The report shows that couples are searching for vintage and antique rings, gold jewelry, pearls, and colorful pieces.
50 Jewelers/50 States: Missouri
For Kansas City-based Tivol, the opportunities lie in the areas others see as obstacles.
Kansas City, Mo.--In 50 Jewelers/50 States, National Jeweler interviews one retailer in each of the 50 U.S. states to find out how they are meeting the challenges of the changing retail environment.
Kansas City, Missouri-based Tivol opened in 1910. Charles Tivol, who was a bench jeweler by trade, began creating one-of-a-kind pieces for the customers in the city.
Business grew even more under his son, Harold, who passed away last summer, and the 107-year-old retailer now has two stores--the flagship at Kansas City’s Country Club Plaza and one across the state line in Overland Park, Kansas.
It is helmed by third-generation owner Cathy Tivol and has 55 employees between its two locations.
Hunter Tivol McGrath, fourth-generation Tivol and the company’s vice president, shared with National Jeweler the digital projects they are working on to reach more consumers, building the customer experience and the importance of learning from mistakes.
NJ: What’s the biggest challenge your store is facing?
Hunter Tivol McGrath: I don’t like facing challenges; I like figuring out how to maximize opportunities that others see as obstacles.
Right now, we are actively engaged in new digital endeavors to reach a young, knowledgeable, value proposition-based client who still sees the value in building lasting relationships with experienced professionals.
We are focusing on digital marketing campaigns, with a strong attention to SEO (search engine optimization) and SEM (search engine marketing) while maintaining our brand image.
NJ: What’s the top-selling category and brand at your store?
HTM: We are well diversified in our categories, with a good mix between fine timepieces, fashion and bridal. We do not have one specific category that is leaps and bounds above another.
We are lucky enough to represent many of the finest brands in the world. Some of these brands include Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, TAG Heuer, David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Steven Lagos, Penny Preville, Carelle, Rahaminov and Kwiat.
NJ: Describe your regional customer.
HTM: With our rich history, we have clients all over the country and even the world. Our clients are knowledgeable, engaging, savvy individuals who appreciate the value of luxury jewelry and what it represents.
NJ: What’s the most popular style of engagement ring with your clientele now?
HTM: Our clients’ style ranges from fashion-forward to traditional. We see quite a few solitaires and halo style rings right now.
NJ: Which social media accounts are important to your business?
HTM: We are highly focused on social media and
NJ: Do you have e-commerce? If so, how does it compare to in-store sales?
HTM: We do provide e-commerce through our website. We are striving to add more and more product every day to continue to compete in the online environment.
Because we are so focused on the client experience and customer service, we still are primarily focused on in-store sales. We are always working to find new and creative ways to take that experience to a digital platform.
NJ: What’s the best piece of advice you’d offer to other independent jewelry stores?
HTM: Know who you are, and be confident with that choice. Do not be afraid if you have made a mistake; learn from it and move on quickly.
NJ: What’s a fun fact about you we can share with our readers?
HTM: My mother, Cathy Tivol, is a foodie, and one of her dreams is to own a diner and flip burgers.
The Latest
He’s remembered as a “font of passion,” leaving behind a legacy of dedication to his craft and community.
The first one will take place next month during the Jewelers of Louisiana’s and Mississippi Jewelers Association’s conventions.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
The redesigned boutique features interactive displays and a workshop space for hands-on learning about watchmaking.
There is a willingness to comply with new government-mandated regulations, with an insistence that they should be practical and realistic.
A combination of factors is driving growth in the industry despite the precipitous drop in prices across the board.
Ho Brothers offers scalable solutions for the future of custom jewelry.
The zone’s modernization will enhance and increase India’s jewelry manufacturing capabilities while aiding small and mid-sized businesses.
By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
The company plans to invest $25 million in marketing initiatives to boost awareness around its namesake and licensed brands.
The former WJA executive director is MFM’s new managing director.
DDG encourages retailers to educate customers on the positive impact of purchasing natural diamonds.
Highlighting the most iconic Tiffany collections, it’s inspired by the company’s late window designer, Gene Moore.
Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen explore how jewelers can save time and money by using AI to analyze engagement and create content.
The retailer previously turned down an $8.4 billion offer in 2018.
The Florida store’s owner Miguel Gonzalez is retiring.
The lab stresses the importance of accurate identification, as the difference in price is “substantial.”
The brand also plans to expand its retail footprint from 138 to 200 stores over the next three years.
One is reserved for a NAJA member, the other for a non-member.
Longtime employees Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice have received promotions.
Three guests joined National Jeweler and Jewelers of America to discuss trending time periods, spotting reproductions, and more.
Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere join the company with 50 years of combined experience.
The trendy, metallic earrings wink at classic spring colors.
JSA said a man and woman pulled the safe out of an Oakland jewelry store but couldn’t quite get it into their van.
The miner’s March auction generated $19 million.
Helen McCluskey will succeed H. Todd Stitzer when he meets his 12-year term limit in June.