As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
Michael C. Fina Shutters Store, Goes Online Only
The 81-year-old New York City jeweler will close its doors on April 16, after which it will only operate digitally.

New York--A New York City jeweler that opened its doors in 1935 soon will say goodbye to its physical location as it moves to an online-only operation.
Michael C. Fina, which has been on Park Avenue in Manhattan for eight decades, will close up shop on April 16, after which it will have an Internet presence only.
According to President and Chief Merchant Steven Fina, the move made sense. Eighty-five percent of the company’s sales now come from its website, with jeweler seeing that the majority of its global customer base prefers to shop online.
“Becoming an online-only retailer was a strategic decision to put the majority of our resources to support those customers,” Fina told National Jeweler via email on Tuesday. “We already have a global consumer base, and this transition further enables us to anticipate what our customers need and deliver it to them in the way they want to shop, which is online.”
Fina said that fewer than 20 employees would be impacted by the store’s closing, with most job losses occurring on the sales floor, and that the company would assist in helping them find new position jobs.
Most of Michael C. Fina’s merchants, marketing team, graphic designers and other back-office employees will be keeping their jobs, he added.
Michael C. Fina has been selling online since 1999, making it one of the first retailers to offer an online wedding registry and omnichannel inventory approach, according to the company.
Now, as it relaunches as an online-only company, it will aim to put its high-end jewelry, tableware and home décor products in front of a larger audience than before by partnering with online wedding registry site Zola and Amazon.
Zola now will exclusively power the retailer’s registry, as Michael C. Fina works with Zola to offer a robust selection of more than 50 brands and 1,500 different items from the company’s luxury tableware catalog.
The company also is switching its fulfillment services over to Amazon, allowing it to ship products quicker and save on shipping costs.
Additionally, Michael C. Fina will be one of three inaugural boutiques featured by Amazon as the e-commerce giant relaunches it wedding registry, Fina said. Shoppers visiting the site will find a curated assortment of luxury tableware available at Michael C. Fina, including brands that have never before been offered by Amazon.
The company also said that it
Though Fina declined to comment on exactly what that would include, noting that additional information would be made available closer to the launch, the announcement on its website did note that it would make detailed product information readily available and create a “robust” search and filtering functionality to make it easier to find products.
The Latest

The trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.

January’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

The annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.


Footage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.

The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

The Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”

Linda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.

The governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.

Sparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.

The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.

In its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.

Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.

Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.

Shekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.

This year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.

Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.

As part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.

It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.

The new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.

Its residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.

From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.

The retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.

The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.

The new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.






















