked to eternal love through the PDOL campaign
• Another key driver for sales was the men's jewellery range (chains and bracelets) grown rapidly at +53% with platinum being a lead category within men's jewellery
• Increase in weight per piece for both segments (esp. Men's PJ) and average PJ ticket price

PJ Retail Trends

• Rings/couple bands for men and women account for 60 to 65% of the PJ stocks
• While couple bands continue to be the volume driver as they are fast moving items, most retailers intend to increase stocking of 'heavier' items, which include men's range, necklaces, bangles, etc. for increasing their PJ sales volumes and average ticket sizes

India Retailer Outlook for 2014

• Retailers are bullish about 2014 with PJ expected to be fastest growing sector to continue to a further +35%, ranging from low of +25% to a high of +60%
• Most retailers want to push men's range, but select players also want to see traction in bangles
• The uncertainty caused by the general elections and on the new government policies on imports, taxes, the market is described as being "optimistic but anxious"

PGI Global Outlook

• Retail demand for PJ is forecast to grow by 5.3% across the 4 key global markets (China, India, Japan and the USA, which accounted for 92% of global demand in 2014)
• China, the world's largest PJ market, is forecast to grow 5% in 2014 (2013: 3% growth)
• Both mature markets are also anticipated to grow in 2014. Japan is forecast to grow by 1.2% and the USA by 11%

Nicholas Graham Smith, COO, PGI commented, "The Indian Retail Trade Barometer's results indicate very strong consumer desire for platinum jewellery. The Indian market is still relatively small in a global context, but has been growing at an exponential rate. The outlook for 2014 and beyond is also extremely positive. There are many factors which provide the basis for continued growth - the success of the Platinum Day of Love programme, increased distribution across India with more retailers stocking platinum, product innovations and exciting designs, and platinum's powerful emotional connection with consumers".

Vaishali Banerjee, Country Manager India, PGI said, "The retail forecast for 2014 looks very promising and there seems to be an opportunity to take this further. Firstly, we have been very successful at utilising digital media and integrating marketing programmes that have positioned it well amongst the younger audience, making it emotionally significant for them. Once the knowledge of the value of platinum deepens, the demand will increase. Platinum Day of Love couple bands is the volume driver. Men's jewellery is a nascent category and it delivered very strong figures - some retailers reported doubling their sales. Also, many have shown interest in stocking heavier items in terms of jewellery and PGI is evaluating the next segment of growth for the market."

Vijay Jain, CEO, ORRA, said, "Over the years, PGI has done a remarkable job in building traction for platinum in the country. This is reflected not only in the phenomenal growth of platinum, but in it becoming an integral part of purchase, whether engagement rings (such as ORRA Platinum Couples) or even festive and auspicious occasions such as Diwali. The trends work at a consumer demand level either real or potential such as Platinum Love Bands and in terms of design forecast given PGI's strong presence both in India and globally. For 2014, independent of the outcome of the new government and statutory regulations, there are certain concepts, which effectively allow us to build a strong proposition with platinum engagement bands, anniversary gifting and jewellery for men."

G. R. Ananthapadmanabhan, MD, GRT Jewellers commented, "The platinum jewellery sales have been on an upward trend and 2013 witnessed high growth for this category. Besides the couple bands the interest amongst men for platinum jewellery is growing at a fast pace. Our focus for this year will continue to cater to this growing consumer demand with exclusive platinum designs of rings, chains and bracelets that appeal to men. With the support of the PGI's communication program and considering the market trends and consumer behaviour, we expect the scope of this precious metal to develop further in 2014."

About the Retail Trade Barometer

The Retail Trade Barometer is the first in a planned series of annual market reports by the PGI specifically analysing retail sales and forecasts in the four key international platinum jewellery markets of China, India, Japan and the United States. The research was conducted in January and February 2014 from a large sample of platinum retail jewellers involving the expertise of a number of independent research organisations.

About Platinum Guild International:

Founded in the year 1975, Platinum Guild International (PGI) is dedicated to promoting platinum jewellery to the consumers and the jewellery trade worldwide. Headquartered in London, PGI has been providing support to the world's major jewellery markets for over 35 years. The India office was set up in September 2000 and runs a comprehensive marketing programme to build desire for platinum jewellery in India. Also, it provides platinum retail sales training and conducts a unique Quality Assurance programme to ensure quality and purity of platinum jewellery amongst consumers and trade. For more information log on to www.preciousplatinum.in

Media Contact : Divya Dulani, [email protected], 02266823333, Actimedia