IT’S A GREAT idea to set up temporary selfie stations or photo booths during events in your store, but it’s also possible to attract cellphone photographers who’d like to show off their newly purchased treasures 365 days a year. All you need is the right setting. Because engaged couples love to post every moment of their romantic journey, your store will pop up on social media with very little effort on your part beyond encouraging selfies. Maybe you have a unique neighboring attraction to embrace or know an artist who would love to do an installation for you. Whatever you choose to do should reflect your brand or a cause close to your heart.
Art Attack
The creative spirit housed in the Jewelbox in Ithaca, NY, appears too strong to be contained by four walls and a ceiling. Not only does the store, owned by Micky Roof, have a giant dragonfly perched on its roof, created by artist James Seaman, but the store also boasts a sculpture garden and mural wall. Last year, the garden was the venue for wedding shower with the theme, “Where the Wild Things Are.” The Jewelbox team also offers space to food trucks and provides picnic tables strategically placed to take advantage of the scenic waterfront backdrop of the Cayuga Lake Inlet.
Pop Art
At Jeweler’s Touch in Brea, CA, owned by Ken and Jana Rutz, The Love Mural, a painting by muralist Ruben Rojas, adds a colorful element to the decor while creating a photo-op spot for their guests to celebrate their engagements or other special milestones.
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Tourist Friendly
Spicer Greene Jewelers owners Elliott and Eva-Michelle Spicer commissioned artist Ian Wilkerson to create a mural dedicated to Asheville, NC, on the side of their building. Each letter in AVL highlights a feature of the area, including the Blue Ridge Mountains and a waterfall. This mural replaces the “Love is Not Cancelled” graffiti-style mural, which the store owners commissioned during the early days of the 2020 COVID shutdown. The mural has been featured on the Facebook page of Visit Asheville, a tourist information center.
Diamond Dog
Ramsey’s “Diamond Girl” adds a whimsical touch in front of Ramsey’s Diamond Jewelers in Metairie, LA, while inspiring clients, kids, and curious passersby to pose for photos with her. Lori Ramsey acquired the locally casted sculpture by making a donation to Paws on Parade, an SPCA fundraiser, and transformed her into a bride dog with the help of a friend in the auto body trade. Lori shopped for lace at a fabric store, which was used as a pattern for the dog’s paint. Her collar is adorned with beads and crystals, and she sports a big diamond ring on her paw. Diamond Girl is also wearing a tiara. “This cause was close to us because we are big supporters of animals,” Lori says. “She’s definitely part of the family now.”
Flight of Fancy
Lindy’s is in the historic district in the city of Fernandina Beach, FL, on Amelia Island, right next door to the downtown welcome center. Owner Melinda Kavanaugh commissioned Los Angeles street artist Punkmetender to install a butterfly mural on the side of the building, facing the welcome center, which has become a photogenic destination.
Multiple Choice
Bethany Swoveland of Design House Jewelry Studio in Waco, TX, has two photo-op spots. “The first wall our customers see is a greenery neon floral space that says, `Hey good looking!” It’s a customer favorite and a great way to greet guests. We also have a gemstone mural in the back with a ring light set up so customers can post and take their own photos.
Color Story
Kaeleigh Testwuide, owner of the Diamond Reserve in Denver, says her clients love to show off their rings against a vibrant wall teeming with images of gems.
Gift with Purchase?
Ragnar Bertelson of Ragnar Jewellers in Vancouver, British Columbia, made a deal with Harley Davidson to display a motorcycle in the jewelry showroom. Clients could make the Harley a gift with purchase if they bought a 4.5 carat diamond. It also proved to be a photo attraction throughout the month of May. May business was up 30 percent, as of June 1, but no one had yet committed to the 4.5 carat diamond purchase.
Elf Selfies
Ellis Jewelers in Frankfort, IN, has a distinctive street clock out front that’s used for selfies most of the year. The business also has enough Christmas spirit to attract photographic attention during holiday season. The 104-year-old business occupies a 140-year-old building, which was restored and renovated to its classic vintage look in 2018.
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Alcove Attraction
At Van Scoy Jewelers in Wyomissing, PA, a striking blue accent wall on the staircase commands attention.
A Wealth of Water
Burkes Fine Jewelers is in Kilmarnock, VA, on a peninsula flanked by the Rappahonnock River, the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay. Owners Fred and Karen Burke’s choice of décor, inside and outside, reflects their love of the water. That includes this oversize pair of galoshes.
Watch Dog
Nipper, the iconic RCA dog has also become a symbol of Wanna Buy a Watch in West Hollywood,CA, owned by Kenneth Jacobs. A 36-inch-tall version of Nipper became the store’s “watch dog”, placed outside the store to announce it was open, and to pose obligingly with passersby.
Loving It
At Steve Quick Jeweler in Chicago, the theme for 2021 is love, as illustrated by this huge mural on the side of the store.
Try It On For Size
This proposal board makes it clear that Zorells in North Dakota is “Where Bismarck Goes to Propose.”