The baby boomer generation, the biggest generation in jewelers retail, is reaching retirement age and may be leaving the business. Young people aren’t as likely to enter the jewelry business as their parents, so a family business may be unable to find younger workers to take over. A few factors contribute to this issue. A major contributor is the changing nature of the retail industry. Online shopping has increased the amount of sales for retailers, but brick and mortar stores are still a major force in the industry.
Expert jewelers are usually upfront about the quality of their products, noting the cut, color and grade of diamonds in their pieces. Women also like unique jewelry, so local jewelers often carry unique pieces made of rare colored stones or unique metals. Retail jewelry stores are mass-produced and often sell the same pieces as many other retail outlets, but if you’re willing to spend a little extra, you can find unique pieces that will be unique to you.
Costs and leases for a jewelry store vary depending on its size. Often, a full tool set costs several thousand dollars. If you’re considering a physical retail location, make sure to get a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). A CO confirms that your business meets local building codes and zoning regulations. A CO must be obtained before lease payments begin. The CO is issued by the local government authority.
A business that sells jewelry must be skilled in design. Many jewelers specialize in creating custom designs for customers. This often involves sketching out a design that the customer wants and then receiving approval. Today, a large number of software programs have been developed to create pictures of designs so that a customer can approve it before work begins. However, a jeweler must also sell their products. A retail store may offer custom-designed pieces or sell popular lines from big retailers.
Many brick-and-mortar jewelers now offer their products online, allowing customers to buy from the comfort of their own home. Online jewelers also offer free shipping, ring sizing, and lifetime warranties. And many of them offer no-hassle returns. And their prices are competitive, making them an excellent choice for any budget. If you’re looking for a jewelry store, look no further. They have something for everyone, from the most expensive to the most affordable.
When shopping for jewelry online, make sure to use a credit card to pay for the purchase. This way, your money does not leave your account and you can return the jewelry if it doesn’t suit you. When purchasing jewelry, ask for a liberal return policy. You can also request an itemized receipt and an independent gemological report. If you’re unsure about the quality of a particular piece, try to compare the price of similar items on multiple websites.
Keeping customers and employees safe is also critical. In late April, Peter Smith, a National Jeweler columnist, spoke about the need to take basic safety measures. Customers will expect to see hand sanitizer, masks, and other safety measures in the store. Ultimately, this is the only way to ensure that your store remains a place where customers can buy jewelry safely. But these precautions should not be taken lightly.
