Despite the pandemic, Southwest Florida  consumers are expected to spend $61 million on fine jewelry this year. Based on projections from IBISWorld, here's what will be purchased:

• $25 million worth of diamonds
• $9 million worth of watches
• $6 million worth of gold
• $7 million worth of pearls and gemstones
• $12 million in other goods and services

Fort Myers-Naples area business owners will now have an easier time capturing a bigger share of jewelry expenditures as a monster competitive force disappears.

This week, Signet, the largest jewelry retailer in the country, announced that by December, it would be closing over 380 stores.  Signet's brands familiar to SWFL consumers include Kay, Jared, Zales, and Piercing Pagoda.

To successfully compete for the void created by fewer Signet stores, local retailers will need to advertise, especially between now and the end of the year. This is when 63% of all fine-jewelry sales traditionally occur.

By any metric, the best way to reach local jewelry buyers is by advertising on Fort Myers radio.