(PRESS RELEASE) Aleah Arundale, founder of industry group Jewelers Helping Jewelers, has created Jewelers Direct, a cooperative membership of American retail jewelers offering their best deals directly to the public.

The goal is to help JHJ’s independent brick-and-mortar retail members compete more effectively with large online sellers such as Blue Nile, Amazon and Overstock.com.

The group, barely 90 days old, is just shy of 6,000 members and has transacted nearly six figures.

By positioning itself within a group platform on Facebook, and augmenting its marketing through Instagram as well, Jewelers Direct is able to capture and deliver the latest tips and trends jewelry-savvy shoppers are looking for online. In addition, consumers can purchase with confidence, knowing there is a true brick-and-mortar store standing behind each sale.

Arundale said, “We’ve pulled together 100 leading retail jewelry stores in the United States who are working together to provide the public with their best deals. Consumers will feel confident in purchasing from Jewelers Direct, because every Jewelers Direct member has a physical store location and stands behind their products and services 100%. Jewelers Direct allows consumers to connect with industry experts who pride themselves on offering a great selection of merchandise for the best prices backed by unmatched customer service, in-store or online.”

To celebrate its launch, Jewelers Direct announced its “Silver Celebration Sweepstakes,” and will be giving consumers the chance to win a free piece of Tiffany estate jewelry every two weeks throughout the month of September.

With its soft launch complete and the sales and marketing program firmly underway, Arundale is opening the door to other retailers who might be interested in joining the platform. “The key to success for Jewelers Direct is similar to what has worked for JHJ. Our Jewelers Direct retail members are working together to support each other and the group. Those who are inviting their friends, or referring sales they might have otherwise lost to other members within the group are the ones that are seeing the strongest success. Jewelers Direct isn’t for everyone, but if you are a retailer who is looking for a way to recapture sales from the big box stores, do more business online and work with other jewelers who will actively support you, then Jewelers Direct is where you want to be.”

To follow all the latest trends, tips, information and great jewelry buys from Jewelers Direct, join Jewelers Direct online at JewelersDirect.org. And follow Jewelers Direct on Facebook at Facebook.com/JewelersDirectPage or on Twitter at Twitter.com/Jewelers_Direct

For more information on how Jewelers Direct can help you build your business, or to become a Jewelers Direct Retail member, contact Arundale at aleah@olympiandiamonds.com or call her at 312-541-8555.