MajorsJul 18, 2025
Lewis Heyman on Sourcing Gemstones, Post-Retirement PlansHe retired last month after 28 years traveling the world to source the very best gemstones for his family’s jewelry business, Oscar Heyman.
EditorsDec 02, 2014
Retail words of the year, part II
I am, admittedly, a bit late in coming around to my second word of the year for 2014, as it’s already been done.
Yet, I don’t think the nationwide obsession with shopping/eating/sourcing local has waned in the seven years since the coronation of locavore. If anything, it’s become more important. Thus “local” is my second choice for a word that has been important to retail in 2014. My first, in case you missed it, was omnichannel.
A while back, I blogged here about the problems facing e-tailers Blue Nile and Amazon. Part of the article mentioned Amazon’s then-ongoing (but since-resolved) war with publisher Hachette, a row that caught hundreds of hard-working writers in the middle.
Frankly, I didn’t care for the way Amazon treated the authors. I used to order books from the site for my book club because it was convenient and slightly cheaper, but I don’t shop Amazon for anything anymore.
I prefer to borrow from the library or buy books at my local bookstore, the Greenlight. It’s a good place to find out about local happenings, including authors who are coming to speak at the store, and get out from behind my computer to interact with other live human beings; a novel idea these days, I know.
My personal fondness for small businesses is actually one of my favorite aspects of working here, and likely why I’ve stayed so long. Jewelers are great people, and I’ve learned a lot about small business owners today by talking with them.
I can’t be the only person who feels this way, and that’s why, if I owned a jewelry store, I’d definitely keep stressing that local advantage: We are a local store that supports your local community and is owned and/or staffed by people who live locally.
Remember: there are fewer and fewer of you every day. Recent statistics from the Jewelers Board of Trade show that the number of retail jewelers in the U.S. and Canada has shrunk 11 percent over the past 10 years.
Those that are left obviously
are doing something right, and they should let their customers know.
Early Monday, I and my associate editor Brecken called jewelers across the country to ask about their holiday sales.
I got into a discussion with a few retailers about “Small Business Saturday,” the day American Express created to encourage consumers to “Shop Small,” i.e., support local merchants. (Retailers can download free Shop Small marketing materials on the American Express website and, of course, there are more advantages for business that take American Express.)
None of the retailers I spoke with did anything Small-Business-Saturday specific, but a few said they definitely make a point of stressing their local appeal.
Susan Eisen, who owns Susan Eisen Fine Jewelry & Watches in El Paso, Texas, said she doesn’t discount to compete but is happy to tell people that she is an El Paso native whose inventory is mostly made in America. “People appreciate hearing that,” she says. “It may or may not make a difference (in making the sale) but I am not a place for bargain shoppers. This is a not a bargain-shopper place.”
On Eisen’s to-do list for 2015: in addition to stressing her local appeal, she wants to figure out a better way to express to the public how important it is to buy from a knowledgeable jeweler.
And Kelly Newton, of Newton’s Jewelers in Fort Smith, Ark., told me Monday that he stresses the store’s longevity in its marketing and why not: Newton’s is 100 years old this year, and is the only jewelry store in the region that can claim a century in business.
“I’d rather go buy from someone that has an old family business,” Newton says. “That’s one of those things to set you apart.”
Both of these local jewelers, in case you were wondering, did just fine Black Friday weekend. So, don’t forget: local matters to people today. I promise I’m not the only one.
Early Monday, I and my associate editor Brecken called jewelers across the country to ask about their holiday sales.
I got into a discussion with a few retailers about “Small Business Saturday,” the day American Express created to encourage consumers to “Shop Small,” i.e., support local merchants. (Retailers can download free Shop Small marketing materials on the American Express website and, of course, there are more advantages for business that take American Express.)
None of the retailers I spoke with did anything Small-Business-Saturday specific, but a few said they definitely make a point of stressing their local appeal.
Susan Eisen, who owns Susan Eisen Fine Jewelry & Watches in El Paso, Texas, said she doesn’t discount to compete but is happy to tell people that she is an El Paso native whose inventory is mostly made in America. “People appreciate hearing that,” she says. “It may or may not make a difference (in making the sale) but I am not a place for bargain shoppers. This is a not a bargain-shopper place.”
On Eisen’s to-do list for 2015: in addition to stressing her local appeal, she wants to figure out a better way to express to the public how important it is to buy from a knowledgeable jeweler.
And Kelly Newton, of Newton’s Jewelers in Fort Smith, Ark., told me Monday that he stresses the store’s longevity in its marketing and why not: Newton’s is 100 years old this year, and is the only jewelry store in the region that can claim a century in business.
“I’d rather go buy from someone that has an old family business,” Newton says. “That’s one of those things to set you apart.”
Both of these local jewelers, in case you were wondering, did just fine Black Friday weekend. So, don’t forget: local matters to people today. I promise I’m not the only one.
More on Editors
The Latest
TrendsJul 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: CCWW Designs’ Shell Charm NecklaceThe charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Plumb Club Elects New Board MembersThe organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
TechnologyJul 18, 2025
Brad Campbell, John Liebler Join Clientbook’s Executive Team Campbell joins the company as vice president of business development while Liebler is the new vice president of operations.
Weekly QuizJul 17, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 17, 2025
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.
Supplier BulletinJul 17, 2025
The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025: Your Holiday Preparations, All Wrapped Up! Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
SurveysJul 17, 2025
The Most Recommended Brands in the World, According to YouGovGlobally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.
IndependentsJul 17, 2025
Gina Ferranti of GiGi Ferranti Jewelry Dies at 59The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.
SourcingJul 17, 2025
Rio Tinto Names New CEO, Production Rises at DiavikProduction at the mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories topped 1 million carats in Q2, the third consecutive quarter of growth.
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2025
JA to Hold Learning Workshops This FallA new slate of Learning Workshops will take place in Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Georgia.
SurveysJul 16, 2025
Signet Jewelers Falls Lower on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListThe middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.
FinancialsJul 16, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Up 7% in Q1It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.
WatchesJul 16, 2025
The Top-Selling Rolex Models of the Last 15 Years, According to Bob’s Watches The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.
AuctionsJul 16, 2025
Christie’s To Honor Dinh Van With ExhibitionThe auction house will be hosting a retrospective paying tribute to jeweler Jean Dinh Van and his company’s 60th anniversary.
IndependentsJul 16, 2025
Clyde Duneier Ushers In Fourth GenerationJake Duneier and Danielle Duneier-Goldberg have stepped into the roles of CEO and president, respectively.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Calls Attention to Nature’s ImpermanenceThe “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.
MajorsJul 15, 2025
James Avery Expands to 2 More StatesThe Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2025
Neiman Marcus Vet Joins Couture as Brand Director Eric Ford will step into the role, bringing with him decades of experience.
MajorsJul 15, 2025
Ben Bridge Jeweler Acquires Olympic ManufacturingIn addition to improved capabilities, the acquisition will allow the jeweler to offer support to other independent jewelers.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Guzema Debuts First Colored Gemstone JewelryThe “Celestial Blue” capsule collection campaign features Olympian Kateryna Sadurska.
MajorsJul 14, 2025
Nanis Opens First StoreThe seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.
IndependentsJul 14, 2025
It’s the Summer of Love at Long’s JewelersThe New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.
SourcingJul 14, 2025
Ethical Gem Fair Heads to SeattleThe trade-only event will host its debut fair in the Emerald City later this month.
Events & AwardsJul 11, 2025
The Edge’s Annual Conference Returns in SeptemberIts sessions will focus on inventory strategies, staff performance, retention and acquisition, emerging market trends, and more.
CollectionsJul 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: Miseno’s ‘Arco’ EarringsFor its 10th anniversary, Miseno designed the “Arco” earrings based on the Arco Felice, an arch conceptualized in A.D. 95 in Miseno, Italy.
