From a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
Macy’s boosts omnichannel shopping strategy
In a move that underscores the increasing importance of omnichannel shopping, Macy’s announced Monday a number of new developments to attract and service customers both in store and online.
New York--In a move that underscores the increasing importance of omnichannel shopping, Macy’s announced Monday a number of new developments to attract and service customers both in store and online.
Omnichannel retailing refers to providing a seamless approach for consumers across all available shopping platforms, including mobile, digital and brick-and-mortar, that allows customers to use more than one sales channel from a retailer for any transaction.
One of the first innovations that Macy’s debuted is that both it and Bloomingdale’s will be among the first to use the new Apple Pay mobile payment system, which will be available for the first time beginning this fall on the newly unveiled iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus mobile devices as well as on the Apple Watch.
Apple Pay will gives customers a way to simplify the transaction in a secure and private manner at the company’s stores across the country, Macy’s said. More details will be available in October, when the service is slated to launch.
Along the same lines, the company is launching Macy’s Wallet and Bloomingdale’s Wallet, which will allow shoppers to store and access offers and coupons on their mobile devices. The feature creates a seamless omnichannel checkout experience for those enrolled in loyalty rewards programs, regardless of shopping in-store, on a mobile device or via desktop, the retailer said.
The wallets will be added to the company’s mobile applications in November.
The company also has finished the rollout of its “Buy Online, Pickup in Store” feature, originally piloted in fall 2013, to all full-line stores across the country.
Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s also both will begin same-day delivery for online orders. Macy’s will offer the service to customers in eight major U.S. markets--Washington D.C., Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New Jersey, San Francisco, Seattle and San Jose, Calif.--while Bloomingdale’s will offer it to shoppers in Chicago, L.A., San Francisco and San Jose.
RELATED CONTENT: Study: Retailers’ omnichannel strategies lag
Another notable development is “smart fitting rooms,” which Bloomingdale’s has introduced in five store locations, that include wall-mounted tablets where sales associates and customers alike can scan merchandise to view other colors and sizes available as well as see additional product information and reviews.
Most importantly, the company said, is the ability to call for assistance from a sales associate at the tap of a button without ever leaving the dressing room.
The Latest

Groundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.

Jost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.

With customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine


From shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.

The designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.

“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.

The lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.

A Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.

New collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.

The citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.

Lanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.

A replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.

Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.

To enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.

The grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.

The winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.

The rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.

It is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.

Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.

The jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.

Spectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.

Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.

Alexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.




















