The announcement coincided with its full-year results, with growth driven by its jewelry brands.
Blue Nile Makes 2 West Coast Moves
The online jeweler recently opened its fourth “webroom,” in Portland, Ore., and said its fifth will be in Seattle.
Seattle--By year’s end, Blue Nile will have at least five “webrooms” across the United States, brick-and-mortar locations where customers can try on--but cannot buy--merchandise.
The online jeweler’s fourth webroom, located in Washington Square mall in Portland, Ore., opened Friday. Its opening marked Blue Nile’s first space on the West Coast.
In addition, the e-tailer announced Monday that it plans to open a fifth webroom in the Seattle suburb of Bellevue by Thanksgiving. The store will be located in the Bellevue Square shopping center, a mall that’s already home to Tiffany & Co., Na Hoku, Ben Bridge and a Rolex boutique run by Ben Bridge, among other fine jewelry sellers.
Bellevue Square is located near Blue Nile’s corporate headquarters in Seattle. Because of this, the webroom’s opening will not have any sales tax implications, as Blue Nile already has to collect sales tax in Washington state due to its physical presence there.
CEO Harvey Kanter said during the company’s second quarter earnings call in early August that the retailer was pushing to get a fifth physical location open by the end of the year but did not provide details on the location.
Investment in webrooms, plus upgrades to its website, are part of Blue Nile’s plan to “improve the user experience” and, ultimately, increase sales.
Blue Nile’s webrooms are 500 to 700 square feet in size, employ five to six salespeople and a general manager.
The webrooms give the website’s customers a place where they can try on engagement rings--which are set with cubic zirconia--and other jewelry, which features real diamonds. All sales still happen online though; shoppers do not walk out of the webrooms with their purchases.
The e-tailer’s other three physical locations are located in New York state (in White Plains and on Long Island) and in the Tysons Corner Center mall in Fairfax County, Va.
The Latest
Looking ahead, the retailer said it sees “enormous potential” in Roberto Coin’s ability to boost its branded jewelry business.
Jewelry trade show veterans share strategies for engaging buyers, managing your time effectively, and packing the right shoes.
Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
This little guy’s name is Ricky and he just sold for more than $200,000 at Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction.
Though its website has been down for a week, Christie’s proceeded with its jewelry and watch auctions on May 13-14, bringing in nearly $80 million.
Despite the absence of “The Allnatt,” Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction totaled $34 million, with 90 percent of lots sold.
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
Lilian Raji gives advice to designers on how to make the most of great publicity opportunities.
The mining company wants to divest its 70 percent holding in the Mothae Diamond Mine in an effort to streamline its portfolio.
Why do so many jewelers keep lines that are not selling? Peter Smith thinks the answer lies in these two behavioral principles.
The “Argyle Phoenix” sold for more than $4 million at the auction house’s second jewels sale.
The annual list recognizes young professionals making an impact in jewelry retail.
Owner David Mann is heading into retirement.
While overall sales were sluggish, the retailer said its non-bridal fine jewelry was a popular choice for Valentine’s Day.
The mining giant also wants to offload its platinum business as part of an overhaul designed to “unlock significant value.”
Christie's is selling one of the diamonds, moving forward with its Geneva jewelry auction despite the cyberattack that took down its website.
The ad aims to position platinum jewelry as ideal for everyday wear.
Retailers can customize and print the appraisal brochures from their store.
The move follows a price-drop test run in Q4 and comes with the addition of a “quality assurance card” from GIA for some loose diamonds.
The late former U.S. Secretary’s collection went for quadruple the sale’s pre-sale estimate.
Three fifth graders’ winning designs were turned into custom jewelry pieces in time for Mother’s Day.
Kimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.
As a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.
Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
The company’s Easton location will remain open.