IndependentsMar 14, 2025
Stafford’s Diamonds in Ohio to Close After 40 YearsThe Dayton-based jeweler, which has been in business since 1985, was formerly known as Stafford Jewelers.
ColumnistsMar 20, 2020
On Data: 10 Tips for Coping with Coronavirus Fallout
In this special edition of On Data, Sherry Smith talks virtually connecting with customers and compiling a cheat sheet for employees on available resources.
Sherry Smith is director of business development for data and consulting company The Edge Retail Academy. She can be reached at sherry@edgeretailacademy.com.
Every day is unique as we navigate the unchartered waters of attempting to contain this global pandemic, COVID-19.
We are faced daily with making difficult decisions that affect not only us but our families, our staff and our communities.
While there are many unknown variables currently, there appear to be a few common concerns.
My area is forcing all nonessential businesses to close; how do I approach this?
What about my staff? Do I pay them or should be this be unpaid leave?
While there is no one right answer for everyone, there are things that you can continue to do to be proactive and while some of these might sound cliché, they do matter.
First, if you are a retailer that must close due to local mandate or a dramatic decline in foot traffic, that doesn’t mean your business shouldn’t be accessible.
1. Utilize chat features. If you’re a retailer currently using Podium, then you already have this feature. If you don’t, I highly recommend you get one set up immediately. This will allow you to communicate to your customers via your website. Let them know you’re still available to assist them. Use split shifts to man your chat log, which also will allow you to offer some hours to your personnel.
2. Update your website regularly. Post daily about your adjusted hours, closing, etc. Also, post contact information that includes email, texting and chat details. Let customers know you will be posting daily to keep them coming back to your site.
3. Stay social. Use Instagram, Facebook and social media as tools to communicate to your customers and community.
4. Utilize email blasts. The vast majority of people are house-bound and are currently attached to their devices. This is a perfect time to send out weekly email blasts. In addition to letting your customers know you’re accessible and still doing business—albeit remotely—email blasts also let them know services you might still be offering, such as curbside pickup or deliveries. Feature those specially priced pieces you’ve been anxious to move.
5. Don’t forget your devices. Take some photos of your products to use when working with your customers via email and/or chat. Our devices are a great selling tool and never was there a better time to use them. Use Skype, FaceTime, Zoom, etc., to enhance the connection. It’s impressive how interactive and personal the experience can be on those type of apps.
We are faced daily with making difficult decisions that affect not only us but our families, our staff and our communities.
While there are many unknown variables currently, there appear to be a few common concerns.
My area is forcing all nonessential businesses to close; how do I approach this?
What about my staff? Do I pay them or should be this be unpaid leave?
While there is no one right answer for everyone, there are things that you can continue to do to be proactive and while some of these might sound cliché, they do matter.
First, if you are a retailer that must close due to local mandate or a dramatic decline in foot traffic, that doesn’t mean your business shouldn’t be accessible.
1. Utilize chat features. If you’re a retailer currently using Podium, then you already have this feature. If you don’t, I highly recommend you get one set up immediately. This will allow you to communicate to your customers via your website. Let them know you’re still available to assist them. Use split shifts to man your chat log, which also will allow you to offer some hours to your personnel.
2. Update your website regularly. Post daily about your adjusted hours, closing, etc. Also, post contact information that includes email, texting and chat details. Let customers know you will be posting daily to keep them coming back to your site.
3. Stay social. Use Instagram, Facebook and social media as tools to communicate to your customers and community.
4. Utilize email blasts. The vast majority of people are house-bound and are currently attached to their devices. This is a perfect time to send out weekly email blasts. In addition to letting your customers know you’re accessible and still doing business—albeit remotely—email blasts also let them know services you might still be offering, such as curbside pickup or deliveries. Feature those specially priced pieces you’ve been anxious to move.
5. Don’t forget your devices. Take some photos of your products to use when working with your customers via email and/or chat. Our devices are a great selling tool and never was there a better time to use them. Use Skype, FaceTime, Zoom, etc., to enhance the connection. It’s impressive how interactive and personal the experience can be on those type of apps.
Secondly—and I would rank this as extremely important—help your employees work through this challenging time by staying aware of any and all programs designed to assist them through their potential unpaid leave.
1. General aid. Find out what programs and subsidizing are available for them.
2. Credit card deferment. Apple Card already has offered deferred payments through this challenging time. Encourage your staff to contact their creditors to see if they’re offering the same, especially if they’re on unpaid leave for the unforeseen future. Many credit card companies are already taking a proactive approach to help people through these unusual times.
3. Federal government aid. Learn the details about the relief bill Congress passed and the president signed into law earlier this week. According to CBS News, the bill includes free coronavirus testing, increased funding for Medicaid and state unemployment insurance, and paid sick, family and medical leave for workers at companies with 500 employees or fewer.
Are you aware of these details? Be prepared to discuss them with your employees, and please note: as of this writing, there are other bills being debated in Congress, including a $1 trillion economic stimulus plan that could include $250 million in aid for small businesses and checks for individual Americans.
4. Mortgage relief. Options are available. Find out the details and share the information with your staff. Other entities, including utility companies and student loan servicers, are following suit.
5. Put it all together. Compile a cheat sheet for your team to help assuage their worry. Make sure you include community and government assistance programs.
1. General aid. Find out what programs and subsidizing are available for them.
2. Credit card deferment. Apple Card already has offered deferred payments through this challenging time. Encourage your staff to contact their creditors to see if they’re offering the same, especially if they’re on unpaid leave for the unforeseen future. Many credit card companies are already taking a proactive approach to help people through these unusual times.
3. Federal government aid. Learn the details about the relief bill Congress passed and the president signed into law earlier this week. According to CBS News, the bill includes free coronavirus testing, increased funding for Medicaid and state unemployment insurance, and paid sick, family and medical leave for workers at companies with 500 employees or fewer.
Are you aware of these details? Be prepared to discuss them with your employees, and please note: as of this writing, there are other bills being debated in Congress, including a $1 trillion economic stimulus plan that could include $250 million in aid for small businesses and checks for individual Americans.
4. Mortgage relief. Options are available. Find out the details and share the information with your staff. Other entities, including utility companies and student loan servicers, are following suit.
5. Put it all together. Compile a cheat sheet for your team to help assuage their worry. Make sure you include community and government assistance programs.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
As to whether your employees take unpaid leave versus paid leave, that is reliant on your financial picture. Be smart and prudent. Assess your savings versus operating costs.
Adjustments made now can mean saved jobs later.
Be transparent in your conversations with your team. Offer a weekly or biweekly chat to update them as the effects of this virus continue to unfold.
Finally, and this might be the cliché part, try to remain positive.
None of us have been here before—and may we never be again—but we’re all in this together. This is the time for us to lean on each other, to brainstorm solutions, and to continue to focus on the things we can control.
Be empathetic. Be proactive. Be a role model. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
More on Columnists
The Latest
Events & AwardsMar 14, 2025
JVC Reveals Recipient of Stanley Schechter AwardReeds Jewelers CEO Alan Zimmer will be presented with the honor at JVC’s annual luncheon.
CollectionsMar 14, 2025
Piece of the Week: Sorellina’s Aries Zodiac PendantThe piece, celebrating birthdays from March 21 to April 19, debuted with Sorellina’s new line of astrological pendants.
Brought to you by
Watch: GIA Field Gemology at the One-Hundredth Expedition: A Look Back and to the FutureSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
MajorsMar 13, 2025
Tanishq Opens 2 New Stores in the U.S.The Indian jewelry brand recently opened stores in Atlanta and Seattle.
Weekly QuizMar 14, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsMar 13, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s 2024 Sales Struggled Amid Engagement RecoveryCEO Beth Gerstein shared its most popular price points, what’s trending in non-bridal fine jewelry, and its holiday performance.
CollectionsMar 13, 2025
Chopard Unveils High Jewelry Collection Created From 6,225-Carat Emerald The 15 pieces were crafted from the “Insofu” emerald, discovered in Zambia in 2010.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
MajorsMar 13, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Names New CFO, TreasurerChris Anderson is joining the insurance provider as the new chief financial officer and treasurer.
Lab-GrownMar 13, 2025
JA Offering Some ‘Counter Intelligence’ on Diamonds Jewelers of America is distributing a brochure for retailers to use when discussing the differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds.
SourcingMar 12, 2025
5 Factors That Will Impact the Diamond Industry in 2025The industry is changing as it grapples with new realities around distribution, supply, and the need for consistent, effective marketing.
SourcingMar 12, 2025
Q&A: New GJEPC Chairman Kirit BhansaliBhansali discusses the potential impact of U.S. tariffs, demand for diamonds by market, and the “cautious confidence” in India right now.
Lab-GrownMar 12, 2025
Beyond Jewelry: Possibilities in the Lab-Grown Diamond SectorAs lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.
SourcingMar 12, 2025
Indian Leader, Retailer Among 2025 DDG Honorees Govind Dholakia and Tanishq will be recognized for their contributions to the industry at the Diamonds Do Good Awards in Las Vegas.
IndependentsMar 12, 2025
Marla Aaron Migrates to LondonThe New York City-based brand has opened its first U.K. location with a permanent shop-in-shop at Liberty in London.
AuctionsMar 12, 2025
A Medieval Bishop’s Sapphire Ring Is Going Up for SaleA metal detectorist discovered the ring that is believed to have belonged to a bishop in the late 12th to early 13th century.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2025
JA New York Announces Education, Live Demo LineupsOrganizers looked to new partnerships and interactive experiences to enhance the spring show, set for March 16 to 18.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2025
Bogolo Joy Kenewendo to Speak at Annual JVC LuncheonKenewendo, Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy, will discuss the future of diamonds.
CrimeMar 11, 2025
Man in Florida Swallows Allegedly Stolen Tiffany & Co. Jewelry The suspect allegedly stole almost $800,000 worth of diamond jewelry from a store in Orlando and then swallowed it during a traffic stop.
CollectionsMar 11, 2025
Marco Bicego Celebrates 25 Years With Collection, CampaignFounded in 2000, Marco Bicego is commemorating its milestone anniversary with a “25 Best” collection and campaigns honoring its heritage.
TechnologyMar 11, 2025
Hill & Co. Launches New B2B Buyer DatabaseThose attending the company’s upcoming Zoom workshop will receive early access to “The List,” its new resource for finding buyers.
Events & AwardsMar 11, 2025
JSA to Honor GIA Employee at Annual LuncheonThe organization will present an award to Amy-Elise Signeavsky, law enforcement and diamond recovery manager at GIA.
MajorsMar 10, 2025
Terry Chandler to Retire After 24 Years as Head of DCA Chandler started his jewelry career at Michelson Jewelers, joining the Diamond Council of America as president and CEO in 2001.
CollectionsMar 10, 2025
MaeVona Co-Founder Debuts 3D-Printed ‘Tùsaire’ CollectionScottish American designer Maeve Gillies collaborated with Platinum Guild International on jewelry created by direct metal 3D printing.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersAhead of its trade show in May, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to five up-and-coming jewelry industry professionals.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
These Designers, Journalists, and Retailers Are Up for a Gem Award The 2025 Gem Awards are set to take place Friday at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
MajorsMar 07, 2025
Jane Fonda, Mariska Hargitay Star in Pomellato’s IWD CampaignThe annual star-studded campaign for International Women’s Day encourages collective action against domestic violence.
