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{igallery id=9460|cid=615|pid=6|type=category|children=0|showmenu=0|tags=|limit=0}FIVE COOL THINGS1. COMMITMENT RINGS – Angiel says she coined the term “commitment ring” and helped introduce the idea to the wider public while being involved in publicity work for the 1993 Newsweek issue on lesbians. Ironically, since New York passed its same-sex marriage law last year she doesn’t have a need for the phrase anymore when selling bands to lesbian and gay couples. She sells them “wedding bands.” “Now it’s straight couples coming in asking for a commitment band,” as a symbol of the vows they make to each other, she says. 2. EDGY STORE, TRADITIONAL SALES – While its GLBT credentials and rock ’n’ roll edginess are central to the store’s image, Catherine Angiel derives most of its revenue from a much more traditional source: bridal customers, who account for 70 percent of sales. “No matter how the economy is doing, people are still going to get engaged,” Angiel says. 3. UNDERGROUND A-LIST – During its 19 years in business, the store has built up a solid following among what Angiel calls the “underground A-list.” Lindsay Lohan, Christian Slater and Ethan Hawke are among the celebrity clients who are fans of her avante-garde designs. And yes, Lindsay paid for the pieces she took. 4. ROCK ’N’ ROLL – Given her punk rock background, the choice of music is “loud, awesome rock ’n’ roll all day.” Says staff member Cid Scantlebury. “We sing while we’re setting up and breaking down the cases!” 5. STORE BLOG – Catherine Angiel’s blog makes no effort to hide its political leanings. In a recent posting, Angiel wrote: “President Obama’s announcement on gay and lesbian civil rights brought tears of joy to our family, and millions like us. Thank you, President Obama, for having the guts to take a stand for us, and for making positive change for generations to come.” WHAT THE JUDGES SAYMaeve Gillies: This store really fits its neighborhood. Mysterious, dark, downtown and cool — it’s the store equivalent of a celebrity rock star’s sunglasses! Everything comes directly from Catherine’s character and her story, which keeps it unique, easy to relate to and desirable. Stephanie Maxey: From the background rock music to the elegant, aubergine color scheme, you know you’ve entered someplace tantalizing. The dark interior scheme accentuates the very cool stainless display cases. Nice, fluid, ephemeral logo and good attention to detail. Ellen Hertz: I love it that Catherine has incorporated her “rocker chic” personality into not only her jewelry, but her retail space. It points to a real commitment to stand behind herself as a brand. The look of the store reflects the look of the jewelry — all very cool. If I were walking down the street in NYC, I would be pulled into this store. Larry Johnson: Dramatic use of light and imagery makes this a very cool store. Jim Ackerman: The motif and logo are well matched to the rest of the store. Her online presence, especially the website is excellent. Wonderful mix of fashion, her jewelry, video and media, although it lacked an e-commerce element. |
Josh WImmer has been a contributor to INSTORE since 2006. He has coordinated the annual America's Coolest Stores contest for several years. The job mostly involves pestering jewelry store owners to start their contest entries, pestering jewelry store owners to finish their contest entries, and figuring out computer problems over the phone from hundreds of miles away.
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