Events & AwardsJun 05, 2023
HardRock Summit Organizers Gear Up for Third Annual ShowMore than 250 gem, jewelry, and mineral companies are expected to exhibit, including the American Gem Trade Association.
IndependentsApr 24, 2020
John Henne Offers 5 Tips for Business During Coronavirus
The fourth-generation jeweler chatted with National Jeweler Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff in a recent webinar.
John Henne is the owner of Pittsburgh’s Henne Jewelers, which recently secured a Paycheck Protection Program loan to help employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pittsburgh—In a webinar earlier this week, fourth-generation jeweler John Henne offered insights on how Henne Jewelers is operating in light of the coronavirus.
Henne spoke in conversation with National Jeweler Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff as part of a new webinar series from Jewelers of America and National Jeweler called “My Next Question.”
The next episode of “My Next Question” will be Tuesday, May 5 at 2 p.m. EDT and feature Sherry and Peter Smith. Registration is available here.
WATCH: The Recording of “My Next Question” with John Henne
Located in Pittsburgh, Henne Jewelers entered its reduced operational mode on March 16 in accordance with county guidelines.
Henne offered a few key takeaways to making it work during the pandemic.
Nonessential Is the Word
Even before nonessential businesses closed in his area, Henne began evaluating what was nonessential to his own business.
As soon as reports of coronavirus cases in Washington state hit the news, Henne asked his marketing director to cut $150,000 of the budget. Out went, radio, print and television ads.
Henne’s team began negotiating their billboard ad accounts, but deemed its digital marketing budget essential.
Henne said he “looked at every line item” on his budget, cutting whatever he could.
Support Your Employees
Henne said the most difficult challenge his company faced during this period was furloughing employees.
When the store was forced to stop serving customers in person, Henne had no choice but to let go of his 30-plus employees. To make the situation less painful, he advanced employees their last two weeks’ salary so they could file immediately for unemployment.
Since then he’s been working with a “skeleton crew” to fulfill basic operations and ecommerce and phone orders.
Employees volunteered if they wanted to continue working, with two to three people per floor (Henne Jewelers owns their building), spaced at least 20 feet apart.
Employees clean the store each morning and enter with masks on, removing them once they are in their isolated work spaces.
Henne said he’s been busier than ever obtaining the Paycheck Protection Program loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
He received funds April 14 and his furloughed staff was able to begin working from home the following Monday, April 20.
No, Really Support Them
While the PPP loan stipulates employers may reduce staff salaries by up to 25 percent with the loan remaining forgivable, Henne is paying his staff their full salaries.
In fact, he’s paying them more than
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
their weekly checks to make up for their lost commissions as sales suffer during quarantine.
While the store’s skeleton crew—Henne included—have more than enough tasks to keep them busy, Henne is finding work for his new work-from-home unit by letting them decide how to best use their time, rather than micromanaging.
Employees are working within teams, each with its own leader, and taking advantage of the available industry education, as well as upping their knowledge of essential business programs in which they might be lacking, like the Microsoft suite.
Now Is the Time to Build on Established Relationships
Just as some Henne Jewelers clients have been purchasing gift cards or ordered that special piece they’ve had their eye on to support the store, Henne wants to provide as much help to his vendors as possible.
He’s doing that by treating each relationship differently, working with each vendor to meet his and their needs. There’s “no-one-size-fits-all,” policy, he explained.
One cash-strapped vendor might need some advance payment, for instance, while another will be willing to offset this burden for Henne Jewelers by allowing later payments than normal for the time being.
“Figure out what you can do for each brand case by case,” Henne explained, noting he will focus on “deepening existing relationships” in the months ahead, rather than meeting and taking on any new vendors.
He also doesn’t foresee any staff travel for shows or conferences in the next six months.
Go With the Flow
Jewelers have many questions. Post-coronavirus, how will they provide a luxury retail experience with masks and gloves in play? How will they handle customers wearing masks from a security standpoint?
Henne is going to play it by ear, looking into various options now, while remaining open to a changed way of business.
“All of us are navigating it so freshly together,” he said, so there’s no need to worry about foregoing the handshake or hug to a favorite customer when they’re allowed back in the store. Everyone will be accepting of a new normal.
Whatever measures need to be taken to keep staff and customers safe—new cleaning protocols for jewelry entering the store, or a security system in which customers must remove their masks upon entry for three to four seconds so the camera can capture their face—Henne will implement them.
Most importantly, he’s remaining open-minded to whatever the official guidance will be as businesses open back up, approaching any potential changes to how he sells jewelry with customer service in mind.
While the store’s skeleton crew—Henne included—have more than enough tasks to keep them busy, Henne is finding work for his new work-from-home unit by letting them decide how to best use their time, rather than micromanaging.
Employees are working within teams, each with its own leader, and taking advantage of the available industry education, as well as upping their knowledge of essential business programs in which they might be lacking, like the Microsoft suite.
Now Is the Time to Build on Established Relationships
Just as some Henne Jewelers clients have been purchasing gift cards or ordered that special piece they’ve had their eye on to support the store, Henne wants to provide as much help to his vendors as possible.
He’s doing that by treating each relationship differently, working with each vendor to meet his and their needs. There’s “no-one-size-fits-all,” policy, he explained.
One cash-strapped vendor might need some advance payment, for instance, while another will be willing to offset this burden for Henne Jewelers by allowing later payments than normal for the time being.
“Figure out what you can do for each brand case by case,” Henne explained, noting he will focus on “deepening existing relationships” in the months ahead, rather than meeting and taking on any new vendors.
He also doesn’t foresee any staff travel for shows or conferences in the next six months.
Go With the Flow
Jewelers have many questions. Post-coronavirus, how will they provide a luxury retail experience with masks and gloves in play? How will they handle customers wearing masks from a security standpoint?
Henne is going to play it by ear, looking into various options now, while remaining open to a changed way of business.
“All of us are navigating it so freshly together,” he said, so there’s no need to worry about foregoing the handshake or hug to a favorite customer when they’re allowed back in the store. Everyone will be accepting of a new normal.
Whatever measures need to be taken to keep staff and customers safe—new cleaning protocols for jewelry entering the store, or a security system in which customers must remove their masks upon entry for three to four seconds so the camera can capture their face—Henne will implement them.
Most importantly, he’s remaining open-minded to whatever the official guidance will be as businesses open back up, approaching any potential changes to how he sells jewelry with customer service in mind.
More on Independents
The Latest
TrendsJun 02, 2023
Take a Peek at Couture’s Newest Design Talents This year’s Design Atelier is full of gems.
CollectionsJun 02, 2023
Piece of the Week: Saboo Fine Jewels’ Emerald EarringsThey’re a testament to the power of excellent design.
Brought to you by
The Next Step for GIA Diamond ReportsThe most trusted diamond report, available in print or the GIA App.
TrendsJun 01, 2023
See 50+ Jewels Debuting at Couture in Las VegasThe industry’s most influential contemporary designers are showcasing their latest jewelry designs.
Weekly QuizJun 02, 2023
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Lab-GrownJun 01, 2023
35-Carat Lab-Grown Diamond Going on Display in VegasCreated by Maitri Lab-Grown Diamonds and graded by IGI, it’s slightly bigger than the record-setting lab-grown diamond GIA just examined.
MajorsJun 01, 2023
Bottom Line Marketing Announces Restructured Leadership, New Service OfferingsThe marketing agency has integrated its first C-suite.
Brought to you by
Beyond Borders: Crucial Factors in Colored Stone Origin DeterminationNavigate origin determination with Continuing Education seminars offered by the GIA Alumni Collective™.
Events & AwardsJun 01, 2023
Meet JCK’s 2023 Keynote SpeakerThe jewelry trade show also will debut educational content centered around social media.
TrendsMay 31, 2023
Here’s a Sneak Peek of New Jewelry to Check Out at JCKLuxury kicks off today, with the full show in swing on Friday.
CollectionsMay 31, 2023
Verragio’s Debut Fine Jewelry Collections Honor Company HeritageOne of the three new collections was inspired by the legend of a woman who traded her mansion to Cartier for two strands of natural pearls.
MajorsMay 31, 2023
Signet Jewelers Names New Head of Investor RelationsRob Ballew will be tasked with communicating the jewelry giant’s plans and financial performance to investors.
MajorsMay 31, 2023
Jewelers Mutual Launches App for Retailers, Introduces New BrokerageWith the app, customers receive a 15-day insurance offer on new purchases while their coverage needs are being evaluated.
Lab-GrownMay 30, 2023
Lightbox Is Testing Out a Trendy Concept Shop in BrooklynIt is in House of Showfields, a bazaar-style retail space in the borough’s Williamsburg neighborhood.
Events & AwardsMay 30, 2023
These Are the Can’t-Miss JCK Talks Education SessionsFrom consumer trends to retail technology, these are the JCK Talks sessions that should be on attendees’ radar.
AuctionsMay 30, 2023
Sotheby’s to Auction Mellon Family JewelrySignature pieces from Cartier and David Webb will appear in the June jewelry auction.
Events & AwardsMay 30, 2023
24 Karat Club of Southern California Recognizes 3 HonoreesThey will be celebrated at the annual dinner dance and gala in the fall.
GradingMay 26, 2023
State of the Diamond Industry: AI and the Future of Diamond GradingGemologists have long used machines in diamond grading but technology has made it possible for them to “learn” how to do it on their own.
Recorded WebinarsMay 26, 2023
Watch: Diamond Cut Quality: The Final Frontier Part 2Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by IGI
Recorded WebinarsMay 26, 2023
Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds: What It’s Like to Sell Both Watch retailers Jeffery Bolling and Bobby Bengivengo discuss employee training, customer education and the sticky subject of future value.
FinancialsMay 26, 2023
Movado Sales Slip in Q1 Amid Inflation Woes, Tough CompsThe company has plans to revamp the Movado brand and offer less expensive watches this year.
AuctionsMay 26, 2023
Piece of the Week: A Bulgari Sapphire and Diamond NecklaceSet with a 118-carat unheated Sri Lankan sapphire, it just sold for $3.4 million at Phillips jewelry auction in Hong Kong.
Supplier BulletinMay 25, 2023
RAE Fine Jewelry Collection Debuting at JCK Luxury 2023Sponsored by Noam Carver
TechnologyMay 25, 2023
State of Retail: Why Jewelers Need to Invest in Cybersecurity NowAs cybercrime incidents threaten the industry, jewelers need to know what they’re up against and the best ways to protect their businesses.
SourcingMay 25, 2023
David Yurman Unveils Quartz Exhibition at AMNH The Yurman Family Crystalline Pass is inside the museum’s brand-new Richard Gilder Center.
MajorsMay 25, 2023
Stanley Zale Joins Hill & Co. as Principal Consultant Zale has more than 40 years’ experience in the diamond industry, including 17 years as Stuller’s VP of diamonds and gemstones procurement.
Events & AwardsMay 24, 2023
New To-Dos in Las Vegas During Jewelry Market Week 2023The Strip is full of new restaurant and entertainment offerings.
