Year: 2026

In a recent episode of Talking Shop, Scott Erickson, Vice President of Sales at HappyOrNot, shed light on the evolving landscape of retail customer experience. He highlighted the innovative capabilities of HappyOrNot in capturing real-time feedback, offering a global perspective on consumer sentiments. The insights from the Q2 2026 Retail CX Pulse report challenge traditional metrics of customer satisfaction, urging a shift towards more sophisticated measures that align with the rapid changes in the retail environment.

Antiquorum is poised to make a significant impact in the US auction market with its upcoming sale on October 18 in New York. The Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces auction will feature eight exceptional F.P. Journe watches, including the striking Centigraphe Souverain. Also on offer are rare pieces from iconic brands such as Patek Philippe and Richard Mille, catering to both seasoned collectors and new bidders. The auction underscores Antiquorum’s renewed commitment to the US, with options for in-person, online, and telephone participation.

The WatchPro UK Awards are set to mark their tenth anniversary, with finalists unveiled across 26 categories, celebrating the finest in the UK watch market. This year introduces new retail categories, reflecting the industry’s evolving landscape. Winners will be decided through public votes and expert judges at a black-tie gala on November 23 in London. Voting is now open, inviting enthusiasts to play a part in recognising excellence within the sector.

A rare 1943 Patek Philippe watch once owned by legendary voice actor Mel Blanc is set to steal the spotlight at FutureGrail’s upcoming auction, running from October 2 to 6. With bidding estimated between $70,000 and $110,000, this exquisite timepiece, along with a selection of vintage and modern luxury watches, is expected to attract collectors. Blanc, known for his iconic roles in animation, was also a passionate watch collector, making this auction a unique opportunity for enthusiasts.

In a poignant chapter for Seiko U.K., managing director David Edwards finalized the company’s accounts before his death in July. The firm reported a slight revenue decrease to £27 million and an operating loss of £215,000, yet net assets stood at £28 million. Despite pressures on the luxury market, demand for Seiko remains robust, bolstered by consumer preference for quality at a fair price. Globally, the company’s watch sales surged by 16% in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting strong performances across a diverse range of product lines.

Watch Gang has unveiled its latest innovation in watch purchasing: the Wheel, which allows customers to select target watches across multiple tiers, ensuring that buyers receive at least their desired level 1 timepiece. Balancing certainty with the thrill of surprise, this model transforms the traditional watch-buying experience by guaranteeing minimum value while exciting collectors with the potential for unexpected upgrades. CEO Chad Tsagris likens the experience to paying for a Honda but potentially driving away in a luxury vehicle, shifting the emotional dynamics of purchasing in a market often fraught with uncertainty. As Watch Gang reinforces its dominance in the industry, the Wheel highlights its commitment to meet evolving consumer preferences while keeping the element of surprise alive.

In a compelling discussion on customer experience metrics, Scott Erickson of HappyOrNot challenges traditional satisfaction measurement methods, advocating for real-time feedback strategies. Drawing on insights from the Q2 2026 Retail CX Pulse report, he emphasizes the importance of micro-feedback in driving improvements in retail environments, signifying a shift towards more immediate and effective engagement with customers.

Wolf has unveiled its latest Vault Luxe jewellery storage collection, featuring innovative modular trays and interchangeable inserts. The stackable trays, adorned with windowed lids, provide a stylish and efficient way to organise rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. With options for dedicated or multi-compartment inserts, users can customise their storage to meet individual needs, reflecting a growing trend among consumers for both functionality and elegance in their jewellery organisation.

Jewellery retailers Goldsmiths, Swarovski, and Austen and Blake have reaffirmed their commitment to Meadowhall, securing new leases amid a booming jewellery market that has seen sales rise by 8.5% this year. Goldsmiths, with its expansive store on Upper High Street, features a dedicated Rolex boutique alongside pre-owned offerings, while Swarovski continues its presence on Lower High Street. This surge in interest reflects shifting consumer habits and a potential increase in disposable income, suggesting a vibrant retail future at Meadowhall despite broader economic challenges.

Rolex UK has reported a 5% growth in turnover, reaching £736.7 million for 2025, despite a 10.4% decline in operating profit, attributed largely to unfavorable exchange rates. The significant depreciation of the pound against the Swiss franc has impacted costs, while employee numbers fell from 208 to 197, even as total staff costs rose markedly. Notably, the absence of official production statistics since 2015 leaves the luxury watchmaker’s output largely speculative, with estimates suggesting a production of around 1.15 million watches by 2025.