The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
Plumb Club Breakfast to Feature ‘The Retail Prophet’
Author and thinker Doug Stephens will share strategies for succeeding with consumers in the “post-digital world” during the JCK Las Vegas show.
Las Vegas—This year, JCK Las Vegas’ annual Plumb Club breakfast will feature a presentation from Doug Stephens, also known as “The Retail Prophet.”
The event is slated to take place Saturday, June 2 from 7:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., with Stephens’ presentation starting at 8 a.m.
Stephens is considered one of the world’s foremost retail industry futurists whose work and thinking have influenced retailers and brands including Walmart, Google, Home Depot, Disney, BMW, Citibank and Intel, the Plumb Club said.
Stephens will speak about how the very concept of what stores are, how consumers shop in them and basic economic revenue models are all in the process of being reinvented.
His presentation will be customized for the retail jeweler and will share actionable strategies proven by companies and brands succeeding today and maintaining relevance among consumers.
After the presentation, attendees who visit the Plumb Club Pavilion will receive a free copy of Stephens’ book, “Reengineering Retail: The Future of Selling in a Post-Digital World.” He will sign copies and pose for pictures.
The Diamond Producers Association is returning as the exclusive sponsor for the breakfast.
At the event, the DPA will go over its first full year of activity in the United States, which included a new campaign, media investment and partnerships.
It will also outline plans for the next holiday season and beyond while sharing the impact of its programs so far, as well as insights on consumers.
The annual Plumb Club breakfast is open to JCK Las Vegas registered retailers only and requires advanced registration online, one registration per each individual attendee.
The Latest

The industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.

Inspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.

As gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.

The company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.


The jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.

Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

Those born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.

The platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.

Jim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.

When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.

The “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.

The jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.

Up for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.

The Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.

The organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.

Saks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.

Smith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.

The Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.

The retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.

The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.

The price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.

The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.

Sotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.

A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.
























