Drosos shared her top takeaways from a recent Botswana trip and her insights into the natural diamond market.
E-Commerce Site Memo Lets Consumers Try Before They Buy
Memo is bridging the gap between online and brick-and-mortar shopping through an innovative retail model.
Rochester, N.Y.--Debra LaBudde has decades of experience advising companies on new and unexploited markets. So when she founded her own company last year, she focused on what she contends is just such an opportunity: fine jewelry.
“I think there’s kind of an untapped market, believe it or not, for fine jewelry,” LaBudde explained. “(I saw) an interesting opportunity in the marketplace that, in my mind, hasn’t been well served, and that ultimately could create a larger market.”
Memo is LaBudde’s answer to what she feels is missing in single-channel retail models—the tactile, personal access to jewelry that is found in a brick-and-mortar experience, coupled with the convenience and accessibility of online shopping.
Memo’s “complimentary home try-on” period bridges this gap.
When clients order a piece on ExperienceMemo.com, they receive it via free two-day shipping and have three days to try it on and consider the item before being charged. If dissatisfied, they can return it within that timeframe with the free return shipping Memo provides.
All of Memo’s inventory is kept in stock and, in case of returns, Memo reabsorbs that product.
“It’s interesting what happens in the home (when you try the jewelry on) because I’ve gone through the experience independently and it’s pretty special,” said LaBudde. “Obviously, we have security in place, but there’s a fair amount of trust that goes into it too and the kind of reciprocal respect that we get with clients is pretty amazing.”
To insure themselves against theft, Memo collects credit card information prior to shipping the jewelry to consumers--just as in a traditional online purchase--to be charged when the three-day try-on period is over. They also place a hold on the card prior to sending product to verify against fraudulent credit card orders.
LaBudde is aiming to give the Memo e-commerce experience the same personal and connective quality that one might find shopping in a well-curated, independent boutique.
In addition to the at-home try on period, LeBudde is achieving this through site content. Customers can learn about the designers whom Memo stocks through artfully produced video interviews on the site (five of the 12 designers are currently featured), as well as detailed descriptions of particular products in the words of their creators.
“Our platform is so rich from a visual standpoint,” LaBudde said. “I think we can tell the story of collections and designers in a strong way.”
“When I was traveling less, I was still trying to find new pieces and new designers but I found it was difficult to have that same intimate experience online,” said the Rochester, New York-based businesswoman.
Making that high-touch experience accessible regardless of location was LaBudde’s initial inspiration for Memo.
Each aspect of Memo’s non-traditional retail process is the result of months of consumer research, identifying what consumers liked and disliked about both online and brick-and-mortar shopping.
LaBudde found that like herself, shoppers enjoyed the accessibility of online shopping but found the experience lacking certain elements of the store purchase they enjoyed.
“We’re in a world today where people are used to the internet and the convenience that that provides,” LaBudde explained, “but with convenience you sometimes give up other aspects--the relationship that is formed if you meet a designer directly. This is our solution for tying that together.”
She continued: “When we created Memo we took a fair amount of time to not try to force a model or technology on the (jewelry) industry but to really look at the industry and hear from both clients and designers what was needed.”
So far, LaBudde said that her customers, who are comprised mainly of self-purchasing women, are embracing the Memo experience, and Memo is succeeding in making e-commerce feel human.
This is exemplified by the requests LaBudde has been getting for custom pieces from the designers she stocks, a service she says most of them are happy to provide.
Memo doesn’t disclose its financials, but LaBudde said that while the company is in its infancy, her focus is on building it to its full potential. She’s started hosting pop-up events where clients can meet designers face-to-face and has plans to carry more designers on the site.
“When I talk about growing a market, I truly believe in women buying for themselves and the evolution of designer jewelry and designer names around a product,” said LaBudde. “I think there’s a greater opportunity to reach a new customer that really doesn’t know this world.”
The Latest
The retailer is expanding its footprint via retail partnerships, previously inking deals with Kohl’s and Macy’s.
Members will now have access to “eBay Concierge,” a white-glove dedicated customer service team.
Ho Brothers offers scalable solutions for the future of custom jewelry.
The deadline to apply is March 29.
CEO Beth Gerstein spoke about the growing appeal of its non-bridal fine jewelry and its expansion plans on its recent earnings call.
Ticketholders can dig for diamonds in the Arkansas park ahead of the eclipse viewing event on April 8.
Distinguishing natural diamonds from laboratory-grown stones – now more available than ever – has been difficult for jewelers. Until now.
The versatile jewel pairs ancient Egyptian inspiration with a modern design.
The company’s rough sales improved for the third sales cycle in a row.
The spring application window closes on March 31.
It’s estimated to sell for up to $1.3 million at the upcoming sale on March 28.
It aims to support aspiring journalists, media professionals, content creators, and communicators.
“Ice Cold: An Exhibition of Hip-Hop Jewelry” will open at the New York City museum on May 9.
He succeeds David Bouffard, who is leaving Signet and the RJC next month.
Three winners will have their jewelry sketches turned into a real piece of jewelry in time for the holiday.
“Power of Couture” recalls Frédéric Boucheron’s love of fabric using diamonds and rock crystal.
A Harry Winston diamond necklace and other top lots failed to find buyers.
Lilian Raji offers advice to a business owner who is having trouble crossing the finish line with customers.
He brings 30 years of retail store management experience to the role.
At its annual gala, Diamonds Do Good will present awards to GIA, London Jewelers, and Lisa Bridge.
Vibrant gemstones, layered diamond pieces and brooches with a story stole the show.
The 2024 winners expressed gratitude to their teams, industry colleagues, and those who turn jewelry dreams into reality.
They are Marla Aaron, Marie Lichtenberg, and Jean Prounis.
The Jewelers’ Security Alliance will honor the industry veteran at its upcoming annual luncheon.
The annual video stars Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli alongside Jane Fonda and other celebrities and activists.
Sponsored by IGI