Joining me now is Feta Kinska, founder and CEO of Reala Global Consulting. Spetta, great to have you at the desk. Thanks so much for joining us. >> Thanks so much for having me.So, your company analyzed 11 million social posts over the last 30 days to figure out what Americans are buying and what could essentially go wrong this holiday season. So, let's break it all down. I guess let's start on the retail side.What are the biggest risks to holiday spending right now. So when I analyze consumers and digital ...

Core Insights - A national study reveals that most couples prefer a private proposal while collaborating on the ring selection and planning to share the moment online, particularly among Gen Z [2][3] Expectations and Collaboration - 83% of respondents prefer a private proposal, with 88% viewing proposals as the ultimate romantic gesture [6] - 88% of those being proposed to plan to share ring preferences before engagement, yet 59% desire no involvement in the proposal itself [6] - 51% of proposers prefer their partner to be uninvolved in planning the proposal, while Gen Z proposers are more inclined to involve their partners compared to millennials [6] Shopping and Research Behavior - 79% of Gen Z and 63% of millennials use social media for education on engagement rings, with YouTube being the most popular platform [6] - 41% of men versus 22% of women utilize YouTube for engagement ring education, indicating a gender disparity in research behavior [6] - 83% of respondents value the ability to purchase in-store, while 56% find online purchasing important [6] Product Priorities and Values - 96% of respondents consider ring quality important, with 79% deeming it very important [10] - 76% are willing to invest more for a customized ring, with Gen Z showing a stronger preference for customization [10] - 88% of Gen Z prioritize sustainability when selecting a retailer, compared to 81% of millennials [10]

Financial Performance & Forecast - Signet Jewelers reported a healthy revenue and earnings beat, leading management to raise their four-year forecast [1] - Signet Jewelers repurchased 59 million shares in 2017, which decreased to approximately 40 million shares currently [21] Brand Strategy & Positioning - Jared is positioned as the brand embodying "inspired luxury," offering both finished merchandise and on-site craftsmen for custom designs [5][6] - A custom ring inspired by Taylor Swift's ring was created at Jared in six days, priced at $100,000 [6][7] - Kay Jewelers is positioned for milestone gifting and reaches the broadest cross-section of America, catering to various gift-giving occasions [8][10][11] - Zales is being repositioned towards self-purchase and fashion, with a lower price point and more fashion-inspired designs, while still retaining a bridal component [8][9] Diamond Market - The company distinguishes between natural and lab-grown diamonds, recognizing demand for both [12] - Natural diamonds are preferred above the $5,000 price point, appealing to customers seeking to hold value as an asset [13] - Lab-grown diamonds are popular below the $2,000 price point, emphasizing emotional value, and are critical for extending the fashion jewelry category [13][14] Gold Market - Customers understand the value of gold and are willing to invest in it, making it a permeable category for price transfer [16] - The impact of high gold prices is felt more in the Banter business, where price points are $100 and below [17] Online Business - Core brands like Kay and Jared continue to drive growth in the online business [18] - Blue Nile is showing healthy progress and growth [18] - James Allen requires work to reset customer strategy, pricing, promotions, and assortment architecture [19]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q2 net sales reached $108.9 million, representing a year-over-year increase of 3.3%, exceeding the high end of guidance by 330 basis points [17] - Total orders grew 18% year-over-year, while repeat orders increased by 11% [17] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 was $3.2 million, marking a 2.9% adjusted EBITDA margin, significantly surpassing guidance [18] - Average order value (AOV) declined by 12.6% year-over-year to $2,074, attributed to the growth in fine jewelry, which has a lower price point compared to bridal collections [18] - Gross margin was 58.3%, a decrease of 250 basis points year-over-year, primarily due to higher gold costs and tariffs [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fine jewelry bookings grew 38% year-over-year, contributing significantly to overall sales growth [8] - Engagement rings and wedding bands experienced high single-digit unit growth year-over-year [11] - The average order value decline was influenced by the strong performance in fine jewelry, which is generally lower-priced than bridal assortments [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Customer demand for Brilliant Earth jewelry remained strong, with total orders growing 18% year-over-year [10] - The company noted a rebound in engagement ring customers, particularly in the under $5,000 price range [10] - Showroom orders from retail customers without scheduled appointments grew 81% year-over-year, indicating increased walk-in traffic [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to become the world's most loved and trusted jewelry brand, focusing on increasing brand awareness and providing a seamless omnichannel experience [7] - Strategic investments are being made in technology, data analytics, and showroom expansion to drive long-term growth [8] - The company is leveraging AI and machine learning to enhance marketing efficiency and operational effectiveness [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating the current environment, including the impact of new tariffs on imports from India [6][25] - The company raised its annual net sales guidance, expecting growth of 2.5% to 4% year-over-year [24] - Management highlighted the importance of strategic investments in brand building and showroom expansion to sustain growth [35] Other Important Information - The company announced a one-time cash dividend of approximately $25.3 million, reflecting its strong cash position and commitment to shareholder returns [22] - The company ended Q2 with approximately $134 million in cash, having paid off its term loan, leaving no outstanding debt [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on fine jewelry growth relative to margins - Management noted that consumers are discerning and gravitating towards high-quality fine jewelry, which is positively impacting overall AOV [30][32] Question: Thoughts on debt payment and future investments - Management emphasized the strong balance sheet and cash position, allowing for continued strategic investments in brand and showroom growth [34][36] Question: Consumer health and spending habits - Management observed that consumers are discerning but are spending on high-quality jewelry, with strong performance in engagement rings and wedding bands [41][42]

Financial Performance - Net sales reached $108.9 million, a 3% year-over-year increase[27] - Average Order Value (AOV) was $2,074[22] - Total orders increased by 18% year-over-year[22] - Repeat orders grew by 11% year-over-year[22] - Gross margin was 58.3%[22] - Adjusted EBITDA was $3.2 million, representing a 2.9% margin[22] - Net cash ended the period at $98.8 million, a 5% year-over-year increase[22, 27] Strategic Initiatives - The company opened one new showroom in Alpharetta, Georgia, bringing the total to 42 showrooms[27] - The company paid off its outstanding term loan balance of $34.8 million, resulting in zero debt[27] Future Outlook - The company projects third-quarter net sales growth of 8% to 10% year-over-year and adjusted EBITDA of $3 million to $4.5 million[51] - The company anticipates full-year net sales growth of 2.5% to 4% year-over-year and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 3% to 4%[51]