The Judges
Penny Palmer
Penny Palmer is director of member services with the Independent Jewelers’ Organization (IJO). The IJO is a major buying group and service organization for its retail members. Penny brings new members into the organization, and helps existing members take advantage of the many services IJO offers to help increase their profits. (www.ijo.com)
Fred Michmerschuizen
Fred Michmerschuizen is director of marketing and communications for Jewelers of America (JA). As well as helping consumers make informed jewelry choices, JA helps members improve their business skills and profitability. (www.jewelers.org)
Roxanna A. Sway
Roxanna A. Sway is editor of the award-winning Display & Design Ideas magazine. DDI was recognized for its award-winning coverage of the retail industry and retail design with five editorial awards last year. Sway is a professional member of the Institute of Store Planners (ISP), a multiple Store of the Year award winner, and an expert on retail design.
Brett Weiler
Brett Weiler is the owner of last year’s “Coolest Store in America,” Decatur City Jewelers. Brett’s a master craftsman who admits he found it a challenge to judge others’ stores based on the Cool Store website: “Next time,” he says, “you’ll have to send me to all of them.”
Deborah Yonick
Deborah Yonick is a seasoned writer on jewelry, and writes a column for the Jewelry Consumer Opinion Council as “The Jewelry Lady”. Check out her latest column at www.thejewelrylady.info.
This story is from the August 2003 edition of INSTORE