JA releases 2001 cost of doing business survey. (Up Front / News Trends People).(Jewelers of America report)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)

JCK's High-Volume Jeweler, December, 2001 by Heebner, Jennifer

Jewelers of America has published results of its most recent Cost of Doing Business Survey. Highlights of the survey this year include:

* A median sales increase of 3.3% among all respondents (down from the 10.5% increase enjoyed by members the previous year).

* Overall gross margins decreased to 47.4%, the lowest level since 1987.

* Net profitability (profit as a percentage of sales) decreased from 7.3% to 6.1%, reversing a four-year trend.

* Diamond jewelry and loose diamonds accounted for nearly half of all sales.

Sales growth across all categories is somewhat disappointing compared with results in the 2000 survey. Chain stores fared best, experiencing the largest sales growth--10.5%. Designers, artists, and...