ColumnistsJan 18, 2022
The PR Adviser: Getting Back Up After You FallColumnistsJan 25, 2022
The Smart Lab: The Benefits of Live Shopping Events
Emmanuel Raheb lists four reasons to host one, starting with live shopping lets small jewelry stores compete with larger companies.
Emmanuel Raheb is the CEO of Smart Age Solutions, a digital ad agency and coveted Premier Google Partner. Contact him at eraheb@smartagesolutions.com.
Even if you’ve never heard of “live shopping” before, you’ve probably experienced a version of it.
Remember all those home shopping channels where the host promotes an item live on TV and encourages you to buy? Of course you do.
Even after decades, channels such as HSN (formerly known as the Home Shopping Network, which has been around since the early 1980s) and QVC, which also launched in the ‘80s, are still going strong.
Live shopping, more accurately known today as live-stream shopping, is the next evolution of this remarkable marketing method and it’s now happening on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and even directly on websites. It brings the convenience of shopping from home into modern times.
The signature benefit of live shopping is that the special offer remains only valid during the promotion period on the stream. This creates not only a sense of urgency with the audience, but a sense of excitement. If marketed correctly, live shopping can become an event in and of itself.
With live shopping, people can ask questions, leave comments, and even call in to speak with you.
Jewelry sales are made in real time and once the stream is over, the deal has expired. It’s interactive and fun.
Related stories will be right here …
Remember all those home shopping channels where the host promotes an item live on TV and encourages you to buy? Of course you do.
Even after decades, channels such as HSN (formerly known as the Home Shopping Network, which has been around since the early 1980s) and QVC, which also launched in the ‘80s, are still going strong.
Live shopping, more accurately known today as live-stream shopping, is the next evolution of this remarkable marketing method and it’s now happening on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and even directly on websites. It brings the convenience of shopping from home into modern times.
The signature benefit of live shopping is that the special offer remains only valid during the promotion period on the stream. This creates not only a sense of urgency with the audience, but a sense of excitement. If marketed correctly, live shopping can become an event in and of itself.
With live shopping, people can ask questions, leave comments, and even call in to speak with you.
Jewelry sales are made in real time and once the stream is over, the deal has expired. It’s interactive and fun.
The live shopping business model has proven extremely popular in China and other parts of Asia, with some companies making live shopping their entire business.
These companies have no physical stores, and some don’t even hold physical inventory. Their whole approach is to sell direct to their audience through live shopping.
Here are some of the top benefits of adding live shopping to your digital marketing strategy.
1. It provides an engaging experience. It lets smaller jewelry stores compete against much larger companies, big fashion brands, and other online-only or traditional "brick-and-mortar" businesses.
2. It can quickly generate jewelry sales. Live shopping gives the jeweler the ability to quickly clear slow-moving inventory and overstock, while giving the customer a great deal. Everyone loves a special offer when there’s limited supply.
3. Live shopping builds your jewelry store’s brand awareness, as it becomes another reason for people to pay attention to your store.
People love live events because they’re unscripted and you never know what’s going to happen. Combine this with a great deal shown only to your live shopping viewers and you have huge potential.
There’s no better or faster way to build your jewelry store’s brand than to be in front of your audience for 30 to 60 minutes or more. It reinforces your value as a local, trusted jeweler and they’ll remember you.
4. It’s the antidote to COVID shutdowns. With the pandemic still raging and waves of closures happening, a live shopping event can’t be canceled by COVID.
Selling through live shopping is something a staff of one or two people can do safely in your store and it’s a great alternative to selling in-person.
Remember: Although homebound, many customers still have money to spend and are looking to “reward themselves” with something nice. Live shopping gives you a chance to reach this captive audience and sell your jewelry.
In conclusion, live shopping brings the experience of shopping at the store direct to people’s homes.
People like to do business with companies they like, know, and trust. A live shopping event welcomes people into your jewelry store and they can get to know you while you learn more about them. How powerful is that?
Of course, people will still shop through your website; it’s expected.
But how many jewelry store owners do you know who host live shopping events? The answer is, not many. Live shopping is the perfect way for you to differentiate yourself from every other jeweler in town.
Live shopping is still in its infancy and not everyone knows about it or has the dedication to make it a priority. If you need any help setting up your live shopping event, contact us. We’re here to help you succeed.
By starting early, you can get a jump over your competition and make your jewelry business soar.
People like to do business with companies they like, know, and trust. A live shopping event welcomes people into your jewelry store and they can get to know you while you learn more about them. How powerful is that?
Of course, people will still shop through your website; it’s expected.
But how many jewelry store owners do you know who host live shopping events? The answer is, not many. Live shopping is the perfect way for you to differentiate yourself from every other jeweler in town.
Live shopping is still in its infancy and not everyone knows about it or has the dedication to make it a priority. If you need any help setting up your live shopping event, contact us. We’re here to help you succeed.
By starting early, you can get a jump over your competition and make your jewelry business soar.
More on Columnists
The Latest
Policies & IssuesFeb 20, 2026
Supreme Court Rules Against Most of President Trump’s TariffsIn a 6-3 ruling, the court said the president exceeded his authority when imposing sweeping tariffs under IEEPA.
MajorsFeb 20, 2026
Jewelers Vigilance Committee Names Julie Yoakum Board ChairJVC also announced the election of five new board members.
CollectionsFeb 20, 2026
Boucheron’s ‘Faisceaux’ Brooch Heads to V&A MuseumThe brooch, our Piece of the Week, shows the chromatic spectrum through a holographic coating on rock crystal.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Co-Founder ‘Mama Ann’ Bailey Dies at 100Raised in an orphanage, Bailey was 18 when she met her husband, Clyde. They opened their North Carolina jewelry store in 1948.
Weekly QuizFeb 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Material Good Opens Third Location Material Good is celebrating its 10th anniversary as it opens its new store in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston.
Events & AwardsFeb 19, 2026
The Original Miami Beach Antique Show Returns in MarchThe show will be held March 26-30 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
AuctionsFeb 18, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Head to AuctionThe estate of the model, philanthropist, and ex-wife of Johnny Carson has signed statement jewels up for sale at John Moran Auctioneers.
PodcastsFeb 18, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
MajorsFeb 18, 2026
Select Jewelry Inks Agreement to Distribute Lightweight Gold JewelryIt will lead distribution in North America for Graziella Braccialini's new gold pieces, which it said are 50 percent lighter.
Policies & IssuesFeb 18, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Looks for Executive DirectorThe organization is seeking a new executive director to lead it into its next phase of strategic growth and industry influence.
Events & AwardsFeb 18, 2026
DCA to Host Gemstone Selling Education Session at IJO EventThe nonprofit will present a live, two-hour introductory course on building confidence when selling colored gemstones.
TrendsFeb 17, 2026
A Bit of Jewelry for the Year of the HorseWestern wear continues to trend in the Year of the Fire Horse and along with it, horse and horseshoe motifs in jewelry.
SourcingFeb 17, 2026
Colored Gemstone Experts Talk Tariffs, Trends in TucsonAlthough the market is robust, tariffs and precious metal prices are impacting the industry, Stuart Robertson and Brecken Branstrator said.
GradingFeb 17, 2026
Dr. George Rossman, Former GIA Governor, Dies at 81Rossman, who advised GIA for more than 50 years, is remembered for his passion and dedication to the field of gemology.
CrimeFeb 13, 2026
JSA Offering $10K Reward in Nancy Guthrie Case Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ AwardsThe AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.
Events & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused AwardThe “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.
TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set StunnerSourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day CollectionThe “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.
