The Plumb Club’s Podcast

The Innovation Report

This podcast helps bring simple clarity to everything innovative. As a retailer there are many challenges to face and regularly upgrading technologies can make a digital strategy complicated and expensive. Sean McCormick and Sarah Siegel provide suggestions on creating a plan and measuring metrics. They suggest rethinking the way you view your website and utilizing it as more than just a billboard, but as a digital salesperson - setting goals and reevaluating every six-months in order to get the best ROI. They discuss the various social media platforms available and how best to capture new customers via social media by connecting with them on an intimate level. Sean McCormick is the director of social media and Sarah Siegel is the photographer for Novell Enterprises, a division of Continental, a one stop company, dedicated to design, manufacture and export of fine jewelry products.

Jewelry Technology - Benefiting from the Tools of the Trade

The jewelry industry has been around for centuries, but the tools used to produce fine pieces have changed and evolved. Jeff Weinman talks about some of the most important technical advances in jewelry design and manufacturing, dispelling the myth that these modern technologies take away from individuality and craftsmanship and, in fact, provide the designer greater ability to refine, customize and make pieces with even more precision. He showcases how technology increases newness in a retailer’s case and provides them the ability to “say yes” to consumer desire in order to gain the sale.  Jeff Weinman is senior vice president of ODI/Original Designs a company celebrating sixty years as a trusted source for diamond bridal and fashion jewelry.

Strategies to Brand as an Independent Jeweler

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.

Contemporary Metals in Today's Jewelry Stores

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.

Lab Grown Diamonds - Meeting Consumer Desire

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.  

Digital First

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.

A Changing Industry - What Can You Do To Adapt

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.

Automating Jewelry

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.

Capitalizing on Branded Content to Drive Engagement

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.

Creating Power Partnerships Between Retailers and Manufacturers

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.