Headlines

High-End Online Jeweler Thinks More Can Be Done to Personalize Shopping Experience

Published

8 years ago

July 26, 2016

INSTORE Staff

E-tailer is leveraging customer data to make recommendations.

Former corporate attorney Jean Z. Poh, the founder of online jewelry retailer Swoonery, has turned to data-collection tools to personalize the online shopping experience, Luxury Daily writes. The article explains how Swoonery uses behavior profiling, machine learning and purchasing tools to recommend pieces by personal preference, “creating an intimate consumer-retailer dialogue, an intrinsic element of jewelry purchasing that has been neglected by the industry at large.”

Writer Jen King of Luxury Daily asks: “There has been a slowdown recently in luxury jewelry and watches. Do you think innovative platforms and ecommerce is the answer to these issues?”

Poh: “I absolutely do think innovation is the answer. Consumer behavior has changed. … The jewelry industry has been ignoring the data and instead maintaining the position that people do not want to buy high-end or designer jewelry online. In a world where 98 percent of affluent consumers shop online and only 5 percent of all online purchases are placed on monobrand sites, it no longer makes sense to resist. However, the key lies in being able to reimagine the personalized luxury experience online and letting the customers’ needs drive innovation.”

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”