Columnists

The Smart Lab: The Benefits of Live Shopping Events

ColumnistsJan 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.

2021_Emmanuel-Raheb.jpg
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 … 

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.

Emmanuel Rahebis the CEO of Smart Age Solutions, a digital ad agency and coveted Premier Google Partner.

The Latest

Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Award Grant Graphic
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards Grant

Nelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on March 13.

New Forevermark store in India
SourcingMar 03, 2026
7 Trends That Could Define the Diamond Industry’s Future

Experts from India weigh in the politics, policies, and market dynamics for diamantaires to monitor in 2026 and beyond.

Gannon & Scott and Metalor Technologies employees
MajorsMar 03, 2026
Swiss Refiner Completes Acquisition of Gannon & Scott

The American precious metals refiner’s day-to-day operations remain the same post-acquisition.

TopImageCrop.jpg
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.

Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.

Isabel Delgado aquamarine earrings
TrendsMar 03, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Aquatopia

These aquamarine jewels channel the calming energy of the March birthstone.

Weekly QuizFeb 26, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
AGTA Innovative Design Award
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
AGTA Adds Another New Category for Spectrum

The “Innovative Design” category and award will debut in the Spectrum division of this year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards.

Nena Mensah and Sofia Carson at 2026 Actor Awards
EditorsMar 02, 2026
Jewelry at the Actor Awards: Reimagining Hollywood Glamour

Diamond jewelry was the star of the event formerly known as the SAG Awards.

dca-laptop.jpg
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry Education

With refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.

Person pushing a shopping cart
SurveysMar 02, 2026
Consumer Confidence Edges Up in February

Consumers were somewhat less worried about the future, though concerns about rising prices and politics remained.

Rebecca Foerster
Events & AwardsMar 02, 2026
JVC to Honor Rebecca Foerster at Annual Luncheon

Foerster is this year’s Stanley Schechter Award recipient.

JFC facets 2026
Events & AwardsMar 02, 2026
JFC Names 2026 ‘Facets’ Honorees

Sponsorships and tickets to the annual fundraising event, set for May 31, are available now.

Faustino Alamo Dominguez and his son, Luis Angel Alamo, of Joyeria Angelo’s in Chicago
CrimeFeb 27, 2026
Man Charged in Murders of Father, Son Jewelers in Chicago

Chicago police and members of the U.S. Marshals Service tracked down the 35-year-old suspect earlier this week in St. Louis.

Ekapa mine
SourcingFeb 27, 2026
South African Diamond Mine Closes Amid Search for Missing Workers

Owners of the Ekapa Mine reportedly filed for liquidation about a week after a mudslide trapped five workers who have yet to be found.

Savannah College of Art and Design Bench Jeweler
MajorsFeb 27, 2026
Jewelers Mutual to Donate $10M to Savannah College of Art and Design

A 10-year alliance has also begun to address the shortage of bench jewelers through scholarships, enhanced programs, and updated equipment.

Renato Cipullo Splendente R Stone Letter Pendant
CollectionsFeb 27, 2026
Renato Cipullo Turns Gold into Hardstones

The “Splendente” collection has evolved to feature hardstone letter pendants, including our Piece of the Week, the onyx “R.”

Lady Wardington and diamond clip brooch
AuctionsFeb 26, 2026
Noonans to Auction Lady Wardington’s Jewelry

The jewelry collection belonged to “one of society's most glamorous and beautiful women of the mid-20th century,” said the auction house.

Rough diamonds from De Beers
SourcingFeb 26, 2026
Anglo American CEO Gives Insight Into De Beers Sale

The update came as Anglo took its third write-down on the diamond miner and marketer, which lost more than $500 million in 2025.

5 Star Jewelry Simi Valley California
CrimeFeb 26, 2026
Three Sentenced in California Jewelry Heist

Each received around four years for burglarizing a jewelry store and a coffee shop in Simi Valley, California, last May.

Catherine (Cathy) Aulick’s GIA Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award Winning Necklace Design
Events & AwardsFeb 26, 2026
GIA Names 2026 Jewelry Design Contest Winner, Retires Annual Award

Catherine Aulick, a GIA graduate, received the ninth and final Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design.

Diamond engagement rings by designer Lorraine West
TrendsFeb 25, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and Why

We asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.

Brilliant Earth Beverly Hills showroom
EditorsFeb 25, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills Store

Beth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”

My Next Question podcast with Marion Fasel and Natalie Francisco
PodcastsFeb 25, 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.

Breitling Navitimer B19 Chronograph 43 Perpetual Calendar
WatchesFeb 25, 2026
Private Equity Firms Write Down Value of Breitling, Report Says

The Swiss watchmaker is battling declining sales amid a rapid retail expansion, according to a Financial Times report.

Rahaminov Diamonds Matriarch Campaign
CollectionsFeb 25, 2026
Rahaminov Diamonds’ New Campaign Honors Its Matriarch

The campaign celebrates Giustina Pavanello Rahaminov, the co-founder’s wife and matriarch of the family-owned brand, for her 88th birthday.

Borsheims Rachel Bennett
IndependentsFeb 25, 2026
Borsheims Names 2025 ‘Ike-It’ Award Winner

Rachel Bennett, a senior jeweler who has been with Borsheims since 2004, earned the award.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesFeb 24, 2026
IEEPA Tariffs Terminated, New 10% Tariff Already Imposed

After the Supreme Court struck down the IEEPA tariffs, President Trump imposed a 10 percent tax on almost all imports via a different law.

Sherry Smith, National Jeweler columnist and principal partner at The Retail Smiths
IndependentsFeb 24, 2026
Sherry Smith Now Principal Partner at The Retail Smiths

The industry veteran, who was with The Edge Retail Academy for 14 years, joins her husband at the company he founded in 2022.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy