10 Years Ago Time Machine: <strong>November</strong> 2010 A snapshot of the industry events making headlines this time 10 years ago in <strong>Jeweller</strong>. Historic Headlines 4 Swarovski raises bar for Sydney store 4 Diamond Exchange challenges JAA 4 Cash for gold exposé implicates jewellers 4 Peekays founder passes away 4 Michael Hill hunts for ‘best couple’ Luxury jewellers urged to consider ethics Luxury jewellers are being urged to respond to an emerging consumer social conscientiousness in order to secure commercial success. Jonathan Kendall, president of the World <strong>Jeweller</strong>y Confederation (CIBJO)’s market and education commission, wrote in a recent report that the Global Financial Crisis had prompted customers to rethink their purchasing decisions. “Customer awareness and concern for social, ethical, and environmental issues also underpin a desire for their purchases to provide a lasting, meaningful experience. Innovative product concepts, luxury recycling, accessible supply chain information and a visible celebration of craftsmanship will appeal to tomorrow’s customer,” Kendall explained. Employment rules push jeweller to sell store Confusion over the new Modern Award rules has forced a Tasmanian jeweller to put one of his two stores on the market. Following <strong>Jeweller</strong>’s revelation that retail jewellers were struggling to understand the new employment Acts, which came into effect on 1 January 2010, it has emerged that a jeweller has decided he would be better off closing his threeyear-old store in Deloraine altogether. Tim Haab told <strong>Jeweller</strong> that he was fearful because “the small changes in the awards have resulted in me bearing a higher liability”. <strong>November</strong> 2010 ON THE COVER Protea Diamonds Editors’ Desk 4The Wisdom Of Marx: “My view is that an industry association should consist of industry members not the people who provide products or services to that industry. JAA membership should be restricted to two channels – suppliers of product or services to jewellery retailers, and those who retail that product or service to consumers. It’s a little like Grouch Marx’s famous line, ‘I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member’.” Soapbox 4Where Is The Love?: “In a high-end jewellery store, every piece tells an individual story of the owner. But the jewellery also reflects the customer, because we create something unique, with materials that are being used specifically for the creation of that item, in close consultation [with them]. Fine jewellers must fight against the commodification of jewellery, before we get to a point where every sale comes down to price.” – Michael Neuman, co-owner Mondial Neuman <strong>Jeweller</strong>s STILL RELEVANT 10 YEARS ON First Impressions Count: “Before a customer examines your gemstones, compliments your modern jewellery design, or admires the quality of your pieces, they are going to see your store’s displays... Unfortunately, most Australian retailers choose conservative over innovative.” Showcase moves into New Zealand Showcase <strong>Jeweller</strong>s, one of Australia’s top jewellery buying groups, has entered New Zealand by merging with local buying group Gemtime <strong>Jeweller</strong>s after 12 months of negotiation. An agreement to merge Showcase with the 30-year-old Kiwi buying group was announced during the JWNZ trade fair. Gemtime chief exectuive Peter Alexander said, “The merger will allow Showcase and Gemtime to collaborate and create a leader in buying and marketing power for Australian and New Zealand independent jewellers.” ‘Offline’ jewellers missing a trick Only 36 per cent of Australian retailers own a website, according to a recent MYOB survey, showing there is still a long way to go before the industry fully recognises the power of the internet. MYOB general manager Julian Smith said the survey found a direct correlation between a business’ web usage and its profitability. Across the Tasman, internet take up is greater, with 48 per cent of Kiwi retailers owning a website. Smith attributed this to the size of the local market, saying, “Kiwi retailers have to think more creatively about how to market their products.” READ ALL HEADLINES IN FULL ON JEWELLERMAGAZINE.COM 34 | <strong>November</strong> <strong>2020</strong>
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