The Plumb Club’s Podcast

In today’s competitive marketplace a savvy retailer sets himself apart from competition. Sam Sandberg points out that a key component of differentiation is the creation of the store’s “brand”, This goes far beyond the descriptive rendering of brands and extends to the emotional connection and passion that a store instils into its customers. He discusses various brand positionings and illustrates how underpinning elements used in-store and throughout all communication touch-points helps to telegraphically convey the stores brand positioning and connect with a customer. Sam Sandberg is the chairman of A. Jaffe, a company whose legacy dates back to 1892. Today, the company is one of the only 19^th century jewelers still active in New York City, continuing to stand for the same superior standards of quality and trust as it did when founded.

Consumers have a new appreciation and desire for something different. This makes contemporary metal bands a significant growth opportunity for the independent jeweler. John Skaret points out the increased value perception of contemporary metals to today’s consumer and discusses four elements that drive expectation and desire. He timelines the history of contemporary metals in jewelry and takes the listener through a number of these metals and their characteristics, pointing out how each provides specific benefits to wear, use or appearance. Finally, he offers ways to market and sell these bands to a new-found customer base. John Skaret is the Vice President of Sales, Independent Division for Frederick Goldman, Inc., a company providing their network of retailers with the highest level of service, innovation, product design and long-term expertise.

Today, consumers are coming into stores asking about lab-grown diamonds! Cora Lee Colaizzi and Tom Pautz discuss how lab-grown diamonds are inspiring this segment of diamond consumer and meeting their desire. They give essential information on the market and provide tips for retailers on how they can capitalize on the growing popularity and profitability of lab-grown diamonds. Cora Lee Colaizzi is the Marketing Director and Tom Pautz is the Lab-Grown Diamond Director for Quality Gold, a worldwide company offering more than 200,000 jewelry and gift items in-stock and available to ship same day and more than 150,000 special order items for purchase.  

What does digital first mean? Barbara Garces and Regina Fiedel help the listener understand what a digital-first mindset is and how it is applied. They give valuable insight on reaching consumers effectively, while creating awareness and desire using digital tactics. Additionally, they discuss gathering feedback and valuable data using digital platforms. Further, they discuss a variety of digital platforms, online hubs, project planning tools and data asset systems to help a retailer. Barbara Garces is the Chief Digital Officer and Regina Fiedel is the Vice President of Digital Marketing for Citizen Watch America. Bulova, a division of Citizen Watch America, remains an iconic brand at the forefront of today’s timepiece industry, since being founded by Joseph Bulova in 1875.

James Schneider highlights a variety of ways that the jewelry industry has changed in recent times. He encourages businesses to review how they’ve adapted to evolving business climates and quickly changing business situations.  Further, he takes the listener through several tactics such as differentiation, community involvement and digital media, giving insights into how each can augment reputation and grow customer base.

James Schneider is director of sales at Ostbye, a company providing fine jewelry products of exemplary quality, service and value dedicated to the finest retail jewelers for over a century.

Ryan Hakimi explains how automation and technology can enhance a retail-buyers experience and positively impact a retailer’s overall business. He provides substantial statistics on the importance of having, or creating, an online presence and gives the listener actionable tips on how to draw attention to their platform.

Ryan Hakimi is the vice president of C.H. Hakimi, a family business that is synonymous around the globe for producing essential core program items specific to buyer needs for over 30 years.

Jordan Peck and Sara Strauss give expert tips on how a retailer can build a promotional, advertising and social media calendar by capitalizing on initiatives that manufacturers are involved in and materials that brands can provide. Jordan Peck is the COO and Sara Strauss is the director of marketing for Brevani/Color Merchants a leading supplier of wholesale diamond and gemstone jewelry founded in 1987.

Dov Tannenbaum outlines “Power Partnerships”, a deepened a broadened collaboration between retailers and their manufacturing partners, yielding growth in revenue and profit. He takes you through the principles and best practices in creating these partnerships, outlining what retailer and manufacturer winners do differently to outperform in their category. Dov Tannenbaum is a principle at Leo Schachter Diamonds, a leading supplier of America’s major retail jewelry chains.

Michael Lerche, president of The Plumb Club, speaks to Rappaport's Joshua Freeman on the future of the jewelry industry and some of the exciting and new initiatives of The Plumb Club that will help shape that future. 

Brian Howard illustrates the importance of augmenting the customer experience by integrating technology into a presentation. He discusses how hologram technology and virtual “Try It On” features help alleviate consumer concerns and ease purchase decisions by building confidence and demonstrating what pieces look like from various perspectives and how they will look when being worn. Howard is the vice president of sales and marketing for Shah Luxury, a company that strives to produce world-class jewelry that not only appeals to the most discerning clients in the US and Canada, but to those in markets across the globe.