The report shows that couples are searching for vintage and antique rings, gold jewelry, pearls, and colorful pieces.
Why online retailers are getting physical
For years in retail, the story has been about brick-and-mortar retailers losing business to pure-play online retailers, which can offer the same product for less due to lower overhead costs. Now, however, it seems that e-tailers are awakening to the...
For years in retail, the story has been about brick-and-mortar retailers losing business to pure-play online retailers, which can offer the same product for less due to lower overhead costs.
On July 4, The New York Times published a story online illustrating how brick-and-mortar stores, including Walmart, Macy’s and Sears, are attempting to stave off competition from e-tailers such as Amazon by adding in-store pickups and returns, payments booths and even drive-through customer service centers for customers who buy merchandise from their websites but want it immediately.
In the last three paragraphs, the author examines the other side of the equation, what online-only retailers are doing to counter these moves by brick-and-mortar competitors.
Interestingly, the article mentions that Blue Nile is now shipping to physical locations as part of its affiliation with online network ShopRunner. Consumers pay a yearly fee to belong to ShopRunner in order to receive free shipping and special offers from the network’s member brands and retailers. (Blue Nile didn’t respond to request for comment on this, but, according to the Times, they are shipping to locations that also are ShopRunner members. Feel free to hazard a guess as to where they might ship by looking at ShopRunner’s complete list of participating stores.)
The article goes on to make a bold prediction: online-only retailers will begin opening stores.
The day after the Times story ran, I spotted this article about Groupon opening a concept store in Singapore. There, customers of the geo-centric deals site can instantly pick up physical goods purchased via Groupon, exchange merchandise or submit it for repair and/or try products and ask questions.
It’s also, according to the story, a way for the company to get to know its customers.
In addition, online retailer Whiteflash Inc. just announced it is opening a showroom in Sugar Land, Texas in order to “better serve this significant market,” the company said.
What’s next, Blue Nile reaching out to a regional mail chain to open a shop-in-shop, or an Amazon store? These days, neither seems out of the realm of possibility.
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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.
Optimism about the current state of the economy was offset by anxiety around inflation and the political environment.
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.