Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
Michael C. Fina Shutters Store, Goes Online Only
The 81-year-old New York City jeweler will close its doors on April 16, after which it will only operate digitally.
New York--A New York City jeweler that opened its doors in 1935 soon will say goodbye to its physical location as it moves to an online-only operation.
Michael C. Fina, which has been on Park Avenue in Manhattan for eight decades, will close up shop on April 16, after which it will have an Internet presence only.
According to President and Chief Merchant Steven Fina, the move made sense. Eighty-five percent of the company’s sales now come from its website, with jeweler seeing that the majority of its global customer base prefers to shop online.
“Becoming an online-only retailer was a strategic decision to put the majority of our resources to support those customers,” Fina told National Jeweler via email on Tuesday. “We already have a global consumer base, and this transition further enables us to anticipate what our customers need and deliver it to them in the way they want to shop, which is online.”
Fina said that fewer than 20 employees would be impacted by the store’s closing, with most job losses occurring on the sales floor, and that the company would assist in helping them find new position jobs.
Most of Michael C. Fina’s merchants, marketing team, graphic designers and other back-office employees will be keeping their jobs, he added.
Michael C. Fina has been selling online since 1999, making it one of the first retailers to offer an online wedding registry and omnichannel inventory approach, according to the company.
Now, as it relaunches as an online-only company, it will aim to put its high-end jewelry, tableware and home décor products in front of a larger audience than before by partnering with online wedding registry site Zola and Amazon.
Zola now will exclusively power the retailer’s registry, as Michael C. Fina works with Zola to offer a robust selection of more than 50 brands and 1,500 different items from the company’s luxury tableware catalog.
The company also is switching its fulfillment services over to Amazon, allowing it to ship products quicker and save on shipping costs.
Additionally, Michael C. Fina will be one of three inaugural boutiques featured by Amazon as the e-commerce giant relaunches it wedding registry, Fina said. Shoppers visiting the site will find a curated assortment of luxury tableware available at Michael C. Fina, including brands that have never before been offered by Amazon.
The company also said that it
Though Fina declined to comment on exactly what that would include, noting that additional information would be made available closer to the launch, the announcement on its website did note that it would make detailed product information readily available and create a “robust” search and filtering functionality to make it easier to find products.
The Latest
Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
The three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
Ruser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
The “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
The money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show