Watch: Physical Retail Is Not Dead
Peter Smith joined Michelle Graff to chat about the state of brick-and-mortar stores and share a few book and podcast recommendations.
They discussed what the best stores are doing right in terms of the in-store experience, and where struggling retailers are falling short.
They also talked about the importance of using data to run your business, having cohesive branding, and hiring the right people.
Toward the end of the discussion, Smith shared a couple of his favorite retail-centric books and podcasts, including “Remarkable Retail” and “Selling Sexy: Victoria’s Secret and the Unraveling of an American Icon.”
Watch the full episode above or on the National Jeweler YouTube channel.
“My Next Question” will return next month with a recap of the Las Vegas trade shows.
Join Graff and National Jeweler Associate Editor Natalie Francisco, along with Jewelers of America’s Amanda Gizzi and Lauren Dubritz, on June 17 at 2 p.m. EDT for the 2025 “Las Vegas Rewind” episode.
Learn more and register here.
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Take a bite out of the 14-karat yellow gold “Fruits of Love Pear” earrings featuring peridots, diamond stems, and tsavorite leaves.

The one-day virtual event will feature speakers from De Beers, GIA, and Gemworld International.

The California-based creative talks jewelry photography in the modern era and tackles FAQs about working with a pro for the first time.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Al Capone’s pocket watch also found a buyer, though it went for less than half of what it did at auction four years ago.


The foundation has also expanded its “Stronger Together” initiative with Jewelers for Children.

Assimon is the auction house’s new chief commercial officer.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

The De Beers Group CEO discusses the company’s new “beacon” program, the likelihood diamonds will be exempt from tariffs, and “Origin.”

The Danish jewelry giant hosted its grand opening last weekend, complete with a Pandora pink roulette wheel.

Industry veteran Anoop Mehta is the new chairman and independent director of the IGI board.

The winners of the inaugural “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” are student Lee Min Seo and China-based startup Ianyan.

“Ombré Desert Diamonds” will emphasize cream-, champagne-, and brown-colored diamonds, shades that set natural stones apart from lab grown.

It's one of the “Gresham grasshopper” rings English financier Sir Thomas Gresham was known to gift to acquaintances or business associates.

The brand also debuted its new “Zorae” collection featuring a talisman of protection and harmony inspired by a sheaf of wheat.

As Loudr’s new account manager, Johansen will partner with clients to craft and execute marketing strategies.

Designers were recognized in 12 categories, from platinum to pearls, before the evening ended with a new, retail-focused award.

The rare turquoise and diamond jewel was the top lot at Bonhams’ June jewelry sale.

This year’s honorees include a Midwest retailer and two multi-store independents, one in New York and the other in New England.

The deadline to submit is June 16.

The diamond wholesaler is working with the insurance provider to seamlessly offer personal jewelry insurance to RDI retailers’ clients.

As an homage to iconic crochet blankets, the necklace features the nostalgic motif through a kaleidoscope of cabochon-cut stones.

Discover the dozen up-and-coming brands exhibiting in the Design Atelier for the first time.

The “Royal Ruby” Collection is a quintet of untreated rubies curated by collector Jack Abraham.

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

Two existing executives have been given new roles.

Meredith Tiderington, an electrical engineering student, was selected for the award.