Tomorrow's jewelers are being formed today
LET'S LAUNCH A MISSION for jewelers — we can call it “Operation: Legacy.” The goal of the mission is to inspire children — hopefully our own, but if not, the children of others will certainly do — to eventually join the jewelry industry. Our aim is to attract, by any means necessary, young people who can carry this business into the next generation. To ensure that every town has a few budding rockhounds who will eventually become gemologists, fashion freaks who end up as jewelry style advisers, and metal-shop stars who will find their life's work as designers and bench jewelers.
How can we make it happen? Well, it all starts in your store. The first thing you should do, if you're not doing it already, is to bring your kids into the store more often. If you worry that this will be uncomfortable, inconvenient or even dangerous, then please read this month's lead story, All in the Family, to see what a wonderful, inspiring experience spending time in your store can be for your children.
Put them to work. Have them clean cases, sweep floors, and polish jewelry. But also let them do the good stuff — sort diamonds, and even pick a favorite style or two for your inventory. (Quickie idea: If you have a tween-age/teenage child, give them their own case with products aimed at kids in their age group. They pick what goes in there. It'll be like a course in “Advanced Placement Merchandising.”)
We can't force our kids to be jewelers. All we can do is show them what a rewarding business it can be. Then just cross our fingers!
Wishing you the very best business…
David Squires
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
[email protected]
