Retail Focus
In a super-competitive environment, everyone wants to stand out. But the bigger question is: how? The science and art of retailing jewellery is mostly a learning-on-the-job affair. While innovation in design is almost mandatory in today’s day and age, it is equally important to know the art of selling and engaging the customer at the retail counter. In Industry Insight, our guest writer Himanshu Shekhar, director of Manohar Lal Jewellers, New Delhi, shares his decades of experience and insights about how a jeweller should evolve with the times to stay relevant.
US-based brand strategist Dan Scott agrees that jewellery retailers shouldn’t just rely on sales hooks like the Holiday Season in the US (think Diwali in India). The Santa Claus effect, or the enthusiastic energy levels among sales staff during such festive jewellery-buying occasions must continue throughout the year, he states. Turn to the Cover Story to read more about his thoughts on the US jewellery industry.
On another note, Palanpur, which is the hometown of India’s first diamantaires, witnessed the two-day celebrations of Vidyamandir Trust’s 70th anniversary. Bollywood actor Aamir Khan, HDFC chairman Deepak Parekh, and union minister of state for coal & mines Haribhai Chaudhary were among the invited guests. Vidyamandir Trust has been imparting liberal, secular and gender-neutral education to its students with special emphasis on extra-curricular activities and sports.
Solitaire International is India’s leading B2B magazine on the gem and jewellery trade. With more than 20 years behind it, the monthly publication is today recognised in India and the world over as a quality publication in trade journalism. The magazine is referred to by the global trade sector for information on India and its industry. Solitaire International has a readership of the entire organised sector in the Indian jewellery industry and is distributed to all 5500 members of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council, India’s apex body for the trade. In addition to fixed subscriptions, the magazine is also circulated in over 25 top international trade shows of repute. A personal copy reaches the management of leading jewellery retailers/chains/wholesalers in the US, Europe and the Far East; rough and polished suppliers; mining companies; and financial/industry institutions worldwide.
