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.
CrimeDec 16, 2014
8 tips for having a safe trunk show
Jewelers Mutual Insurance Co., ISPS and Jewelers UnBlocked give pointers on having a safe trunk show during the holiday season and year-round.
New York--Trunks shows are a good way to showcase goods from a particular designer, or designers, to a motivated customer base.
But getting those motivated customers into the store means advertising, which anyone, including criminals, can see.
David Sexton, the vice president of loss prevention consulting at Jewelers Mutual; Itay Hendel, the CEO of ISPS, a global jewelry security training and risk prevention firm; and Jewelers UnBlocked President and CEO Patricia Low offered the following tips for trunk show safety during the holiday season and year-round.
1) Ship the jewelry if possible. Vendors/designers shipping their goods directly to the store via armored car is the safest solution. And then, even if almost everything sells, ship what remains back to the office. “Thieves may target you as you leave the event, assuming that you have valuables on your person,” said ISPS’s Hendel.
2) If the merchandise can’t be sent in advance, be vigilant. Have the designer or vendor call when they near the store, giving the staff time to scope out the parking lot for suspicious behavior. Have them park as close as possible to a store entrance that is visible and not secluded.
3) Offer assistance. Have one or two members of the staff help unload the merchandise and bring it into the store while another staff member keeps an eye out for potential risks. The store owner should offer their safe or vault for overnight storage, if necessary.
4) Share information with the local police department. Let the local police department know that the store will be having designers/vendors visiting and be specific about the threats that robbery gangs pose. If possible, ask for extra police presence for the designer’s arrival and departure.
5) Keep a guard up, literally. Hendel recommended posting security guards--preferably off-duty police officers in uniform--at the front of the trunk show site whenever possible, particularly if the show includes significant pieces. Sexton said that jewelers also should, if feasible and necessary, provide secure transportation to and from the airport, or even provide an escort out of town to make sure the designer isn’t being followed.
6) Split up the high-value merchandise. Don’t put all the most expensive pieces in one display case to avoid huge losses in the event of a smash-and-grab.
7) Escort them out. Exercise the same vigilance as when the designer was arriving: Check the parking lot for
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
suspicious individuals and walk the designer to their car. Sexton also recommended that the person doing the escorting have a cell phone in hand so they can call in any suspicious activity. Do not, he said, carry a gun as it might escalate violence from waiting thieves.
8) Get covered. Both store owners and designers need to check with their insurance professional in advance to ensure they are covered for events such as a trunk show.
More on Crime
The Latest
EditorsApr 25, 2024
5 Tips for Creating Fans from the Top (Savannah) Banana Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
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.
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.
SourcingApr 25, 2024
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2024The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
Weekly QuizApr 26, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
MajorsApr 25, 2024
Detroit Lions’ QB Jared Goff Keeps Going to JaredThe three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
CollectionsApr 24, 2024
Pippa Small Announces ‘Venus’ CollectionInspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your BusinessFor over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
FinancialsApr 24, 2024
Kering’s Jewelry Brands a Bright Spot in Tough Q1The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2024
JCK Industry Fund Announces 2024 Grant RecipientsThe selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
SourcingApr 24, 2024
Rio Tinto’s Q1 Production Drops Amid Pause to Honor Lost Colleagues The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
WatchesApr 24, 2024
These Are Rolex’s New Watches for 2024 The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
ColumnistsApr 23, 2024
The Smart Lab: Advanced Email Marketing Strategies for Mother’s DayEmmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
IndependentsApr 23, 2024
Hannoush Jewelers Opens New Store in New York Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
SourcingApr 23, 2024
Lucapa Sells 3 Diamonds for $10.5M in First Lulo Tender of 2024A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
GradingApr 23, 2024
GIA Has a New Book About William RuserRuser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
CollectionsApr 22, 2024
Jacquie Aiche’s New Campaign Stars Adam Levine, Behati PrinslooThe “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
EditorsApr 22, 2024
The 22 Best Quotes from AGS Conclave 2024 Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
SourcingApr 22, 2024
Virtual Diamond Boutique Rebrands as ‘VDB’The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
MajorsApr 22, 2024
Signet Raises Nearly $9M for St. Jude Children’s Research HospitalThe money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
CollectionsApr 19, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Treasure NecklaceA new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
MajorsApr 19, 2024
Unique Designs Acquires China PearlThe move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
GradingApr 19, 2024
AGS Ideal Report Now Available in Printed FormFrom now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
SourcingApr 18, 2024
Diamond Trade Remains Cautious Amid Economic UncertaintyDe Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Supplier BulletinApr 18, 2024
Discover History’s Hidden Gems at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
WatchesApr 18, 2024
Watch E-tailer Collectability Hires Kelly YochThe Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
WatchesApr 18, 2024
TAG Heuer Opens Its Largest Standalone Boutique at SeaThe 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
