Retail jewelry is one of the oldest and largest industries in the world, with an estimated $40 billion in sales each year. But as online shopping grows, and mass merchants gain popularity, jewelers have faced increasing competition from e-commerce sites and mail-order firms.
Brick and mortar retailers need to embrace e-commerce to remain competitive, but they face an array of challenges as well. They need a powerful website that showcases their merchandise, a robust inventory management system, and a way to handle order processing. Many brick-and-mortar retailers have partnered with established aggregators to do the heavy lifting and overcome these challenges.
Shop local
Buying locally is often a good idea when purchasing jewelry, as it’s important to know that the pieces you’re buying are high-quality and made with ethically sourced materials. In addition, you’ll have a better chance of getting a personalized and expert opinion on your piece.
Independent jewelers have a personal connection to their customers and offer an unparalleled level of service. They’ll help you choose a piece that’s not only unique and timeless, but also one that fits your budget and style.
They’ll provide guidance on how to care for your new jewelry. They’ll also make recommendations on how to wear it, and give you a hand with resizing or other repairs.
Small, family-owned stores are more likely to have employees who have worked in the business for years. Unlike large chains, they’ll have decades of experience catering to their customers’ needs.
The best part of buying local is that you’ll have the opportunity to speak directly with the people who make your jewelry and ask them questions about how to care for it. They’ll be more able to answer your questions, and you’ll have a better chance of saving money as a result.
You can find a wide variety of designs at independent jewelers. This is especially true when you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind piece. You’ll find that the designers have a passion for fine jewelry, and they will take pride in making sure that every piece they sell is made with the finest materials.
In addition to the quality and affordability of their products, the best jewelers also provide a lifetime warranty on their items. This is a huge difference from what you’ll find at big chains or websites that only offer limited warranties on their merchandise.
Another advantage of visiting an independent retailer is that they’ll provide you with a free consultation with a trained professional who can help you make the right decision when it comes to selecting your jewelry. They’ll also be able to tell you whether your ring size is compatible with any of the stones they carry.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a jeweler, you need to be prepared to work hard and learn a lot. While some people learn their trade on the job, others need to attend technical schools or college art programs for three to four years. In the long run, it’s worth it to invest time and effort into learning as much as you can about the industry.
