LEDs are both a blessing and a curse.  A blessing because they help jewelers maximize the energy used, meet new stringent local electrical codes, illuminate their jewelry with sparkle and save on maintenance costs.  The sustainability story associated with LEDs appeals both to Millennial and Baby Boomers.  If you save energy, you lessen the […]

  Great brands have a point of view.  Environmentally friendly is a viable point of view.  How can this benefit my jewelry store? What do Apple, Wal-Mart, and Google have in common?  They have all invested in “green” technology for the betterment of their bottom line.  Apple just announced the purchase of a 25-year contract […]

  Good Design is Innovative Start considering how the exterior of your storefront can be used to attract customers driving, cycling or walking by. Since you have 5 seconds to grab a potential customer’s attention if they are driving, big, simple, powerful ideas are best for attracting attention. Large perforated graphics over your windows, illuminated […]

29 days after Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, Aucoin Hart Jewelers, Metairie, Louisiana, reopened their doors.  Soon afterward, they committed to this expansion due to their love for and belief in New Orleans.  The renovation was completed in August 2013.  During the 7 years that the renovation encompassed Aucoin Hart never closed.  They increased their […]

  When designing a store, says Ruth Mellergaard, you’ve got more to consider than just the showroom. So you are moving your store.  This is very exciting but nerve wracking as well.  How do you start? First, what services do you offer (retail, repairs, custom design), and what functions do you have in your store […]

  Your Showroom – what are the good, the bad and the ugly thoughts you should consider when moving or renovating? We discussed the back of the house but the showroom is for customers.  You need to wow them, engage them, relax them, compliment them.  Sounds like a lot for one showroom to encompass but […]

  How does a store get built?  Not a renovation of your family’s store; not buying another jeweler’s store and making it your own but a store built from scratch?  Enter David Ustaev.  At 7 years of age David Ustaev, living in Russia, was fascinated by the beauty of gemstones. He wanted to trade in […]