Welcome to what is now GCAL’s fifth installment of links to articles and webinars aimed at helping us all cope with the pandemic crisis, and providing important insights to help keep us productive now, and making sure we can maximize productivity when we return.
We’ll begin today’s message with an observation. One that we’re sure you’ve been thinking about for a long time, but have likely come to believe is more important today than ever before. SELLING ONLINE! Brick & Mortar is not defined as a physical store only. It could, and most definitely should also include an online presence where your customers can make a purchase on your website, and either pick it up curbside, in your store, or have it delivered.
The post and current Covid 19 “new normal” includes a significant increase in consumers purchasing online, in the comfort and security of their homes. How long this new normal will last is certainly open to discussion. But most seem to agree, at some level, it’s here to stay. And we believe with certainty no retail jeweler is prepared to waive the white flag and surrender that online business to others. It’s time to take the proverbial bull by the horns and get proactive!
GCAL can help. GCAL’s Guaranteed, Money-Backed Certificates (NOT Reports) were built in part, for the internet, and now, more specifically, for this “new normal.” Our certs provide consumers with all the info they need to make a meaningful, educated decision, even without having to see the actual diamond. And they can help you, the retailer, differentiate yourself from your competition, while significantly increasing your online sales, which grow in importance every day. Our certs include many features no other lab in the world includes on its documents, and no other lab in the world… none… stand behind their report with a guarantee. That’s why we can also confidently say GCAL provides the most accurate, consistent and reliable grading in the world. How incredibly valuable is that statement that we… and you can make in today’s world! We’ll be happy to provide verbal, written or video proof if you’re interested… or even if you’re just a little curious. And we are ready when you are to train your sales teams to close more sales with that philosophy and guarantee.
As discussed in last week’s email message, some of you have reopened your business, some are planning the process as you read this, and some, like those of us in New York City, anxiously await the thumbs up from our governors. All of us at GCAL are looking forward to helping our retail, manufacturing and wholesale partners get back to work. And we sense that day is getting VERY close!
With continuing heartfelt sympathy to any of you who have lost a loved one… with hope for a speedy recovery to those who are ill… please stay safe and be well. We look forward to seeing you and working with you all again soon.
Sincerely,
The GCAL Team
See an example of the GCAL Certificate with Hearts & Arrows and 360 Video (Link)
See an example of the GCAL Lab Grown Certificate with Hearts & Arrows and 360 Video (Link)
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YOUR BUSINESS
CHECK OUT THESE ARTICLES…
Ready to Reopen: A Playbook for Your Small Business
-US Chamber of Commerce
Avoid making these 5 mistakes when you reopen your business after the pandemic
-Business Insider
The Pandemic Will Change American Retail Forever
-The Atlantic
The State of Fashion 2020 – Coronavirus Update
-McKinsey & Company
Global personal luxury goods market set to contract between 20 – 35 percent in 2020
-Bain & Co.
Coronavirus Retail Restrictions by State
-National Retail Federation
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THE INDUSTRY
CHECK OUT THESE ARTICLES…
Embrace the Diamond Industry’s Ripple Effect
– IDEX by Chaim Even-Zohar
Jared unveils virtual wedding platform
– Retail Dive
5 Things Retailers Should Know Post-Pandemic
– National Jeweler
Jewelers Share Their Takeaways from the COVID 19 Crisis
– InStore Mag
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WEBINARS
CHECK OUT THESE SEMINARS…
May 12 at 2 pm EDT
My Next Question: The JBT on COVID-19
– hosted by Jewelers of America
In the third installment of National Jeweler’s new webinar series, “My Next Question,” Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff interviews Erich Jacobs, who took over as president of the Jewelers Board of Trade in August 2019. Jacobs will talk about what changes the JBT did—and didn’t—make in light of the coronavirus pandemic, the future of JBT and its credit reporting system, and his JBT data predictions for the remainder of 2020.
May 14 at 10 am EDT
May Solution Session with CounterSketch®-2020
– hosted by Stuller
Join us for this monthly webinar to get to know CounterSketch better. In Pinterest to price, learn to build top trending styles in CounterSketch for your customers. We will also learn to any Gem any Color, which allows your customer to choose and change individual stones to craft the look they want for their ring. Finally, we will explore popular pendant styles.
May 14 at 1 pm EDT
The NEW Retail Forecast: Back in Business After Covid-19
– hosted by MJSA
The future of retail has been a big discussion for years, driven by changes caused by the way digital selling channels changed commerce and consumer expectations. These changes will likely accelerate after the experience of COVID-19. Andrea Hill will share the latest retail market analysis and discuss the expected impact with a panel of experts (TBA)
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Each Day at 5 pm EDT
Strategies for Brick & Mortar Retailers During COVID-19
– hosted by Shopify
Learn tips and best practices that brick and mortar retailers can use during the COVID-19 pandemic..
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PODCASTS
CHECK OUT THESE LISTENS…
Continuous Content Can Create Customers
-Plumb Club Featuring Monica Elias
Monica Elias discusses the three C’s of content (Connect, Create, and Communicate) and gives information on how to make a connection between what’s trending in the media and what you have in your store. Monica shares creative ideas on how to story tell around product and shares easy tips on how to photograph and create video to bring it to life. Monica Elias is the founder, CEO and Executive Producer of Elias World Media, a multimedia company specializing in video production, distribution and integration of content across television and digital screens.
Update from a Retail Jeweler During Covid-19
-JCK: The Jewelry District Featuring Rhett Outten
Victoria and Rob introduce their guest Rhett Outten, co-owner of Croghan’s Jewel Box in Charleston, S.C. This family jewelry business has been around since 1903. The building was bought in the 1970s and is more than 100 years old. Rhett tells the story of her company spanning three generations of her family—starting with her grandfather (who was a hand engraver and bench jeweler), followed by her mother, who brought out the retail aspects. Rhett manages the social media and online presence, while her sister manages the more corporate side of things.
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