WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.
TechnologyFeb 12, 2019
The Smart Lab: The Future of Retail Is …
Going to be interactive, Emmanuel Raheb writes, like “cold zones” in clothing stores where customers can try on jackets.
Emmanuel Raheb is the CEO of Smart Age Solutions, a digital ad agency and coveted Premier Google Partner. Contact him at eraheb@smartagesolutions.com.
Evolving trends are often a great way to boost sales, if you’re strategic enough to catch them. If you want to take full advantage of these trends, you need to plan their implementation in advance.
Clicks-and-bricks has been the most recent trend businesses have been following. Eighty-eight percent of consumers shop online before buying in store, so companies tried to create strategies around helping consumers find more information online so they can buy in store when they’re ready.
That’s still very alive today, but what’s changing is that smart shop owners are using additional technology in stores to create more memorable shopping experiences for consumers.
Interactive retail takes the shopping experience to the next level by providing customers with ways of simulating the use of products in different conditions.
For example, Business Insider reported that by 2040, retail stores will have dedicated “cold zones” where shoppers can test jackets and other cold-weather apparel; it was just one of a number of predictions made in Euromonitor International’s “Commerce 2040” report.
Such experiences are important because they remove friction for customers during the consideration stage of the buyer’s journey.
The so-called cold zones will, theoretically, help reduce jacket returns and increase customer satisfaction. With continuous seamless experiences such as the one described above, customers will keep coming back.
RELATED CONTENT—Inside James Allen: 3 Observations About Its First StoreJewelry stores can implement interactive retail by having brass-and-glass samples that they can leave out for customers to play with and try on without assistance.
Additionally, stores can create unique events and parties designed to make shopping more fun for customers.
As we all know, experience is increasingly becoming important in the business sphere. It’s no longer enough to just offer a product for sale. In order to get people to buy from you, you need to sell them an experience along with a product.
Asking the question, “What makes my jewelry store different from other jewelry stores?” is a great place to start. When you do things differently from your competitors, you add reasons for customers to buy from you instead of others. Interactive retail is a great opportunity to differentiate yourself.
Amazon is one of the companies experimenting with interactive and forward-thinking retail.
With their new Amazon Go grocery stores, the company offers a cashier-less shopping experience.
Additionally, Amazon provides physical-store customers with review data from its website. This creates a
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
more seamless online-to-offline transition and solid customer experience.
By listening to their customers and implementing the right technology, Amazon continues to increase their sales.
If you want to stay competitive in the business landscape, you need to stay on top of evolving trends. Because consumers are interested in convenience and experience more than ever, you need to constantly challenge yourself to find ways to create fun experiences for your customers.
You can’t implement old technology and expect great results. The only path forward is to invest in new initiatives that will provide you with a great return on investment.
Emmanuel Raheb is the CEO of Smart Age Solutions, a digital ad agency and Premier Google Partner. With nearly 18 years’ digital marketing and e-commerce experience, Raheb is passionate about helping national jewelry brands and local retailers alike. Contact him at eraheb@smartagesolutions.com.
By listening to their customers and implementing the right technology, Amazon continues to increase their sales.
If you want to stay competitive in the business landscape, you need to stay on top of evolving trends. Because consumers are interested in convenience and experience more than ever, you need to constantly challenge yourself to find ways to create fun experiences for your customers.
You can’t implement old technology and expect great results. The only path forward is to invest in new initiatives that will provide you with a great return on investment.
Emmanuel Raheb is the CEO of Smart Age Solutions, a digital ad agency and Premier Google Partner. With nearly 18 years’ digital marketing and e-commerce experience, Raheb is passionate about helping national jewelry brands and local retailers alike. Contact him at eraheb@smartagesolutions.com.
More on Technology
The Latest
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your SecretsThe “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.
ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic OfficerIn her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.
Weekly QuizApr 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerOrganizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
SourcingApr 09, 2026
AGA To Honor ‘Quiet Leadership’ With New AwardThe Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Oris Names New CEO, CFOThe Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.
CollectionsApr 08, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30 Years By Asking a QuestionThe “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.
SourcingApr 08, 2026
Sale of 42-Carat Blue Diamond Gives Petra a Boost in Q3The big diamond’s sale added to the company’s revenue though the market remains “challenging” overall, particularly for smaller goods.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
AGS Confluence Returns with AI, Sustainability SessionsRob Bates of The Jewelry Wire will also moderate a panel on the state of the jewelry industry during the virtual event.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
TJS to Honor 2 Longtime Former Stuller EmployeesThe Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.
TrendsApr 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: April’s Brilliant Birthstone With their durability, brilliance, and beauty, diamonds are the perfect stone for everyday birthstone jewelry.
MajorsApr 07, 2026
QVC Group’s Latest Filing Calls Its Future Into QuestionThe retailer failed to file its annual report on time and said it may issue a going concern warning.
ColumnistsApr 07, 2026
Peter Smith: A Tip to the Post Office on Workplace CultureSmith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.
GradingApr 07, 2026
GIA CFO David Tearle to Retire in June John Cowley, who has more than 30 years of experience, is succeeding Tearle as the lab’s chief financial officer.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Nerd Out Over Gemology Geek’s First Jewelry CollectionFounder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Ukrainian Jewelers Highlighted In New Book“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Fope’s New Jewelry Debuts Are Golden“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.
MajorsApr 06, 2026
Kecia Caffie, Corinne Bentzen No Longer With Signet JewelersSignet confirmed that Caffie, president of Zales and Banter, and Bentzen, who headed Blue Nile, have left the company.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Historian Tanzy Ward Pens Book on Black Victorians’ JewelryThe antique jewelry dealer talks about the importance of including Black Americans in jewelry history and preserving their stories.
SourcingApr 06, 2026
Gemfields Reports $51M Loss in 2025Both its mines faced challenges last year, from operational issues to disruptions in the market.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Taylor Swift’s ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ Video Puts Jewelry Front and CenterIconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.
MajorsApr 03, 2026
Saks Global Says It Will Emerge From Bankruptcy This SummerThe luxury retailer, which went Chapter 11 in January, announced Thursday that it has secured $500 million in exit financing.
Events & AwardsApr 03, 2026
JCK Luxury, NouvelleBox Partner on New Designer BallroomThe NouvelleBox ballroom will feature independent jewelry designers, including Lene Vibe, Wyld Box Jewelry, and Kiaia Limited.
