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Best of the Best: Turning Heads

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Stores that are doing things right: Schumacher Diamond

[componentheading]THE IDEA[/componentheading]

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Give engagement-ring buyers a choice of different heads, and thus diamond shapes, for the same ring without having to build anything from scratch. Barney Schumacher, a diamond cutter by trade, serves as an informal adviser to his wife Catherine, who is president of Schumacher Diamond, a retail store in Bismarck, ND. Schumacher noticed that one of the most common problems for jewelry retailers involved their stock of rings. “Engagement rings were a major component of the business and also one of the most difficult to stock,” he says. “The business never had the right ring in the right size or shape for the customer.”

[componentheading]THE EXECUTION[/componentheading]

Best of the Best: Schumachers

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Schumacher’s solution was to develop more than 15 different patented head designs that are interchangeable with every ring style. Called the Enchanted Bridal Collection, this system enables salespeople to engage customers in the design process, while minimizing the store’s inventory cost. The heads, which range from low-profile bezel to a nice six-prong style, fit any of the 130 rings, which vary in look from vintage, to contemporary, to traditional. Round, oval, princess, marquis, pear and emerald/radiant diamonds can be accommodated in seven sizes ranging from .5 carat to 4 carats. “For every ring you stock, you have dozens of options to offer the customer,” says Schumacher. Crowns are available in white, yellow, or pink. “Traditionally, to create a custom piece like this, you’d see the solder joint. With the Enchanted pieces, the weld is hidden underneath,” he adds. “And, you can raise or lower the head depending on where you position the head on the bar.”

[componentheading]THE REWARDS[/componentheading]

Since introducing the line three years ago, Schumacher’s closing ratio has risen 35 percent, and bridal sales are up 25 percent. 

[componentheading]DO IT YOURSELF[/componentheading]

Find them online at enchantedbridal.com or call (800) 654-4913 for information about the Enchanted Bridal line. Schumacher’s latest release includes a “petite series,” which includes 21 pieces at triple-key for less than $795. Radio and newspaper ads are available, Schumacher says.

[span class=note]This story is from the April 2007 edition of INSTORE[/span]

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Retiring? Let Wilkerson Do the Heavy Lifting

Retirement can be a great part of life. As Nanji Singadia puts it, “I want to retire and enjoy my life. I’m 78 now and I just want to take a break.” That said, Nanji decided that the best way to move ahead was to contact the experts at Wilkerson. He chose them because he knew that closing a store is a heavy lift. To maximize sales and move on to the next, best chapter of his life, he called Wilkerson—but not before asking his industry friends for their opinion. He found that Wilkerson was the company most recommended and says their professionalism, experience and the homework they did before the launch all helped to make his going out of business sale a success. “Wilkerson were working on the sale a month it took place,” he says. “They did a great job.”

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Best of The Best

Best of the Best: Turning Heads

Published

on

Stores that are doing things right: Schumacher Diamond

[componentheading]THE IDEA[/componentheading]

Best of the Best Logo

Give engagement-ring buyers a choice of different heads, and thus diamond shapes, for the same ring without having to build anything from scratch. Barney Schumacher, a diamond cutter by trade, serves as an informal adviser to his wife Catherine, who is president of Schumacher Diamond, a retail store in Bismarck, ND. Schumacher noticed that one of the most common problems for jewelry retailers involved their stock of rings. “Engagement rings were a major component of the business and also one of the most difficult to stock,” he says. “The business never had the right ring in the right size or shape for the customer.”

[componentheading]THE EXECUTION[/componentheading]

Advertisement

Best of the Best: Schumachers

Schumacher’s solution was to develop more than 15 different patented head designs that are interchangeable with every ring style. Called the Enchanted Bridal Collection, this system enables salespeople to engage customers in the design process, while minimizing the store’s inventory cost. The heads, which range from low-profile bezel to a nice six-prong style, fit any of the 130 rings, which vary in look from vintage, to contemporary, to traditional. Round, oval, princess, marquis, pear and emerald/radiant diamonds can be accommodated in seven sizes ranging from .5 carat to 4 carats. “For every ring you stock, you have dozens of options to offer the customer,” says Schumacher. Crowns are available in white, yellow, or pink. “Traditionally, to create a custom piece like this, you’d see the solder joint. With the Enchanted pieces, the weld is hidden underneath,” he adds. “And, you can raise or lower the head depending on where you position the head on the bar.”

[componentheading]THE REWARDS[/componentheading]

Since introducing the line three years ago, Schumacher’s closing ratio has risen 35 percent, and bridal sales are up 25 percent. 

[componentheading]DO IT YOURSELF[/componentheading]

Find them online at enchantedbridal.com or call (800) 654-4913 for information about the Enchanted Bridal line. Schumacher’s latest release includes a “petite series,” which includes 21 pieces at triple-key for less than $795. Radio and newspaper ads are available, Schumacher says.

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[span class=note]This story is from the April 2007 edition of INSTORE[/span]

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Ready to Move? Let Wilkerson Lead the Way

When Brockhaus Jewelry planned their move to a new location in Norman, Oklahoma, owners John Brockhaus and Brad Shipman knew exactly who to call for their moving sale: Wilkerson. "Having worked with Wilkerson before, choosing them again made perfect sense," says Shipman. "And our second partnership was even better than the first." The sale exceeded expectations, thanks to Wilkerson's strategic approach - starting with Brockhaus's existing inventory before carefully supplementing with additional pieces. "They made everything simple," Shipman adds. "From the outstanding consultant to the detailed planning, the entire process was seamless." It's why both partners enthusiastically recommend Wilkerson to fellow jewelers planning a move, remodel, or retirement sale.

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