MajorsJul 29, 2022
Jewelers of America Elects 4 New Directors to Board IndependentsAug 03, 2022
Day’s Jewelers Announces New VP of Merchandising
Julie Collins succeeds Kathy Corey in the role.
Julie Collins is Day’s Jewelers new vice president of merchandising.
Waterville, Maine—When searching for its next VP of Merchandising, Day’s Jewelers looked within.
The retailer promoted Julie Collins to the role last month, succeeding Kathy Corey.
Corey and husband Jeff purchased Day’s Jewelers in 1988. She will continue to serve on the company’s board of directors.
Collins joined the company in 2002 as an office manager at the Auburn, Maine location.
She went on to work as office manager at the Manchester, New Hampshire location, then as manager of inventory operations at the company’s corporate office.
For 10 years, Collins worked in buying for various categories including gemstones, watches, gold, silver fashion, and giftware.
“Twenty years ago, I started working at Day’s knowing absolutely nothing about the jewelry business,” she said. “This is an amazing industry with so many people willing to share their knowledge and experience. I am very excited to lead our incredibly strong and experienced merchandising team.”
Collins will oversee the 10-person merchandising department, providing guidance and training.
The department handles product acquisition, quality control, distribution, and security.
Collins’ role puts her in charge of $15 million worth of inventory. She will maintain relationships with 200 gemstone and fine jewelry suppliers, including De Beers.
In her new VP role, she will work in the Waterville, Maine corporate office.
Kathy Corey said of her replacement, “Through the various positions she’s held, Julie has acquired a broad knowledge of Day’s Jewelers store operations and customer insight, especially in the areas of merchandising as inventory operations manager and as a fine jewelry buyer for the last 14 years.
“I’m extremely proud that one of our own employees was Day’s preferred choice as our new vice president of merchandising. Julie is well prepared to take on her new leadership role and adopt innovative ideas for the future of Day’s.”
Related stories will be right here …
The retailer promoted Julie Collins to the role last month, succeeding Kathy Corey.
Corey and husband Jeff purchased Day’s Jewelers in 1988. She will continue to serve on the company’s board of directors.
Collins joined the company in 2002 as an office manager at the Auburn, Maine location.
She went on to work as office manager at the Manchester, New Hampshire location, then as manager of inventory operations at the company’s corporate office.
For 10 years, Collins worked in buying for various categories including gemstones, watches, gold, silver fashion, and giftware.
“Twenty years ago, I started working at Day’s knowing absolutely nothing about the jewelry business,” she said. “This is an amazing industry with so many people willing to share their knowledge and experience. I am very excited to lead our incredibly strong and experienced merchandising team.”
Collins will oversee the 10-person merchandising department, providing guidance and training.
The department handles product acquisition, quality control, distribution, and security.
Collins’ role puts her in charge of $15 million worth of inventory. She will maintain relationships with 200 gemstone and fine jewelry suppliers, including De Beers.
In her new VP role, she will work in the Waterville, Maine corporate office.
Kathy Corey said of her replacement, “Through the various positions she’s held, Julie has acquired a broad knowledge of Day’s Jewelers store operations and customer insight, especially in the areas of merchandising as inventory operations manager and as a fine jewelry buyer for the last 14 years.
“I’m extremely proud that one of our own employees was Day’s preferred choice as our new vice president of merchandising. Julie is well prepared to take on her new leadership role and adopt innovative ideas for the future of Day’s.”
More on Independents
The Latest
Policies & IssuesMay 12, 2025
Tariffs on Chinese Imports Temporarily Slashed as U.S.-China Reach Deal Following weekend negotiations, the tax on Chinese goods imported into the United States will drop by 115 percent for the next 90 days.
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2025
Jewelry By Picasso, Dalí on Display at Florida Art Museum “Artists’ Jewelry: From Cubism to Pop, the Diane Venet Collection” is on view at the Norton Museum of Art through October.
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2025
CASE Awards Now Accepting Entries For 2025The deadline to submit is June 16.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CollectionsMay 09, 2025
Pieces of the Week: Marie Lichtenberg’s Collaborations for Mother’s DayLichtenberg partnered with luxury platform Mytheresa on two designs honoring the connection between mothers and daughters.
Weekly QuizMay 08, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingMay 09, 2025
Gemfields Resumes Emerald Mining in ZambiaThe miner announced plans to recommence open-pit mining at Kagem.
CrimeMay 08, 2025
Former NYC Jewelry Store Employee Arrested in 2017 Choking Death of Boss Michel Desalles allegedly murdered Omid Gholian inside World of Gold N Diamond using zip ties and then fled the country.
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
EditorsMay 08, 2025
5 ‘Superfine’ Met Gala Jewelry MomentsAssociate Editor Lauren McLemore shares her favorite looks from a night of style inspired by Black dandyism.
Supplier BulletinMay 08, 2025
Instappraise Introduces Game-Changing Trifold Appraisal FormatSponsored by Instappraise
FinancialsMay 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth Notes an Uptick in Engagement Ring Sales in Q1CEO Beth Gerstein discussed the company’s bridal bestsellers, the potential impact of tariffs, and the rising price of gold.
IndependentsMay 08, 2025
Verragio Announces New Regional Sales ManagerCathy Marsh will lead the jewelry company’s efforts in the upper Midwest and western United States.
FinancialsMay 07, 2025
Pandora Posts Strong Q1, Plans for TariffsThe company has multiple strategies for dealing with tariffs, though its CEO said moving manufacturing to the U.S. is not one of them.
ColumnistsMay 07, 2025
The Smart Lab: Building a Seasonal Marketing Strategy for Mother’s Day and BeyondConnecting with your customers throughout the year is key to a successful holiday marketing push.
SourcingMay 07, 2025
Gemfields Says Emerald Sales Improved in Latest AuctionIts commercial-quality emerald sale held last month totaled more than $16 million, up from about $11 million in September 2024.
TechnologyMay 07, 2025
Punchmark’s Latest Podcast Features a Very Special Guest National Jeweler Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff joined Michael Burpoe to talk tariffs, consumer confidence, and the sky-high price of gold.
AuctionsMay 06, 2025
Harwell Godfrey Reimagines 10-Carat Blue Diamond for Met Gala-Ready BroochDesigner Lauren Harwell Godfrey made the piece as an homage to the 2025 gala’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”
Events & AwardsMay 06, 2025
Here’s Who Made Jewelers of America’s New ‘20 Under 40’ ListExpanded this year to include suppliers, JA’s 2025 list honors 40 up-and-coming professionals in the jewelry industry.
IndependentsMay 06, 2025
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens New StoreLocated in Fort Smith, it’s the Mid-South jeweler’s first store in Northwest Arkansas.
IndependentsMay 06, 2025
Gunderson’s Jewelers to Be Featured on ‘World’s Greatest’ TV SeriesThe episode about the family-owned jeweler will premiere May 17.
IndependentsMay 05, 2025
Zadok Jewelers Opens Store in AustinThe Houston-based jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot showroom will include a Rolex boutique.
AuctionsMay 05, 2025
Nancy Astor’s Cartier Tiara Heads to AuctionThe turquoise and diamond tiara hasn’t been on the market since it was purchased by Lord Astor in 1930.
SourcingMay 05, 2025
Crater of Diamonds Yields 4-Carat Brown Diamond“The Duke Diamond” is the largest diamond registered at the Arkansas park so far this year.
TrendsMay 02, 2025
Ring Concierge, Kraft Partner on Mother’s Day Macaroni Necklace The childhood craft of making dried pasta necklaces for Mother’s Day is all grown up as the 14-karat gold “Forever Macaroni” necklace.
CollectionsMay 02, 2025
Piece of the Week: Angely Martinez’s Emerald Promise RingSet with May’s birthstone and featuring an earthworm, this ring is a perfect celebration of spring.
MajorsMay 02, 2025
Stuller’s New Bridal Catalog Is Here“Bridal 2025–2026” includes popular styles and a dedicated section for quick pricing references of lab-grown diamond bridal jewelry.
SourcingMay 01, 2025
Tariffs & Colored Gemstones: Relying on Stock, Considering the Ripple EffectThough currently paused, high tariffs threaten many countries where gemstones are mined. Dealers are taking measures now to prepare.
