Our most precious resource is the planet upon which we live.
Why go green? Sure, running a more ecologically sustainable operation has business benefits like saving money on energy or attracting environmentally conscious buyers. But the main reason to go green is that it’s just the right thing to do.
After all, the jewelry industry depends on the earth beneath us. Precious metals, gemstones, diamonds — they all come out of the planet itself. And for thousands of years, they’ve come at a cost.
But thankfully, things are changing for the better. Nonprofit groups and stakeholder-led organizations are now working to ensure that each new finished piece of jewelry is as sustainably made as possible. And as you’ll see in this issue’s lead story, retailers are also taking the lead both in business practice and in ethical sourcing.
As Talisman Collection owner Andrea Riso says, “I want to maintain a level of responsibility that goes beyond just being a good jeweler; I want to be a good member of the community.” Riso and others have “greened” their businesses in ways I never even knew were possible (like the retrofitted LED-lit century-old showcases at Wattsson & Wattsson, or the geothermal-powered store at The Diamond Gallery), and we’ve got plenty of tips for you to consider. For even more innovative ways to green your store, see our expanded coverage at instoremag.com
It’s time to give something back to the earth that’s given our industry so much. I hope you’ll choose to contribute!
FIVE SMART TIPS YOU’LL FIND INSIDE THIS EDITION
- Install light sensors and dimming controls to save energy. (The Big Story)
- Don’t do emails or paperwork on your days off; only do creative work. (Ask Instore)
- When a client objects, “That’s more than I wanted to spend,” reply “These come in a variety of prices depending on size.” (Shane Decker)
- Add a personalized sticky note to each event invitation you mail out. (Tip Sheet)
- Offer 12 months of paid insurance premiums for every engagement ring purchase in your store (Cool Stores)
This article originally appeared in the November 2017 edition of INSTORE.