In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
Decker, Ackerman Team Up for Boot Camp
Though there won’t be any burpees involved, there’s still bound to be some sweating as Shane Decker and Jim Ackerman put jewelers through their sales and marketing paces.

Monument, Colo.--Jewelry industry consultant and sales trainer Shane Decker and marketing coach Jim Ackerman are teaming up to offer two days of intensive sales and marketing training for independent jewelers this fall.
Called the Ultimate Jewelry Sales & Marketing Boot Camp, the event is scheduled to take place in Denver on Saturday, Sept. 10 and Sunday, Sept. 11.
Attendance is limited to 157 stores and the event is priced at $2,500 per chair, though early-bird enrollees can save up to 50 percent, depending upon how early they reserve a spot.
Those who attend will receive pre- and post-event assignments and follow-ups, to make sure boot camp time is most productive for every participant and that rapid, effective implementation is ensured for each store.
In addition, the two-day event will include a three-hour evening session specifically for jewelry store owners. It will address a variety of sales, marketing, management, merchandising, inventory, pricing, and promotional issues.
Further information about the event can be found on its website, UltimateJewelrySalesBootCamp.com.
According to Decker, “Application of specific selling techniques can make a dramatic impact on sales results. It’s not just about knowledge of these techniques; it’s about building skills and systems for their use. And that is almost impossible to do in the one and two-hour presentations I’m limited to in most of my speaking engagements. Having two intensive days to help attendees actually work on these things could geometrically improve the every-day results they get.”
Ackerman said the same of the marketing techniques he’ll be teaching.
“It’s tough to convey more than a few what-to-dos in seminars, books and audio training,” he said. “This two-day format will allow both of us to help jewelers install profit-proven sales and marketing methods.”
The Latest

The family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.

Ivel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.

Criminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.

The supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.


A monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.

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

Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.

The store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.

Through EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.

Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.

The credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.

Kimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.

The “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.

“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.

The jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.

The singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.

The nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.

As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.

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.

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.

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.























