The middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.
Blue Nile Opens Second Webroom, Looks for Digital Exec
The online jeweler has opened another New York location for customers to try on merchandise before ordering through the website, and announced a search for a new chief digital merchandising offer.

Seattle--Blue Nile is continuing its experiment with its unique approach to brick-and-mortar retailing.
The online giant has opened its second “webroom” at The Westchester mall in White Plains, N.Y. following the opening of its first location at Roosevelt Field mall in Garden City, N.Y. in June 2015.
Blue Nile’s physical locations have more than 400 styles for customers to try on in person. Sales still are conducted through the Blue Nile website, via in-store tablets with the help of non-commissioned sales associates, or customers can purchase online at a later date.
The e-tailer plans to open two additional webrooms this summer, one at Tysons Corner Center mall in Fairfax County, Va. and the other at Washington Square mall in Portland, Ore.
“We’re learning there are a lot of new customers who are finding us for the first time through the webroom and that some of our existing customers who love our quality and value still want to see, touch, and feel the ring,” said outgoing Chief Merchandising Officer Julie Yoakum.
Yoakum is leaving Blue Nile to pursue another opportunity and the e-tailer is looking for a new chief digital merchandising officer to replace her.
The chief digital merchant will be responsible for merchandising strategy for the webrooms, the company’s website and mobile app.
“There are few jobs in all of retail that touch so many disciplines and channels as the chief digital merchandising officer,” said Blue Nile President, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer Harvey Kanter.
The Latest

It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.

The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

The auction house will be hosting a retrospective paying tribute to jeweler Jean Dinh Van and his company’s 60th anniversary.


Jake Duneier and Danielle Duneier-Goldberg have stepped into the roles of CEO and president, respectively.

The “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

The Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.

Eric Ford will step into the role, bringing with him decades of experience.

In addition to improved capabilities, the acquisition will allow the jeweler to offer support to other independent jewelers.

The “Celestial Blue” capsule collection campaign features Olympian Kateryna Sadurska.

The seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.

The New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.

The trade-only event will host its debut fair in the Emerald City later this month.

Its sessions will focus on inventory strategies, staff performance, retention and acquisition, emerging market trends, and more.

For its 10th anniversary, Miseno designed the “Arco” earrings based on the Arco Felice, an arch conceptualized in A.D. 95 in Miseno, Italy.

The jewelry company is one of several contributing to relief efforts in the region after the recent floods.

Inspired by fiancé Sid Wilson’s nickname for her, the white and yellow diamond ring features a unique honeycomb design.

The brand is marking its 50th anniversary with a limited-edition bangle, high jewelry suites, new collections, and more.

Goldfarb said changes in the industry, coupled with his age and the updates needed to modernize his business, drove his decision.

Longtime LVMH executive Michael Burke has stepped into the role.

Central topics of next week’s event include climate action, labor rights, artisan preservation, and value retention in producing countries.

Vickie Rokkos has joined the jewelry company as its new national sales director of North America.

Turbulence will be the new baseline for luxury as it faces its biggest potential setbacks in 15 years, a recent report said.

Sponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply

The “For the Love of Fruits” collection features five fruit pendants, each holding a different meaning.