Polled anonymously, 26 percent of respondents said weekend sales were "very good," up from 23 percent reporting such positive results last weekend.

 

A total of 38 percent of survey-takers said their sales were "good," up from 30 percent last weekend.

 

In addition, the number of respondents who reported flat sales fell from 26 percent last weekend to 17 percent this weekend, while those who reported sales were "very poor" also declined, from 13 percent to 10 percent weekend-over-weekend.

 

Survey-takers who said their sales were "poor" ticked up 1 percent, however, from 9 percent last weekend to 10 percent this weekend.

 

As the end of the holiday shopping season draws closer, a few retailers are reporting that their Internet business is strong.

 

One survey-taker stated that Web sales were up 300 percent, and another noted that "e-commerce was fantastic."

 

Others seem hopeful that many of their holiday gift browsers will turn into buyers.

 

"Sales were soft, but we had good shoppers; lots of time left," one respondent wrote.

 

Another said, "On our Christmas walk [downtown business district], lots of ladies filled out wish lists and looked at the goodies. Several customers returned this week to purchase wish-list items!!!"

 

In terms of merchandise categories, sales of sterling silver continue to grow stronger. This weekend, 65 percent of respondents reported sterling-silver jewelry sales were "good," up from 51 percent last weekend.

 

One respondent noted there is "lots of sterling out the door," and another commented, "Women are buying sterling silver pieces by the handful."

 

Sales increased across the board in nearly every category this weekend, including non-bridal diamond jewelry sales, which jumped from 44 percent reporting these sales were "good" last weekend to 55 percent this weekend, and bridal jewelry sales, which were "good" for 36 percent of respondents this weekend, compared with 33 percent last weekend.

 

The only category where sales slid was platinum, with only 5 percent reporting sales were "good" for this precious metal, down from 7 percent last weekend.

 

For respondents who mentioned specific product in the survey, it seems the public's obsession with beaded charm jewelry continues, with several survey-takers noting brands such as Pandora and Chamilia as strong sellers.

 

A couple of respondents also mentioned strength in sales of the Everlon Diamond Knot Collection, De Beers' design concept intended to drive fourth-quarter diamond jewelry sales.

 

"Everlon collection is the biggest seller this season so far-we are advertising it heavily in conjunction with the national advertising. [It's] disappointing that Sam's Club is selling some pieces below what we are paying wholesale," the survey-taker wrote.