The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, which had declined to an all-time low in October, improved moderately in November. The Index now stands at 44.9 (1985=100), up from 38.8 in October. The Present Situation Index decreased to 42.2 from 43.5 last month. The Expectations Index increased to 46.7 from 35.7 in October.

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New York–Luxury jewelry retailer Harry Winston has launched an online store where it is offering up the relatively less expensive designs in its high-end coffers.

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Paso Robles, Calif.–A new study from MVI Marketing Ltd.’s Jewelry Consumer Opinion Council (JCOC) finds that while many young adults in the 18-24 age group do own a watch, many are instead using cell phones, iPods and other digital devices to tell time.

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London–The board of mining company BHP Billiton announced today that it is not moving forward with its acquisition of rival mining company Rio Tinto.

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London–The board of mining company BHP Billiton announced today that it is not moving forward with its acquisition of rival mining company Rio Tinto.

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Zale Corp. on Tuesday reported a net loss from continuing operations of $45.3 million, for the first quarter ended Oct. 31, compared to a net loss from continuing operations of $26.7 million, for the prior year period. Revenues for the quarter fell 3.5 per4cent to $364 million. Same store sales for the period decreased 3.7 percent compared to the prior year.

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Up to 128 million people will shop this Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, according to a National Retail Federation survey. About 49 million people will definitely hit the stores while another 79 million are waiting to see the weekend deals before making any decisions.

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Irving, Texas–Despite its efforts to offer new merchandise and update the look of its stores, Zale Corp. announced that its same-store sales declined 3.7 percent in the first quarter 2009 amid souring U.S. economic conditions.

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Jewelry retailers will have a chance to discover how their key business practices measure up against those of their top-performing peers at the 2nd America’s Best Jeweler Retail Benchmarking Symposium and Awards Presentation.

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The number of Americans planning to hit the stores may be down this weekend, but low gas prices and perhaps the most heavily promotional Black Friday in history could bring a welcome surprise for retailers, says the National Retail Federation (NRF).

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