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SMART Buyer [clear filter]
Saturday, April 16
 

9:00am CDT

Merchandising and Display Innovations

How you present your assortments and products can significantly impact sales and margin. Learn how to create meaningful collections and how to brand yourself and your jewelry. Displays are truely the "silent sellers". What do your displays tell your customers about who you are? Are the displays telling your story? And, are they consistent with your overall merchandising and brand image?

In this session you will learn:

  • What displays tell your customers
  • The newest looks in displays and presentation
  • Display concepts that enable you to sell more jewelry

Packed with in-depth plans, must-know formulas, handy checklists, calendars and much more, SMART Merchandising will help you get organized, know what’s really going on in your business, and give you more confidence in every merchandising decision you make.

Grab a copy of SMART Merchandising and start making the numbers work in your favor today — because this is the stuff that makes you money and turns an okay business into a thriving success. 

Click here to become a merchandising master!


Speakers
avatar for Sally Furrer

Sally Furrer

Merchandise and Display Specialist, The Edge Retail Academy
In 2011, Sally joined the consulting team at the Edge Retail Academy where her considerable and broad experience coupled with her merchandising expertise compliments the rest of the Academy retail specialists Sally’s extensive experience in retail jewelry began working in the family... Read More →

Sponsors
avatar for Women's Jewelry Association

Women's Jewelry Association

The Women's Jewelry Association
WJA Mission Statement:To help women in the jewelry and watch industries advance and develop professionally through networking, education, leadership development, and the provision of member services.WJA Vision Statement:To be the premier business networking organization dedicated... Read More →



Saturday April 16, 2016 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
Room 302 - 304

10:15am CDT

Diamonds: From "Meh" to "OMG!"

When you are buying, selling, or recutting a diamond, little things can mean a lot. Let this master diamond cutter show you what to look for in the most beautifully cut diamonds. His in-depth look at the finer points of cutting will take you beyond Hearts and Arrows to an understanding of the facet definition subtleties for cutting and polishing this gemstone — and will show you that faceting is the key to bringing out the best in a diamond. Evert will give you easy-to-see and understand examples of what takes a diamond from "meh" to "OMG!"


In this session you will learn:

  • Diamond facet definition and the effects on diamond appearance
  • How off-the-street diamonds can increase your bottom line
  • How to use diamond cutting and other diamond events to bolster your social media and marketing
See the video of Mike Botha cutting the Esperanza diamond. (Https://Youtu.Be/AfllEy3Q5Hw)

Speakers
avatar for Evert Botha

Evert Botha

Chief Operating Officer, Embee Diamond Technologies
Evert is a product marketing and relationship management specialist with 20 years combined experience in Marketing (Mobile, Internet) eCommerce and Loyalty/Rewards Programs. He works with some of the most talented and knowledgeable master diamond cutters in the world.  He is responsible... Read More →


Saturday April 16, 2016 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
Room 302 - 304

11:30am CDT

Top Trends in Engagement and Bridal
As a year-round business, bridal is a staple for most retail jewelers. Learn the newest statistics about the bridal market and information about the ever-changing bridal consumer. Find out the newest trends in engagement rings and wedding bands that will keep your bridal business relevant to today's customer.
This session provides: 
  • What the hot sellers are in engagement and bridal
  • What diamond and gemstones are must-haves for your inventory
  • Bridal gift items and categories that can add to your bottom line as add-ons
  • Wedding and engagement items for same-sex couples
  • The new commitment jewelry trends


Speakers
avatar for Michael O'Connor

Michael O'Connor

President, Style & Substance Inc.
Michael O’Connor is president of Style & Substance, Inc., helping jewelry and luxury goods companies with branding, strategy, marketing, public relations and promotional programs. Additionally, via his television endeavors, O’Connor has become one of America’s leading voices... Read More →


Saturday April 16, 2016 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Room 306

2:30pm CDT

Buy, Promote and Sell SMART - A 360 of Expert Advice

Get the inside scoop from leading experts in the fields of merchandising, marketing and sales. Informationals and executions tips and advice on trends impacting your merchandise assortment, how to reach and engage your target customer and how to win them over once they're in your store and keep them coming back. Join the energetic conversation and share your own best ideas.

In this session, you will learn:

  • Proven tips on merchandising and marketing
  • How to parner with suppliers for successful in-store events 
  • Hot tips on hot sellers 
  • How to make designer trends work for you


Moderators
avatar for Michael O'Connor

Michael O'Connor

President, Style & Substance Inc.
Michael O’Connor is president of Style & Substance, Inc., helping jewelry and luxury goods companies with branding, strategy, marketing, public relations and promotional programs. Additionally, via his television endeavors, O’Connor has become one of America’s leading voices... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Lika Behar

Lika Behar

Owner/Designer, Lika Behar Collection
Only 11 years rs young in business Lika Behar has managed to earn 18 industry awards and has become one of the more sought after fine fashion jewelers in upscale jewelry stores in the United States. She is very approachable and love to share her experience with anyone who is in or... Read More →
avatar for Lee Krombholz

Lee Krombholz

Owner, Krombholz Jewelers
Lee Krombholz, the third generation owner of Krombholz Jewelers, got his start here during his junior year of high school, which was… 33 years ago. Known as the store’s “Visionary” Lee puts his heart and soul into creating unique pieces of jewelry that are “Just Like You.” When... Read More →
avatar for Barbara Palumbo

Barbara Palumbo

Writer and Jewelry Fashionista, Adornmentality
Barbara Palumbo writes the popular and humorous editorial trade blog, Adornmentality.com, and has recently launched a female-friendly watch blog titled WhatsOnHerWrist.com. With a jewelry background in wholesale and retail sales, manufacturing, and marketing, she has written for a... Read More →
avatar for Ben Smithee

Ben Smithee

CEO, The Smithee Group
Ben’s entrepreneurial journey began when he created one of the first and most respected Millennial-focused research and strategy firms in 2009, where he served as CEO until he exited in 2014.In 2015, Ben launched The Smithee Group, a Digital Growth Agency whose mission is to empower... Read More →


Saturday April 16, 2016 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Room 306

3:45pm CDT

2017 Trendvision Jewelry Trend Forecast

This session is a preview of the new Trendvision Jewellery + Forecasting global consumer trends that are shaping the jewelry market of 2017 and beyond. You don't need a crystal ball to see future jewelry and fashion trends!


Speakers
avatar for Cheryl Kremkow

Cheryl Kremkow

Coolhunter, Trendvision J+F
Cheryl Kremkow has more than 25 years experience telling compelling jewelry stories to consumers, retailers and manufacturers. The former editor-in-chief of Modern Jeweler, Lustre, and Jewellery News Asia magazines, she has also been the vice-president of content for three jewelry... Read More →


Saturday April 16, 2016 3:45pm - 5:00pm CDT
Room 306
 
Sunday, April 17
 

2:00pm CDT

Synchrony Path to Purchase Consumer Research

Synchrony Financial’s Fourth Annual Major Purchase Consumer Study

Join Synchrony Financial’s Market Research & Competitive Intelligence Leader Ronda Slaven in a review of the Path to Purchase of Fine Jewelry shoppers.

How do customers think about the purchase, how long do they take to buy, what resources do they search, and where do they look for the information? This presentation will provide insightful tips and best practices to help you participate more actively in your consumers’ Path to Purchase. It also will expand your knowledge of financing and its role in the Fine Jewelry category. You will learn how you can incorporate the financing discussion effectively throughout the Path to Purchase.

In this session, you will learn:

  • How major-purchase consumers shop
  • The role of online and digital presence for retail jewelers
  • What shoppers expect from their jeweler
  • The role of brick-and-mortar in making the purchase 


The link below is for the Fourth Annual Synchrony Report

 


Speakers
avatar for Ronda Slaven

Ronda Slaven

Market Research & Competitive Intelligence Leader, Synchrony Financial
Join Synchrony Financial's Market Research & Competitive Intelligence Leader, Ronda Slaven, to review the Path to Purchase of Fine Jewelry Shoppers. How do they think about the purchase, how long do they take to buy, what resources do they search, where do they look for the information... Read More →

Sponsors
avatar for Synchrony Financial

Synchrony Financial

Built from GE Heritage!More than the programs we create. More than the value we offer. Nothing gets us more excited than building relationships that drive results for you. The core of our business is you: the merchants, dealers, retailers, manufacturers, buying groups and industry... Read More →


Sunday April 17, 2016 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
SMART Buyer Experience

5:00pm CDT

Engage Customers with Natural Color Diamonds
Not all beautiful natural color diamonds demand an auction-sized price tag!  You can set your store apart by offering beautiful and affordable natural color diamond engagement, wedding, and fashion jewelry. Jeff will share his knowledge and the steps needed to introduce your customers to these beautiful gemstones. Learn the gemological basics and the steps to successful selling of natural color diamonds.

In this session, you will discover: 

  • What's hot in trends and color for natural color diamonds
  • How to make natural color diamonds accessible to all customers
  • How to merchandise and display these diamonds for the best sales results
  • Natural color diamonds facts and selling tips 


Speakers
avatar for Jeff Pancis

Jeff Pancis

Owner, Pancis Gems Inc.
I have been involved in Fancy Natural Color Diamonds since around 1983. I became involved because of my travels to Antwerp, Belgium, where I was introduced to the Color Diamond business. At that time, my wife Audrey’s uncle was journalist to the King of Belgium. From this contact... Read More →


Sunday April 17, 2016 5:00pm - 5:45pm CDT
SMART Buyer Experience
 
Monday, April 18
 

10:15am CDT

Fashion Trends in Natural Colored Gemstones
Diamonds aren't for everyone when it comes to the important engagement and wedding jewelry! Doug Hucker will show you the trending colored stone choices on the rise today.  Get the colors, the history, and the wearability factors you can use to take the customer conversation to the profitable topic of colored gemstones.


Come to this session to learn: 

  • What colored gemstones are in demand
  • How colored gemstones rule in the fashion world
  • Why colored gemstones deliver top dollars to your bottom line
  • What information you always should share with your gemstone customers


Speakers
avatar for Doug Hucker

Doug Hucker

Chief Executive Officer, AGTA
As Chief Executive Officer of the American Gem Trade Association, Mr. Hucker represents the premier Association of United States and Canadian colored gemstone and cultured pearl professionals.  The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) is an association dedicated to promoting the... Read More →


Monday April 18, 2016 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
SMART Buyer Experience

4:00pm CDT

Buy Right to Sell Right!
If a potential customer comes into your store, and you do not have the hot item they are looking for, there is only a 50% chance they will return. Discover which current hot items you need to keep in stock and how to conduct effective inventory performance reviews that will turn your inventory dogs into the continual cash flow you need.

In this session, you will learn: 

  • How to keep customers and potential customers coming back
  • How to conduct effective inventory performance reviews
  • How to pinpoint the hottest goods
  • How to sell off inventory dogs effectively
  • How to identify which market message(s) will increase performance


Speakers
avatar for Michael Lebowitz

Michael Lebowitz

Director of Jewelry, White Pine Trading
Michael is a seasoned veteran of the jewelry industry, with specialized experience in antiques and the decorative arts. He is affiliated with numerous trade associations and remains an active participant in key industry affairs. Most recently, Michael served as executive vice president... Read More →


Monday April 18, 2016 4:00pm - 4:45pm CDT
SMART Buyer Experience
 
Tuesday, April 19
 

1:00pm CDT

Top Trends in Engagement & Bridal

As a year-round business, bridal is a staple for most retail jewelers. Learn the newest statistics about the bridal market and information about the ever-changing bridal consumer. Find out the newest trends in engagement rings and wedding bands that will keep your bridal business relevant to today's customer.

 

This session provides: 

  • What the hot sellers are in engagement and bridal
  • What diamond and gemstones are must-haves for your inventory
  • Bridal gift items and categories that can add to your bottom line as add-ons
  • Wedding and engagement items for same-sex couples
  • The new commitment jewelry trends

Speakers
avatar for Michael O'Connor

Michael O'Connor

President, Style & Substance Inc.
Michael O’Connor is president of Style & Substance, Inc., helping jewelry and luxury goods companies with branding, strategy, marketing, public relations and promotional programs. Additionally, via his television endeavors, O’Connor has become one of America’s leading voices... Read More →


Tuesday April 19, 2016 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
SMART Buyer Experience
 
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