5/29/2009 |

(LAS VEGAS, NV May 29) - - - JCK Las Vegas offered two, full-days of educational sessions designed to offer practical and proven strategies to assist retailers with making the most of the current economic environment. Topics included business strategies, products, consumer trends, style and design and sales associates training. The sessions were presented by a collective of industry-leading educators and consultants, professional educators, media and retailers.

Kicking off the second day of the educational program in a special breakfast presentation, Robert May, Executive Director of the Natural Color Diamond Industry Association (NCDIA) presented, “The Language of Color" featuring a team of retailers and experts. The panel discussed the many business opportunities that Natural Color Diamonds present in today’s marketplace. Multiple displays depicting natural diamond jewelry pieces complemented the session with over 700 industry professionals in attendance.

“Some of the most popular and well-attended sessions presented information on how retailers can better manage their businesses in these trying times,” said Yancy Weinrich, Industry Vice President, JCK Events. “Recognizing many of the challenges that retailers are facing today, we wanted to ensure that their time was well spent and that they were gaining the knowledge and information to provide a real business advantage.”

 “The basic salesmanship principles still work in today’s economy,” said Shane Decker of Ex-Sell-Ence, in his presentation, Making the Most of Every Opportunity. “The in-store sales person is the strongest connection to the customer and therefore must be well-trained, well-informed and be a master at service.”

Dave Richardson of Richardson Resource Group echoed those sentiments through his “25 Greatest Sales Tips Ever!” presentation. “Retailers and especially their sales staff need to create a dialog with and tell a story to the customer – ask him to explain how he will propose; show a favorite piece to each customer and explain why it’s a favorite and finally, provide an experience in your store that is unforgettable.” 

 Mark Moeller of RF Moeller Jewelers and President of the AGS also provided a primer on recession-proofing a business.
  “Price, value, service and tracking your success are the ways that a business will survive in this economy,” said Moeller. “Educating consumers on price vs. value provides an excellent opportunity to showcase your experience, product knowledge, and industry association affiliations. These are differentiators from your competitors and they provide credibility in the minds of your customers. And keep track of every aspect of your business including your shop. Twenty-five percent of my business’s profit comes from repair and batteries and this is often the most overlooked. In good times and especially in a downturn, I can never say this enough: Service until It Hurts!”
  Social media and online marketing was another hot topic as a standing-room-only crowd heard from Gregg Towsley from WSI Quality Solutions. “Most companies have an internet presence, but many aren’t successful at it. Websites, used in combination with search engine marketing and search engine optimization and social media outlets such as Twitter, You Tube and Facebook, will offer the rewards of acquiring new customers, creating brand awareness and credibility and ultimately drive sales.”

The industry moving at a rapid pace, younger demographics whose passion for jewelry hasn’t yet been ignited, and technology are some of the adaptations and evolution of today’s changing retail jewelry environment were the broader topics discussed at the panel presentation, “Adapting and Evolving Your Business in a Changing World,” moderated by Matt Runci, Jewelers of America. Panelists Holly Wesche Conn, Wesche Jewelers; Ken Gassman, Jewelry Industry Research Institute; Jeff Corey, Days Jewelers and Susan Jacques from Borscheim’s presented not only the trends and opportunities but shared what they currently do to keep consumers excited about purchasing jewelry.

LUXURY & PREMIERE continues through Friday, May 29. JCK Las Vegas opens on Saturday, May 30 and continues through Tuesday, June 2 at the Sands Expo Convention Center. For up-to-date information about the events, visit http://www.jckshows.com/

PRODUCED AND MANAGED BY
JCK Events are designed to serve the worldwide jewelry industry by offering the most comprehensive and complete buying and selling opportunities on a business-to-business basis. The events provide the jewelry industry with dynamic educational sessions, terrific networking events and unmatched exhibit areas showcasing a selection of the world’s most exciting jewelry designers and brands. The JCK portfolio of events are produced and managed by Reed Exhibitions, the world’s leading exhibition and conference organizer. For more information on any of the JCK Events, visit http://www.jckshows.com/ or simply call 1-800-257-3626.

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