WE’VE ALL BEEN saying our business is under attack from other sources of jewelry ? big-box outlets, wholesale vendors who open retail stores and the Internet. We’ve also been saying that consumers today have more choices of luxury items than ever. Choices like vacations, cars and electronics. So, how do we account for the fact that last year a record number of home-theater systems were sold, and close to a record number of dollars were taken in at movie box offices? I’m not saying movie-going wasn’t affected. It’s just that these two competitors seem to have entertained their guests so well that neither is losing out. The Internet is not to blame if your store is missing customers. It just means that your current customers need a higher entertainment factor. Look around. Where are you having more fun spending your money? At the New York show? Or the Vegas show? It’s not enough to be a professional with fair prices anymore. Your store needs a personality.
