May 5-11
SALES Everything (cases, email schedule, events) should be in place now for Mother’s Day (May 12). Unveil a surprise late-day spiff — an extra day off or two in summer — for any staff member who meets an especially challenging goal.
BUYING Schedule times to discuss marketing activities and sponsorship opportunities with vendors at Vegas (May 31- June 3). Go prepared with proposals to promote the designer’s collections in your store. Securing commitments early ensures that you’re not scrambling later in the year to find vendor partners and finalize co-op contracts.
EVENTS Finalize plans for summer trunk shows and designer events. Confirm dates with vendors. Planning your catering now will allow you to negotiate volume discounts when multiple events are booked.
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May 12-18
MANAGEMENT When did you last audit your list of key performance indicators (KPIs)? Are you tracking all that you should? Or more than you should? Do a deep dive to see what stats still make sense to see and use those metrics to adapt your business. If you don’t have the proper software, get it!
BRIDAL Wedding season is here. Brainstorm a checklist of questions to sell additional jewelry to brides: Will the bridesmaids be wearing jewelry? Will the groomsmen need tie pins or cufflinks?
PLANNING If you’ve typically taken your annual vacation in July, why not shake things up a bit and opt for vacation in August this year? Who knows what your community’s jewelry needs are like in July if you’ve never really been present.
May 19-25
MERCHANDISING Showcase graduation gifts: Create a special case in your store for smaller ticket, sentimental items. Your “congratulations” case can include charms, gold starter jewelry (hoops, chains, etc.), sterling silver bracelets, sterling silver cufflinks and entry-level watches. Have personalized jewelry polishing cloths made with your logo to be a gift with purchase.
BUYING We’re moving into the heart of show season. Develop a product launch plan and schedule training sessions to ensure successful sell-through.
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May 26-Jun. 1
SHOP Slow season project: Take photos of all waxes not already in your CAD library and add them.
ISSUES Local political candidates are likely to come knocking on your door, showing up at the Chamber of Commerce and dropping by your favorite drinking spot. Pay attention to the issues and introduce yourself. If they want to get or stay elected, they’ll make time to meet you: a local independent business owner.
CLIENTELING Make those six-month service calls on all those products you sold last December. Invite your customers to come in to have their jewelry checked and cleaned.