Beads Sales are Strong in Craft Industry
Written by: Lynda Musante

The bead and jewelry categories continue to be top performing categories in craft chain and at Wal-Mart. According to craft industry reports, beads/jewelry categories have had increasing sales for several consecutive quarters. As we enter the last quarter of 2006, Michaels is introducing a new open stock bead program in their stores. This program was featured in a September promotional circular distributed by the chain in Sunday newspapers. This new section, called the Exclusive Bead Gallery™ Collection, has over 450 styles of beads. A.C. Moore, an east coast chain of craft stores, also has an open stock bead program launched within the past 12 months.

As beading and jewelry making continues to grow in popularity, and the chains are capitalizing on this category, loyalty to local independent bead store becomes increasingly important for these stores continued existence. While the chain stores offer basic classes or beads at low prices; it's the local independent bead store that usually offers a wide variety of classes or brings in nationally-known instructors. Most likely, in independent bead stores, you'll find an educated staff that can and will assist you with your purchases including coordinating beads for a special project.

Another trend growing in the craft industry is that of the "Indie Crafter." This group is typically comprised of women between ages of 20 and 44 who often express their creativity through entrepreneurial craft businesses. These businesses frequently feature beads and jewelry making-often because beads can be combined in a variety of ways and looks unique to the creator. On eBay, many artists are running successful businesses by selling their handmade artisan lamp work beads. These one-of-a-kind beads are not ones that will be successful in a chain store environment, but are a key category for independent bead stores.

Attendance at many bead shows in 2006 has been higher than ever, with more shows available to consumers than in past years. As in any product category with a lot of growth, there are often opportunities for alliances and sales between businesses. A recent notable acquisition occurred when Interweave Press, publishers of Beadwork magazine (and other publications and books), acquired the Gems group of publications from Primedia. This group includes titles: Lapidary Journal, Step by Step Beads, Step by Step Wire Jewelry and Colored Stone. Six special events were also acquired, and the CEO indicated that a primary focus will be on growing these existing shows.

What this means is that more consumers than ever will have the opportunity to try to create jewelry. New techniques will be tried, discovered and-I hope--shared back with our vibrant bead community.