CrimeMay 02, 2024
4 Indicted in Burglary Ring Targeting Indian, South Asian FamiliesThe men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
EditorsJun 11, 2009
Change, jewelers, change
Reflecting back on what I saw and heard at the Vegas shows, one week later, my overriding sense is that jewelers were on the receiving end of a lot more finger wagging than I’ve seen in the past Nearly every...
Reflecting back on what I saw and heard at the Vegas shows, one week later, my overriding sense is that jewelers were on the receiving end of a lot more finger wagging than I’ve seen in the past
Nearly every seminar felt like an intervention. Admonished for essentially being the retail equivalents of a 1980s hair band, jewelers were warned that they will be hurtling towards extinction if they can’t learn some new tunes.
Jewelers were told they have messed up their inventory because they lack computerized systems and that their poorly chosen merchandise is draining profits. Furthermore, jewelers were advised that if they are not Facebooking, Tweeting, blogging or, at least, ramping up their Web presence, they can rule out any customers who aren’t wobbling into their stores on canes.
Many of the observations were on target and warranted, but where was the tough love before the fourth-quarter 2008?
One thing that seemed lost, to me, was the notion that being a bit older is not necessarily a bad thing for a business. It should be recognized that jewelers aren’t Apple store hipsters showing off an armful of tattoos as they demonstrate features of the latest iPod—nor should they be. They are selling merchandise meant to last a lifetime, and being able to tout a long history, a well-honed reputation and industry credibility while doing so is not a liability.
Customers—young and old—can appreciate a business with some age spots. Consider how many people flock to the candle-lit Lafitte’s Blacksmith Bar in New Orleans, which claims it is the city’s oldest bar, or how hard it is to get tickets to see the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, which opened in 1912. Brooks Brothers, the oldest men’s clothier in the United States, has been around since 1818, and Macy’s opened its doors in 1858.
The key for longtime retailers may be to pair their old-fashioned vibe with new technology and fresh business practices. Show off the antique showcases and chandeliers inside your store and pay tribute to your great-grandparents who opened the business, but make sure you do so with high-resolution photographs on your up-to-date Web site.
Tell your best customers about your cigar party through the usual phone calls or mailers, but post it on Facebook too. Setting up a page is free. So is a Twitter account, which will help you send
out quick same-day reminders. Research has shown that jewelry stores are considered intimidating. Putting your store on one of these social networking sites with fun photos and some snappy text about store happenings can prove otherwise.
Those using dusty ledgers to track inventory versus a computerized inventory management system that can pinpoint fast-selling merchandise should at least look into the latter. After getting over the initial hump of figuring out how the system works, it could save money and time.
Even the oldest of retailers must, in the end, reflect today’s consumers. Younger consumers might appreciate your store’s history, but if they can’t find you on Google, you might as well not exist.
If there’s one thing I learned in Vegas, it’s this: Reflecting who your customers are now is a tradition worth starting, and keeping.
More on Editors
The Latest
CollectionsMay 02, 2024
Foundrae Launches ‘Horizon’ Collection“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
FinancialsMay 02, 2024
Pandora Raises Guidance After Strong Q1The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
Brought to you by
Rio’s Reimagined Podcast: For the Love of JewelersMeet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
IndependentsMay 02, 2024
Oklahoma Jeweler Glenn Lewis Dies at 68The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
Weekly QuizMay 02, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
AuctionsMay 02, 2024
Vintage Baume & Mercier With Ties to Elvis Sells for $7K Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
SurveysMay 01, 2024
Consumer Confidence Falls in AprilConcerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
TrendsMay 01, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: All Eyes on EmeraldsMay’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
SourcingMay 01, 2024
Opsydia Names New Sales and Marketing Director Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
CrimeMay 01, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO ShowLast month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
CollectionsApr 30, 2024
12 Otherworldly Pieces From Tiffany & Co.’s 2024 Blue BookThe “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
MajorsApr 30, 2024
Zales Celebrates 100 Years With New CampaignThe brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.
MajorsApr 30, 2024
Platinum Guild International Appoints New CEOTim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
Events & AwardsApr 30, 2024
Canadian Jewellers Association Brings Back the Summit It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.
Recorded WebinarsApr 29, 2024
Watch: Diamond Identification and Evaluation - How to Protect your BusinessSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
SourcingApr 29, 2024
De Beers to Move Auction HQ from Singapore to BotswanaSales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.
CollectionsApr 29, 2024
Simone I. Smith Mixes Denim and Diamonds in New Collection“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
IndependentsApr 29, 2024
Venus Jewelers Relocating After 45 YearsThe retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
SurveysApr 29, 2024
Mother’s Day Jewelry Spending to Reach $7B, Says NRFGifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
CollectionsApr 26, 2024
Piece of the Week: Jacquie Aiche’s Starry Galaxy NecklaceThe necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
Events & AwardsApr 26, 2024
AGS Conclave and GIA Symposium Are ConvergingThe two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
SourcingApr 26, 2024
Anglo American Reportedly Shopping De Beers as BHP Eyes Anglo Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
Events & AwardsApr 25, 2024
Alexis Padis Takes Over as AGS Board President Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
WatchesApr 25, 2024
Audemars Piguet and John Mayer Partner on Limited Edition WatchThe Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
SourcingApr 25, 2024
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2024The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
