Jun. 2-8
BUYING If you’re in Vegas for the JCK shows (May 31 – Jun. 3), make this year’s buying expedition a cooperative effort with the rest of the staff back in the store. Prime your smartphone, digital camera and laptop so that you can feed as much information back to your staff and get their feedback on what you find. Maybe even set up a Twitter feed to show them how hard you’re working.
MARKETING Do a mailout to remind customers about your backroom services in summer (safekeeping, appraisal updates, off-season repairs, loans, etc.). Check that you have the supplies you need to support such offerings.
TECHNOLOGY Take advantage of the coming slow season to familiarize yourself with any new equipment or software you may have purchased. Become a master — not a slave — of your technology.
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Jun. 9-15
MANAGEMENT As we near the end of the 2nd quarter, it’s time to determine dates for your team for 3rd and 4th quarter operations such as events, blackout periods for staff, and what initial hiring plans are for the next holiday season, says store consultant Megan Crabtree.
LEGAL Brush up on your compliance. Check the Federal Trade Commission’s guides on disclosure. Go to ftc.gov and enter “jewelry guides” in the search box.
OPERATIONS Let’s get organized. Discard one item for every year you’ve worked at your store — documents you know you’re never going to read or need, items gathering dust, old plastic goods.
Jun. 16-22
FURNISHINGS Need new office furniture? Now is the time to pick some up; showrooms are making room for new lines that come out in August.
DISPLAYS Dad’s Day (June 16) is done; the hot season is on the way. Add some “summer” colors in jewelry to your product mix, both in your cases and on your website.
SAFETY Stage an advanced fire drill. Simulate a blocked exit and unconscious staff member. Critique staff performance.
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Jun. 23-29
INVENTORY Spend some time with your inventory to see if you can identify “holes in your current price lineup,” advises Denise Oros of Linnea Jewelers (La Grange, IL). “Where are the $500 items, $750s? The $999s? Are all the holes plugged? New items showcased and cameoed? Summer is busy but fun!”
MANAGEMENT The sun is out, the pace of work eases, it’s the perfect time for a staff-appreciation event. Consider something physical with an air of fear — like paintball or rappelling — to promote bond-building.
