In the Loupe: Recent Episodes
Punchmark
In the Loupe is a weekly podcast hosted by Punchmark & The Smithee Group, two leaders in the online jewelry industry. Each week's episode is focused around the explanation and advocacy of important E-Commerce topics and why every jeweler needs to be focused on their online presence now more than ever.
We sit down with Steven Lerche, President of Goldstar and the Plumb Club, to unpack how a supplier-led group builds real connection across the jewelry and watch supply chain. We talk JCK, innovation, responsible sourcing, and why a shared mindset can beat a zero-sum approach in a fast-changing market.
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Mike is solo this week while everyone’s at RJO and IJO, so he's running through five jewelry industry topics that have been on his mind. I talk about faster fulfillment through dropshipping, the real-world ripple effects of tariffs, and why seemingly small website choices can make or break sales.
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Mike sits down with outgoing AGS president Alexis Padis and incoming president Bryan Moeller to talk about what a smooth leadership handoff really takes and why education, ethics, and consumer protection keep the organization aligned.
We also discuss the upcoming AGS Conclave, the pressures reshaping jewelry retail, and how independent jewelers can earn trust with today’s hyper-informed customers.
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Mike talks with Peter Smith about why selling stays “Essentially Human” even as AI and short-form content reshape how people pay attention. Along the way, we pull practical lessons from stories about music, used cars, pricing, and resilience that help you sell with more clarity and less anxiety.
Learn more about Stratus Estate Buyers: stratusestatebuyers.com
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The marketing world moves FAST, which is why Michael checked-in with Digital Marketing Manager at Punchmark, Hope Bellair, to ask if these 10 Digital Marketing techniques still matter. Hope gets candid with us about everything from hashtags and following counts to AEO and Podcasts. You won't wanna miss this one!
Learn more about Stratus Estate Buyers: stratusestatebuyers.com
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Mike sits down with retail jeweler and podcaster Andy Koehn to talk about why many men feel lost in jewelry stores and what actually helps them buy an engagement ring with confidence. We get into meaning over metrics, why the story matters more than the 4 Cs, and how a simple book became an unexpectedly powerful tool for earning trust and closing sales.
Learn more about Stratus Estate Buyers: stratusestatebuyers.com
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Mike discusses a surprisingly great purchasing experience he recently had at a... Lumber Mill. This had him thinking deeper about ways retailers can pull out practical omnichannel lessons jewelry stores can use right away.
He focuses on what made the experience feel premium and stress free, then translate those moves into ways to rebuild trust, delight, and loyalty in modern jewelry retail.
Learn more about Stratus Estate Buyers: stratusestatebuyers.com
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Mike sits down with Yoav Singer from UNI Diamonds to unpack what their real-time marketplace data reveals about diamond pricing, buyer behavior, and where demand is actually moving. We also talk through how tariffs, gold prices, memo, and better education are reshaping how retailers source stones and build trust with shoppers.
Learn more about Stratus Estate Buyers: stratusestatebuyers.com
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Mike goes solo and shares five real-life ways jewelry shows up in our world, from a family brooch tradition to the surprising value hidden in old coins. Along the way, we unpack what “worth it” really means when selling an old piece of jewelry.
Learn more about Stratus Estate Buyers: stratusestatebuyers.com
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Mike sits down with Justin VanMatre from Stratus Estate Buyers to unpack how in-store estate buying events work and why they can feel like a limited-time “carnival” that brings new energy into a jewelry store. They discuss the economics, the trust factor, and the real-world mix of items people bring when they need cash or clarity.
Learn more: stratusestatebuyers.com
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Mike sits down with Andre Woons from Nivoda on what it takes to help jewelers sell from global inventory while keeping fulfillment fast, reliable, and margin-friendly. We also dig into why gemstones are harder to sell online, how in-store tools change the customer journey, and what comes next with finished jewelry and flexible credit.
Learn More about Nivoda: https://nivoda.com/
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Recorded LIVE from the 2026 Punchmark Client Workshop in Charlotte, NC!
Mike sits down with Lenny Prion, the voice and educator so many jewelers know as “Lenny from The Edge,” to talk about the early days of The EDGE Point of Sale system and what he learned from working for many years in a retail jewelry store. We dig into how reporting, reorders, inventory aging, and smart automation can make a store run calmer, faster, and more profitably.
He also teases the biggest feature update to The EDGE in the last 25 years... you wont want to miss this!
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Recorded LIVE from the 2026 Punchmark Client Workshop in Charlotte, NC!
Mike sat down with Cole Rowland from Ware's Jewelers to unpack his jump from jewelry vendor to first-generation store owner at Ware's Jewelers. He transparent about what it takes to buy a jewelry store after running a going out of business sale, rebuild inventory and credit, and earn the trust of a community that already has sky-high expectations.
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We break down retargeting as clienteling at scale and explain why it feels like ads “follow you” after you browse jewelry online.
Hope Bellair shares practical ways to segment audiences, choose platforms, set budgets, and measure success beyond last-click sales.
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Mike breaks down the real differences between Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Discord so you can choose a communication platform that fits your team size, tools, and day-to-day work.
We also call out why group Gmail threads, group texts, and WhatsApp usually create noise instead of clarity and how to build a single source of truth.
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Stephen Barnes shares what his first year as owner of IJO really looked like, from decision-making and show strategy to staying grounded when gold prices swing. We talk through how independent jewelers can win with stronger vendor partnerships, smarter education, and a practical approach to tech and e-commerce.
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Mike talks through the loss of his grandmother and the unexpected way her jewelry becomes a bridge between grief, family history, and love.
He shares the story of how an immigrant life, a box of jewelry on a bed, and one garnet brooch shape his view of what jewelry is really for.
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Michael talks with David Berdugo, CEO of Caratwise, about why custom jewelry sales break down when momentum stalls and how better UX helps independent jewelers give confident answers fast. We dig into transparency, real-time design, and the ring builder choices that turn “imagine it” into “see it now.”
https://www.caratwise.com/
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We check in with Ross Cockerham about Punchmark’s sprint into faster payments, a rebuilt Vendor Marketing Library, and a shift to a proactive client strategy. Along the way we talk AEO, rising AoVs, and why human support still drives the biggest wins.
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Mike talks through four topics not about jewelry that he has been paying attention to that can help reframe the jewelry conversation in a new and interesting way.
The crashing of the rare plant market, an Olympian who capitalized on the spotlight, how publishing Instagram Reels helps with reach in 2026, and a book release event.
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Mike sits down with Becka Johnson Kibby, the new CEO of Edge Retail Academy, to unpack real jewelry retail benchmarks, smarter inventory moves, and the coaching habits that outperform the market. We cover vendor partnerships, clienteling that actually works, and how to protect margin without leaning on discounts.
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What if brick‑and‑mortar isn’t dying, but splitting into winners and roadkill? We sit down with Peter Smith, former Hearts On Fire president, columnist for National Jeweler, and sales behavior coach, to unpack why independent jewelers just had their strongest five‑year stretch while the total number of stores keeps falling. Peter makes a compelling case that physical retail is both a beginning and an end: a beginning for operators who evolve with data, people, and design, and an end for those who stay stuck in habits from another era.
Read the full National Jeweler Article: https://nationaljeweler.com/articles/14583-peter-smith-physical-retail-the-beginning-or-the-end
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We talk with Ostbye president Craig MacBean about leading through volatility, integrating a business acquisition without losing its soul, and why staying focused on independent jewelers' wins keeps a vendor business grounded.
Gold climbs, tariffs become unpredictable... yet smart operations, better data, and classic designs keep momentum strong.
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We discuss gold’s leap past $5,000 (and back) and unpack why refiners are pausing intake even as demand soars. David Siminski explains the credit and capacity squeeze, the silver backlog, and how jewelers can navigate cash settlements versus physical exchanges.
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We talk with Eric Lux, President of Rembrandt Charms, about why charms convert so well online, how vertical integration keeps shelves stocked, and what smart marketing does for repeat sales.
Learn more about Rembrandt Charms: rembrandtcharms.com
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We bring back StoneAlgo's CEO, Devin Jones, to share how a human concierge turns website visitors into verified, high-intent appointments. We also dive into engagement ring trend data across lab grown and natural diamond purchases, straight from the StoneAlgo platform.
Book a Demo with StoneAlgo: https://getjeweleros.com/
Read the full Engagement Ring Trends report: https://getjeweleros.com/2025-engagement-ring-trends
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We set the tone for Season 7 with a focus on substance: vendor stories without the pitch, real data that guides decisions, and platform upgrades that make selling online easier for everyone. 2026 gets a bold forecast as we track ADA progress, performance trends, and the metrics that matter.
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We close the season by revisiting ten standout moments that shaped a year of change, from AI pricing and buying group leadership to gold’s surge, fancy color diamonds, and how Tahitian pearls really form.
• AI pricing tools and the case for fair markup
• JewelCraft as the jeweler’s jeweler for scale
• Google Workspace as a collaboration backbone
• IJO ownership shift and long-term vision
• Gold price drivers from rates to geopolitics
• Reporting crime with care, not hype
• Fancy color diamonds and profit logic
• JCK Las Vegas
• RJO's leadership focus on systems and learning
• Pearl farming truth beyond the sand myth
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We chart the rebound of jewelry e‑commerce in 2025, why average order value climbed, and how Cyber Monday pulled ahead of Black Friday online. We share two winning models, volume vs high ticket, and a practical plan to hit $50k–$100k next year.
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We unpack how agentic AI shifts marketing from reactive prompts to proactive systems that watch behavior, answer real questions, and stretch budgets. Hope Bellair joins us to map practical steps for independent jewelers, from product data hygiene to Reddit-driven relevance, plus a few warnings about AI ads and synthetic influencers.
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Mike shares five practical fundamental tips to prepare your jewelry store for Black Friday and the holidays. Quick wins stack up: show energy, make hours obvious, trigger visits with email, and remove online friction.
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We break down how a small DNS error inside AWS rippled into a global outage, and why it affected everything from uploads to streaming to... beds? Andy Szoke, Developer at Punchmark, joins us to explain cloud basics, Lambda bottlenecks, and redundancy.
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Michael is joined by three independent jewelers who share how they protect margins, create memorable offers, and keep teams sharp during the busiest weeks of the year.
We discuss gold pricing, VIP outreach, gift guides, and why the week after Christmas can outsell Black Friday.
Guests:
Vincent Spilotro from Arezzo Jewelers
Anna Barnett from Barnett Jewelers
Lee Elgin from Elgin's Fine Jewelry
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Mike talks with Komoka’s Josh Humbert about his family pearl farm in Tahiti rebuilt its methods around eco-farming and sustainable handling of oysters. Fish now clean their oysters, helping reefs recover, resulting in the harvesting of hundreds of beautiful pearls that shine with rare color that redefine what quality feels like.
The story of Kamoka illustrates what is possible when working WITH nature, instead of against it.
Learn more about Kamoka and their Tahitian Pearl Jewelry: kamokapearls.com
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We trace Malo Bands’ journey from handwoven artistry to a tech-enabled, service-first business, and how listening to retailers turned beautiful showpieces into scalable, profitable designs. Tony shares candid lessons on customization, B2B tools, tariffs, and why yellow gold is surging.
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Mike shares how he's helping rebuild Punchmark’s Premium Vendor Program from a one-way data pipe into a two-way system that gives vendors and retailers real value. He discusses zero-to-one strategy, systems thinking, and practical steps to standardize data, deliver insights, and reduce friction.
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Mike sits down with his boss Ross Cockerham, Punchmark Co-Founder & CEO, about how he balances attending trade shows and events vs. being present at his own business vs. family life.
Every business owner learns to balance these roles on their own, as well as how they fold into their own personal lives, but the journey is important and worth discussing! Enjoy the conversation.
Learn about our sponsor JewelerOS: trytheringbuilder.com
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Melisa Monroe from Podium shares exclusive insights from a recent consumer survey of nearly 1000 prospective shoppers about projected holiday spending for the upcoming season, revealing data-driven strategies for retailers to maximize their sales.
Learn more about Podium: https://go.podium.com/tSqRg1
Learn about our sponsor JewelerOS: trytheringbuilder.com
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Digital marketing expert Hope Bellair shares insights from HubSpot's Inbound 25 conference and tailored Q4 marketing strategies for different types of jewelry businesses.
Reach Hope Bellair at hope@punchmark.com or 704-910-4774, extension 318 for more information about holiday marketing strategies.
Learn about our sponsor JewelerOS: trytheringbuilder.com
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The jewelry industry is evolving with significant technological, market, and policy developments that are reshaping how businesses operate and connect with customers.
- Google Gemini AI tool can place jewelry onto digital hands and ears, offering an alternative to expensive lifestyle photography.
- Taylor Swift's vintage-inspired engagement ring features an antique cushion cut diamond on yellow gold with ornate engraving, likely influencing future trends.
- Tariffs on Indian goods have increased to 50%, disrupting supply chains and forcing businesses to adjust pricing strategies.
- Punchmark's "Shop This Case" feature expands, creating a seamless connection between online browsing and in-store shopping experiences
- The increasing prevalence of data-driven advertising and AI-generated content is creating challenges for authentic marketing
Learn about our sponsor JewelerOS: trytheringbuilder.com
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Michael interviews his eldest brother, Joseph, about his custom engagement ring process with Vincent from Arezzo Jewelers, revealing that custom projects can be affordable and quick when incorporating family jewelry pieces.
If you're considering a custom engagement ring, don't assume it will be more expensive or time-consuming than buying off the shelf. Talk to a jeweler about incorporating family pieces to create something meaningful and unique.
Visit Arezzo Jewelers' website: arezzojewelers.com
Learn about our sponsor JewelerOS: trytheringbuilder.com
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Alexis Padis, President of AGS, shares insights from her first year of leadership and discusses her vision for the organization's future after being re-elected for a second term.
Alexis shares what leadership development looks like in an organization with a storied history, and the humility and foresight required to implement changes that might not come to fruition during her own presidency.
Learn more about AGS: ags.org
Learn more about our sponsor, Jewel-Craft: jewel-craft.com
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GPT-5 has arrived with meaningful improvements in logical reasoning, processing speed, and the ability to dynamically switch between models based on task complexity! The technology excels at pattern recognition in data analysis while software developers are finding new ways to integrate it into their workflow without sacrificing quality.
Mike sits down with Punchmark Back-End Developer, Andy Szoke, to discuss what the arrival of this new version means, how to balance your humanity with productivity, and the basics of prompt generation.
Learn more about our sponsor, Jewel-Craft: jewel-craft.com
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Michael dives into data pulled directly from the Punchmark E-Commerce platform for Q1 & Q2 of 2025. Punchmark services only the Jewelry industry, which means their platform data offers a unique insight into the e-commerce fluctuations and jewelry trends of the industry as it stands today.
Learn more about our sponsor, Jewel-Craft: jewel-craft.com
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In the Loupe EXCLUSIVE
Bill Becker, new President of the Retail Jewelers Organization (RJO), shares his perspective on the organization's growth from a small collective buying group in 1966 to a powerhouse with nearly 1,200 members today. As both a multi-store jeweler and industry leader, Bill offers unique insights into RJO's success factors, current challenges, and his vision for supporting independent jewelers.
Michael was honored to sit down for the first in-depth conversation with Bill to discuss taking over for Terry Dickens, now RJO President Emeritus, collaborating with Sarah Streb, CEO of RJO, and his vision for the future or the group.
Learn more about RJO: rjomembers.com
Learn more about our sponsor, Jewel-Craft: jewel-craft.com
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StoneAlgo's new Jeweler OS product is revolutionizing how jewelers convert website traffic into sales by generating real, manufacturable CAD files for custom engagement rings. The AI-powered tool creates a seamless path from online browsing to in-store purchasing while allowing jewelers to set their own markups.
Learn more about JewelerOS: https://getjeweleros.com/
Learn more about our sponsor, Jewel-Craft: jewel-craft.com
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It’s no secret that summer can be a slower season for retail, and the jewelry industry is no exception. After the excitement of spring engagements and before the holiday shopping season ramps up, many jewelers experience a noticeable dip in foot traffic and sales. But a summer slowdown doesn’t have to mean a complete stall in business.
This time of year offers a unique opportunity to refocus on services that deepen customer relationships and encourage visits - without relying solely on high-ticket purchases. If you’re feeling the effects of the seasonal slump, here are a few proven strategies to keep your store top-of-mind and your doors open to more customers.
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Michael recounts his journey through the JCK Las Vegas jewelry show, discusses notable jewelry trends, and the value of in-person industry relationships. He also buys some jewelry that comes... blessed. Pretty neat!
Schedule your appointment for RJO & IJO at punchmark.com/appointments
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John Liebler, formerly of Signet and currently VP of Operations at Clientbook, shares how independent jewelers can maximize sales through client retention strategies and relationship building in the digital age.
Learn more about Clientbook: punchmark.com/clientbook
Schedule a guided demo today at punchmark.com/go
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Kyle Pancis from Gems by Pancis shares the fascinating world of fancy colored diamonds, revealing how a royal connection in Belgium launched his family's 30-year specialty business. His insider perspective offers rare glimpses into the value, cutting techniques, and origin stories behind some of the world's most exclusive gemstones.
Learn more about Gems by Pancis here: https://www.gemsbypancis.com/
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Atlassian is a suite of products including Jira, Confluence, and Trello.
The Atlassian suite offers powerful tools for business organization and knowledge management that can be adapted for jewelry retailers, with special focus on Trello and Confluence.
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Join Mike for a behind the scenes look at Punchmark's annual Client Workshop in Charlotte, NC, offering a glimpse into what makes this educational event special for jewelry retailers from across the country.
If you missed the Workshop this year, make sure to mark your calendars for next May to attend our two day educational workshop in person! It's a lot of fun!
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Marketing professionals Lisa-Marie Delgado from Gary J. Long Jewelers &
Aurora Simpson from Holliday Jewelry share insights on retail strategies, event planning, and industry trends in an energetic conversation LIVE from the Punchmark Client Workshop in Charlotte, NC.
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Michael hosts a LIVE Vendor Roundtable at the 2025 Punchmark Client Workshop, featuring Jordan Peck from Brevani and Craig MacBean from Ostbye jewelry to discuss how they're navigating current market challenges and preparing for the upcoming buying season.
Ostbye: https://ostbye.com/
Brevani: https://brevani.com/
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Michael's childhood friend, Taylor, shares his journey of designing a custom engagement ring with a lab-grown sapphire centerpiece, highlighting the collaborative decision-making process with his fiancée Jen who had a clear vision from the start.
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Drawing from his recent experience hosting a solo watercolor exhibition, Michael Burpoe shares marketing strategies that business owners can apply to their own store events. He explains how effective event planning, branding, goal-setting, and multi-channel promotion can enhance attendance and sales for any luxury buying experience.
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Michelle Graff, editor-in-chief of National Jeweler, shares insights on unprecedented industry challenges including record-high gold prices and fluctuating tariffs. The jewelry industry faces a period of uncertainty that feels even more unpredictable than the pandemic era.
We cover National Jeweler's impressive 120-year legacy, what stories in the jewelry industry she feels are underserved, and filtering "news" from "noise" every day.
To get more from National Jeweler, visit nationaljeweler.com and select "Subscribe" in the top right to receive their daily newsletter and webinar information.
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Now is the perfect time for jewelers to explore e-commerce as an additional revenue stream, especially during economic uncertainty. Having your products available for online purchase creates "another line in the water" that can catch unexpected sales with minimal effort.
Download our free e-commerce strategy checklist at punchmark.com/checklist to help get started, regardless of which website platform you're using.
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Pearls are one of the oldest, most influential gems the world has ever known with a rich history dating back well over 5,000 years. Matt Harris shares his passion for this unique gemstone and explains how fashion trends surrounding the gem have shifted in the last 100 years, where he predicts they will head in future years, and how jewelers can ensure they are buying quality pearls that will sell.
Follow Matt Harris for more Pearl content!
Matt's Instagram: Instagram
Matt's Youtube: Youtube
Matt's Website: Matt Harris Designs
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Jordan Wentz, or Jewels of the Trade, shares her expertise on jade, one of the most misunderstood gemstones in the jewelry world, explaining its historical significance and how to identify authentic pieces. She illuminates the differences between Jadeite and Nephrite jade while providing guidance for retailers and consumers on recognizing quality jade and avoiding common pitfalls.
Join the Jewels of the Trade Discord community to learn more about jade, connect with experts, and share your collection. Follow Jordan on Instagram @jewels_of_the_trade or visit her YouTube channel to deepen your understanding of this fascinating gemstone.
More from Jordan & Jewels of the Trade: http://linktr.ee/jewels_of_the_trade
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David Siminski, a refiner with 32 years of experience at United Precious Metals in Buffalo, shares his expertise on gold's dramatic price surge, how it might impact custom jewelry projects, and speculates on if the price will continue to climb.
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Mike is joined by a panel of retail jewelers to talk about how they navigate the Jewelry Year. From when they schedule in their annual vacations, which jewelry shows they attend, and what jewelry styles are doing well at their respective stores.
Matt & Kim from R. Gregory Jewelers in Statesville, NC
https://www.rgregoryjewelers.com/
Cole from Ware's Jewelers in Bradenton, FL
https://www.waresjewelers.com/
Caleb from Harkleroad Jewelers in Savannah, GA
https://www.harkleroaddiamonds.com/
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Prize indemnity insurance might sound like a dry financial topic, but Robin Lang from Tokio Marine HCC reveals it's actually one of the most exciting marketing tools available to jewelers today. We discuss how retailers can offer customers full refunds on purchases if certain events occur – like six inches of snow on New Year's Day, or a Safety during the Super Bowl – while paying just a fraction of the potential cost themselves.
Robin walks us through the mechanics of these promotions, explaining how her team of actuaries analyzes decades of historical data to calculate the odds of specific weather events or sports outcomes.
Learn more about Prize Indemnity with Tokio Marine HCC: https://www.tmhcc.com/en-us/products/contingency/prize-indemnity
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For an exclusive first interview, Michael interviews Stephen Barnes, newly announced Owner and President of IJO about what the changes mean for him, IJO, and the retailers & vendors included in the group.
Stephen Barnes shares his journey from longtime IJO member to President and now Owner, discusses his vision for the future of the Independent Jewelers Organization and what this transition means for retailers and vendors.
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Michael speaks with Bri Black from Buzz Advertising Agency and Hope Bellair, Digital Marketing Manager at Punchmark, for a discussion on the art of creating effective marketing campaigns.
Learn how to conceptualize a campaign, set goals and metrics, and execute on marketing for your next effort!
Learn more about Buzz Advertisement Agency: https://buzzadvertisingagency.com/
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In the Loupe, is an award winning podcast for jewelers, produced by Punchmark, the Jewelry Industry’s FAVORITE website platform. In the Loupe is made for Retail Jewelers to keep them up to date with the latest and greatest taking place in the world of jewelry, both online and in-store.
Join me as I attend jewelry trade shows, educational workshops, and cover breaking news that will impact your store. I try out emerging technologies and marketing channels, but that’s not all. We want every jewelry professional to hear from the brightest minds available.
Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday!
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Virtual Reality (VR) is growing in popularity, and as the technology improves, so do the opportunities for use in real life. Michael has explored VR with his friends the past year and reports back on his experiences, the good, the bad, the... vertigo-inducing.
Michael later speaks with three of his best friends who are avid VR users on how they've used this technology to stay in touch and keep their friendship alive in 2025.
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Brevani, an offshoot jewelry brand of Color Merchants, owners Jordan & Allison Peck share their innovative journey in the jewelry industry, focusing on modern trends while maintaining a legacy of responsible sourcing. They discuss their dynamic collaboration as brother and sister, successful marketing strategies, what they stand to learn and gain as members of The Plumb Club, and how they keep appearing on The Bachelorette every season!
Learn more about Brevani here: https://brevani.com/
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Today we are taking a deep dive into the Google Workspace Suite of tools. These free tools are cloud based and able to be accessed in minutes after the creation of a Gmail account.
These tools are widely considered to be industry standard tools, as they make collaboration and asynchronous editing possible. Learn how the Punchmark team has been using these as well as how you can level up your own company's collaboration skills with them!
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Michael sits down with Justin VanMatre of National Rarities to discuss what the last year of estate buying events looked like, what the most commonly bought items were, and announces the new Punchmark x National Rarities event page templates they recently collaborated on. If you have hosted a NR event, or plan to soon, you'll want to tune in for this!
Learn more about National Rarities: https://www.nationalrarities.com/
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Meet the unsung heroes of the jewelry world as Mike speaks with Stefanie Wesdorp from Jewel-Craft, a fourth-generation family business that handles service requests for hundreds of retail jewelers around the US.
Stefanie shares how Jewel-Craft has carved out a role as the hidden powerhouse behind so many jewelry stores. Tackling everything from intricate repairs to challenging customizations, Jewel-Craft manages to stay organized while handling hundreds of requests a day.
Learn more about Jewel-Craft: jewel-craft.com
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Join Michael as he speaks with William Jones IV from Sissy's Log Cabin as we explore JewelLink, a cutting-edge recruiting tool revolutionizing how jewelry stores find the perfect candidates. Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to expand or a jeweler seeking top talent, you'll gain valuable insights into refining your hiring process, focusing on skills and entrepreneurial potential.
Learn more about JewelLink here: https://www.jewellink.com/
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We are back! Mike shares e-commerce trends from Punchmark's data, focusing on average cart value and sales performance across different months and compares year to year.
Take Aways:
• AOV reveal fluctuations in average cart value from 2021 to 2024
• Notable months for sales performance include April, August, September, and October
• Friday emerges as the top day for e-commerce purchases
• Providing flexible financing options boosts sales potential for retailers
• Diverse payment methods enhance customer convenience and engagement
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It's the final episode of Season 5, which means Mike is giving you a tour of all of the best bits from this season.
This is the 50th episode from this season, and we've interviewed some impressive and distinguished members of the jewelry industry this year. We hope you'll enjoy a look back on some of our favorite moments from Season 5! We will be back January 7th with the first episode of Season 6!
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Mike sat down to chat with Hope Bellair, Punchmark's Digital Marketing Manager, exploring the booming resurgence of event-based marketing and the domination of short-form video content. As TikTok's fate hangs in the balance, we consider the clever strategies jewelers can adopt to pivot their marketing efforts while staying ahead in the digital game.
They also dive into the art of strategic planning for 2025. Hope shares insights on the significance of knowing your unique selling points and understanding customer connections while setting SMART goals to ensure success.
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Unlock the secrets to creating a harmonious marketing strategy with our latest episode, "Marketing Symphony." Each channel has it's own unique language and requires a slightly different approach. Discover how to tailor video content to suit the unique quirks of platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn!
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The holiday season brings a rush of online shoppers, making it crucial for retail jewelers to ensure their e-commerce sites are in top shape. With a well-prepared website, you can enhance your customer experience, avoid technical hiccups, and maximize sales.
Here’s a quick checklist to help you get your website holiday-ready, from payment setups to product data and marketing strategy.
Adapted from the recent Punchmark blog article: https://www.punchmark.com/blog-post/administrative-checklist-8-tips-to-fortify-your-e-commerce-for-the-holidays
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Omi was founded nearly 35 years ago by Omi Nagpal and his wife, Preeti, whose family were ruby miners dating back to 19th century Burma. Later, their son, Niveet, founded Omi Privé, their finished jewelry business that specializes in one of a kind finished colored stone jewelry.
From design processes to nurturing retailer relationships, Niveet sheds light on the strategic side of the jewelry vendor business. He shares insights on building meaningful partnerships with retailers who value understated luxury, as well as a deep dive on the business of colored stones.
Learn more about Omi Prive: https://omiprive.com/
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Prepare to transform your online presence into a powerhouse of holiday cheer. We discuss how to maintain an omni-channel experience that seamlessly connects your digital and physical storefronts especially around the time of year where it matters most!
Don't let outdated information be the Grinch that steals your holiday sales—tune in as we share the essential steps to ensure your business shines brightly in the bustling retail landscape.
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Email marketing has the power to elevate your traffic to new heights. Mike sits down with Hope Bellair, Punchmark's Digital Marketing Manager, and Sarah Weeks, Art Director at Punchmark, to discuss best practices and strategy for your next Email Marketing campaign.
Where is the sweet spot for sending "too many" and "radio silence"? What should you market about during the down months? Which email platform is most effective?
Learn more about Punchmark's Email Marketing Campaign here: https://www.punchmark.com/email-marketing
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Are you open every day between Black Friday and Christmas Eve? Do you close between Boxing Day and New Years? Do you have VIP events or "Guys Nights" to drive traffic? Do you stock up your best sellers with multiples or get a broad variety of products?
The busiest time of the year is starting, and Michael sat down with Ray Lantz from The Diamond Center in Claremont, CA to hear about what he is doing to get prepared, as well as what his strategy is for the end of the year.
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Michael is joined by Jason Adams, Director of Education at Punchmark, to discuss how to get your website ready for the busiest time of the year, and encourages all Punchmark clients to get their website tickets and requests in early. There are a few key parts of your website that should be checked prior to the holidays, and Jason shares his expertise so that you feel like you are putting your best foot forward.
Jason also discusses the new Punchmark Tune-Up package that is designed for precisely this, getting your website ready, even if you might not have the time to do it yourself. Listen for more details or reach out to lorenzo@punchmark.com.
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AI has been the buzzword of the last few years, but its accessibility for everyday people can feel limited as some use cases require extra downloads and plugins. Michael wanted to showcase some of the most readily available and accessible use cases for ChatGPT in your every day life.
Learn how querying this powerful tool can help with everything from cooking to your mortgage decisions.
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Bryan Braddy, the talented artist behind Bad Art Nice Watch, shares how he has created a business out of helping tell the captivating tales of luxury watches.
Beginning with a simple drawing session with his daughter, Bryan rediscovered his passion for art, eventually developing a unique and recognizable style using professional-grade watercolors. His artwork brings to life the personal narratives and histories of luxury watches, transforming them from mere timepieces into evocative stories worth telling.
Bryan's entrepreneurial journey from sharing personal art on Instagram to managing a growing art business offers valuable insights into balancing passion with profession. With the growing demand for his work, Bryan navigated the challenges of pricing and scaling his business while maintaining art as a therapeutic outlet.
Check out his work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badartnicewatch/
View his website: https://badartnicewatch.com/
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Mike sits down with Constance Polamalu , the founder of Birthright Foundry to talk about the latest updates to her jewelry line since they last spoke during S4 E34. Constance discusses her journey this past year, highlighting the meticulous selection of her pieces that were featured on the Golden Bachelorette and the importance of creating a brand that stands the test of time.
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Cheers to Episode 200 of In the Loupe! Whether you've been with us since the beginning, or this is your first episode, thanks for joining us!
Join us for our special 200th episode of "In the Loupe," where we journey from our humble beginnings as the "Jeweler's Survival Kit" to becoming a pivotal marketing tool within the jewelry world. You'll hear from Ross Cockerham, CEO of Punchmark, and our editor Paul Suarez. Listen in as we reflect on our evolution over five and a half seasons, the challenges of the pandemic, and how our content has adapted to continue supporting jewelers in a rapidly changing market.
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Michael sits down with Ross Cockerham, CEO & Co-Founder of Punchmark, who recently got back from The EDGE Workshop in Connecticut. They discuss what was covered at the workshop, what Ross presented on during his allotted time, and what we can learn from this workshop to improve our own Punchmark Client Workshop.
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It's time to start thinking about your holiday marketing and begin planning for this year's busy season! Mike speaks with Hope Bellair, Punchmark's Digital Marketing Manager, to discuss how to get your site ready, what the easiest starting points are, and where to look for inspiration. This is the pre-marathon stretch, so buckle up!
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This week, Mike talks through his favorite website to order from, and the consistency that has made them stand out to him for nearly 8 years. Moo.com is a company that makes business cards and greeting cards, and their communication, ease of use, and overall quality stand out in a crowded field.
Mike tries to pull out a few key lessons that you can learn from this company and apply to your own business.
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Mike sits down with Lee Elgin from Elgin Fine Jewelry and Vincent Spilotro from Arezzo Jewelers for a Retailer Roundtable to talk about how the trade shows were this year, as well as how they are prepping their stores for the holidays.
We dive into how the surging price of gold effects their business, their strategy for attending shows, and if they find it to be "worth it" to hop on jewelry trends.
Visit their websites:https://www.elginsfj.com/
https://www.arezzojewelers.com/
Learn more about our sponsor Tailored Rings: tailoredrings.com
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Announcing the first In the Loupe giveaway of 2024, powered by Picup Media! Join Michael and Marius as they unbox and demo a new GemLoupe, and the many use cases for it.
Michael explains the rules of the giveaway and explains how you can enter! https://www.punchmark.com/loupe
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Join us as Stephen Barnes, President of IJO, shares the journey of his first year in leadership. Stephen recounts his experiences leading IJO, highlighted by the recent buying shows at IJO Dallas and IJO Chicago. He discusses the unity and commitment fueling the organization’s mission to uplift its retail members and vendors, reflecting on the overwhelming support and loyalty that form the backbone of IJO's success.
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Could a simple hinge revolutionize the way you wear your wedding band? Join Michael as he speaks with Hunter Taylor, the mind behind Tailored Rings, as he unveils his journey of creating a unique hinged wedding band. Inspired by his own struggles with traditional rings due to larger knuckles and an active lifestyle, Hunter leveraged his PhD in Metal 3D Printing to craft a durable, safe, and easily removable ring.
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Curious about what it takes to lead a family jewelry business to new heights? Mike sits down with William Jones IV, the newly appointed President of Sissy's Log Cabin. William opens up about his unique journey from the store floor to the executive office and shares the challenges and triumphs that come with guiding one of the most beloved jewelry stores in Arkansas and Tennessee.
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Mike meets with Hope Bellair, who leads the Punchmark Digital Marketing team, about her recent presentation at IJO: Chicago, as well as to tease her upcoming presentation at RJO: St. Louis. She talks through common mistakes she sees jewelers making with their marketing, as well as explains why "plug and play" marketing, like Punchmark's Antwerp campaign, are great for stores that are busy but still want to drive traffic.
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Mike sits down with Craig Macbean, President and fourth generation owner of jewelry powerhouse Ostbye to learn more their recent acquisition of Victor Corporation, a jewelry vendor that has been making jewelry since 1946. He discusses the timeline for the acquisition, why they made the move, and what it means for Ostbye customers.
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Mike is joined by CEO of Punchmark, Ross Cockerham, to have a conversation about the latest season of jewelry trade shows, innovations at Punchmark, and Ross's recent experiences balancing business and family. We explore the importance of work-life balance, succession planning, and empowering team members to step up.
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If you carry INOX Men's Jewelry, you've probably met Cole Rowland at a jewelry show, as he traveled to almost every jewelry show imaginable as a vendor for several years.
However, when an interesting opportunity to step in as the next generation jeweler for Ware's Jewelry, he couldn't resist. Cole made the jump from vendor to retailer and shares some of the steepest hurdles, biggest differences, and favorite memories.
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Omni-Channel is a term used in ecommerce and retail to describe a business strategy that aims to provide a seamless shopping experience across all channels, including in store, mobile, and online.
At Punchmark, we are constantly encouraging our clients to integrate their online presence with their in-store ones, by integrating with their Point of Sale system, and ensuring their marketing is unified across all channels. Mike talks through a recent omni-channel experience that really blew him away at the department store Lowe's, and draws comparisons to how a jewelry store can elevate their own approach in a similar fashion.
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Ever wondered how to turn a small local business into an industry giant? Join Mike as he speaks with Dennis Steele, the Co-Founder of Podium, who shares the incredible transformation of his company from its modest beginnings.
Discover the innovative strategies that helped Podium elevate businesses like Eric's father's tire shop by integrating cutting-edge technology into their review management systems. Dennis opens up about the early challenges, a pivotal meeting with Google in Tokyo that catapulted Podium forward, and the technological advancements that have shaped their journey.
Learn more about our sponsor Podium: https://www.podium.com/loupe/
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What does it take to lead one of the most respected organizations in the jewelry industry? Mike sits down with Alexis Padis, the newly appointed President of the American Gem Society (AGS) and a driving force behind Padis Jewelry in San Francisco.
Alexis opens up about her unexpected journey from avoiding the family business to finding her passion when she sold her first engagement ring. Her story is one of transformation and innovation, and she's here to share how she plans to steer AGS into a future filled with growth and collaboration.
Learn more about AGS: https://www.americangemsociety.org/about-ags/
Learn more about our sponsor Podium: https://www.podium.com/loupe/
Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe
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Send us a Text Message.
Michael sits down with the two minds behind Jeweler's Advantage, the AI Powered tool designed to help elevate jewelry stores to new heights. Their tool, AI CoPilot helps stores reach new markets, build a stronger brand, and, most excitingly, concept new custom jewelry designs in seconds rather than days.
With the emerging tools that are AI driven, this conversation is an interesting check-in on where the current standings are, as well as a teaser of the innovation that is soon to come.
Learn about Jeweler's Advantage: https://jewelersadvantage.com/ Learn more about our sponsor Podium: https://www.podium.com/loupe/
Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe
Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com
Send us a Text Message.
The winds of change are blowing through the corridors of family-owned jewelry businesses. Mike spoke with 3 members of the RJO Board about where RJO is headed and what topics are of greatest importance to them. Mike was joined by:
RJO Board of DirectorsJoe Schiavone, Z’s Fine Jewelry (Peoria, AZ)
RJO Merchandise Review CommitteeJoanna Gruver, Jo & Co Jewelers (Wirtz, VA)
RJO Next Gen Advisory BoardJason Baide, Gem Gallery (Bozeman, MT)
Together with the RJO leadership team, they reveal the pivotal role of RJO's management training programs in cultivating the industry's emerging leaders. They share how RJO members work together to innovate, such as in 'brain gain' sessions, where industry veterans and newer members exchange blueprints for success, and share how collaborations with major vendors is pushing forward the retail jewelry experience.
Learn more about our sponsor Podium: podium.com/loupe
Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe
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Send us a Text Message.
This episode was recorded LIVE from the 3rd Annual Punchmark Client Workshop in Charlotte, NC!
I was join by Alex Schlindwein (also known as Diamond Diaries) of Kiefer Jewelers, and Caleb Falls from Fall's Jewelers, two Next Generation Jewelers for a retailer roundtable! We talk their views on jewelry trends, how they balance working with their parents, and the tradeoffs of stocking branded vs un-branded jewelry.
Visit the guest's websites!
https://www.kvjewels.com/
https://www.fallsjewelers.com/
Learn more about our sponsor Podium: podium.com/loupe
Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe
Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com
Join Mike for an exciting vlog-style podcast episode as he takes you behind the scenes of the THIRD annual Punchmark Client Workshop, in Charlotte, NC. He shares what goes into organizing an educational summit for 35 clients, 8 sponsors, and 20 Punchmark Team members.
It's a lot of fun every year, and we are already planning the next one, so mark your calendar for the end of April 2025!
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Mike is away at the 3rd Annual Punchmark Client Workshop and teases a few upcoming episodes he is excited about!
See you next week!
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Mike meets with Savannah Kell, Junior Designer at Punchmark, to talk about everything she's done to renovate the Punchmark Instagram account, what goes into managing an account sustainably, and the differences in approach for a B2B account versus a B2C account.
Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe
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Kevin Jack, the creator behind Jack Custom Jewelry on social media, is known for his mesmerizing time-lapse social media showcases. From snowflake ring designs to dragons that will wrap themselves around your finger, Kevin's designs in CAD are inspiring.
Mike spoke with Kevin to learn about how he got his start in custom jewelry design, his advice for others trying to learn CAD, and common pitfalls jewelry designers might encounter when designing jewelry to be worn.
Follow Jack Custom Jewelry online:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKazCiRiA0JK1gGEeUtHC6w
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackcustomjewelry/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jackcustomjewelry?_t=8l2VbB5f1Rf&_r=1
Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe
Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com
Prepare to be amazed as we uncover the transformative impact of AI on your business's online strategy. This episode, featuring the insightful Dan Sirois, CPO & Co-Founder of Punchmark, offers an exclusive look into the future of client engagement and web development.
We talk about Punchmark's new Creative Strategy Assessment and how it provides unique insights into your business based on the results collected from the hundreds of active jewelry retailers Punchmark maintains as clients. We break down the mechanics behind this digital sorting hat, bringing tailored insights and recommendations to businesses like never before.
Try out Punchmark's Creative Strategy Assessment: https://www.punchmark.com/creative-strategy-assessment
Learn more about Nivoda here: https://nivoda.com/loupe
Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe
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Unlock the secrets of luxury watch photography with photographers and fellow RIT alumnus, Chris Coe and Adam Antalek of Coe Group.
We cover the demanding brand expectations of different brands, the balance of in-camera excellence versus post-production finesse, and the inventive techniques that ensure every shot conveys the luxury and craftsmanship distinctive to these miniature masterpieces.
Watches are more than mere timekeepers; they're mementos with stories to tell, linking generations and encapsulating emotions. We explore the practicalities too—navigating the costly realm of photography equipment, mastering lighting to mirror the sun's natural dance, and directing models to evoke that authentic bond with the watches they wear. It's not just about the gear or the glamour; it's about the human connection and the legacy we capture through each click of the shutter.
We also talk about our own personal watch collections, and share which watches are our "grails".
More about Coe Group:coegroup.nyc
More about Chris:https://www.instagram.com/chrisc0e/
https://www.chriscoephoto.com/
info@chriscoephoto.com
More about Adam:
https://www.instagram.com/aantalek/
https://www.adamantalek.com/
adam@adamantalek.com
Learn more about our sponsor NIVODA: https://nivoda.com/intheloupe
Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe
Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com
Whether you are selling luxury jewelry or luxury jackets, the art of storytelling is an important one that helps a shopper make the leap of faith that this object is EXACTLY what they've been looking for all along.
Michael unpacks a recent online purchase he made on Huckberry for their Flint & Tinder Flannel Lined Waxed Jacket and the subtle storytelling elements they used that really connected with him, and draws comparisons to how jewelers can employ similar tactics when selling jewelry on their websites.
Whether its a healthy mix of in-studio and lifestyle photographs, a demo video, or just ample product information, the devil is in the details. Discovering a passion for storytelling can help shoppers fall in love with your products.
Check out the jacket: https://huckberry.com/store/flint-and-tinder/category/p/55166-flannel-lined-waxed-trucker-jacket
Learn more about our sponsor NIVODA: https://nivoda.com/intheloupe
Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe
Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com
Ever wonder why some websites rank higher than others, or how to make your site the jewel in Google's crown? Michael and Stuart unravel the mysteries of search engine optimization in a candid chat about Google's latest SEO Starter Guide. We're not just rehashing the same old keywords tactics; we are talking about the current state of Search Engine Optimization and what has changed since the last time we spoke about it. And Spoilers: it's a LOT.
Learn more about our sponsor NIVODA: https://nivoda.com/intheloupe
Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe
Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com
A NOTE FROM MIKE: In the introduction of this episode, Michael mistakenly states Day's Jewelers have 10 locations. At the time of publishing this episode, they have 8 active locations.
Nikia Levesque, VP of Marketing at Day's Jewelers, joins Michael for a chat that traces her ascent from intern to VP of Marketing and delves into her latest leadership venture with the WJA Foundation.
We talk about her membership in the 20 Under 40 list, as well as some of the hurdles that comes with trying to market for a business with 8 locations!
Check out Day's Jewelers here: https://www.daysjewelers.com/
Learn more about our sponsor NIVODA: https://nivoda.com/intheloupe
Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe
Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com
The first half of Trade Show Season concludes with IJO Dallas, and Mike speaks with Penny Palmer, Director of Member Services at IJO, to talk about the new vendors that have been added, the highlights of the event location, and some of the exciting educational sessions that will be taking place! And if you've got children traveling with you, make sure you bring them to the show for the opportunity to help foster a future love of jewelry (and let them pick out a piece as well!).
Plus, we're learning about how IJO is leaning on the next generation of jewelers to inject fresh energy into the industry's future. Make sure you block off your calendars for the start of next year so you can attend IJO's second Next Gen Summit coming Early 2025.
Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe
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Step into the sparkling world of Tiffany & Co. with Sara Schoenlank, a Jewelry Designer on the High Jewelry team. High Jewelry is characterized as being the crème de la crème in the luxury world, using the most perfect precious stones possible and pushing the art of jewelry to new heights at every turn.
Our conversation with Sara is a journey through her personal evolution from art school, interning in Italy under a master goldsmith, to now designing in the high jewelry space. She shares details of her intricate design process, sharing the delicate balance between imagination and craftsmanship that is poured into every necklace and brooch — creations that eventually grace the world's most glamorous red carpets and runways.
Peek inside the sparkling world of Tiffany & Co's 2023 Blue Book collection where Sara reveals the inspiration behind the enchanting "Sea Anemone" kinetic pieces and the "Pisces brooch" that are redefining modern elegance. Most importantly, she imparts invaluable wisdom for budding designers on how to nurture creativity in the digital era.
More from Sara:
https://www.saraschoenlank.com/
https://www.instagram.com/saraschoenlankjewelry/
Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe
Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com
Mike is joined by Alex Schlindwein, also known as Diamond Diaries, to discuss her recent decision to expand one of their retail locations to include an adjacent building. This decision is one that many successful jewelers have needed to make and it comes with a whole host of difficult subsequent decisions such as handling existing tenants, renovating the space, and the design for a "monument sign".
We hope to have this be a recurring story that In the Loupe listeners can follow along to as we document a store's expansion efforts! Stay tuned for follow ups later this year!
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Join the celebration of innovation and leadership as Michael is joined by Amanda Gizzi of Jewelers of America, to tease the "20 under 40" list, spotlighting those who are pushing the Jewelry Industry forward.
Tune in to learn the ways Jewelers of America, National Jeweler, and Diamond Council of America amplify consumer confidence and industry growth, how to nominate members for the 20 Under 40 list, and celebrate past members of the list and where they are today!
Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe
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Get ready to unveil the future of diamond retail with Andre from Nivoda, as he sheds light on an app that's changing the game for jewelers everywhere. Nivoda's diamond marketplace makes it easy for retailers to find the perfect stone for a customer in real time, with millions of diamonds able to be sorted by size, shape, quality, Lab or Natural, and more specifications from the convenience of a mobile or tablet device.
Andre also sheds light on their methods of communication as a global company, with offices located in more than 6 different timezones. These logistical hurdles are important to be faced head-on, and Nivoda seems to have figured out a method of blending multiple offices and cultures into one harmony.
Learn more about Nivoda here: https://nivoda.com/loupe
Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe
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Michael sits down to speak with Paige the Jeweler, a concierge jeweler who works one on one with her clients to bring their imagination to life! We discuss the process of meeting with a client over coffee to discuss their ideas and the subsequent steps that follow before delivery of a custom ring or other piece of jewelry.
We also talk about Paige's experience working in retail and how the development of those soft skills have set her up for success as a concierge jeweler!
Follow Paige on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paigethejeweler_/
Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe
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Mike sits down with Trevor from Leitzel's Jewelry, to discuss his preparation for the RJO Palm Springs trade show. Which vendors is he most excited to sit with, how does he plan for show days, and his approach to staying in the venue hotel or elsewhere.
Most importantly, we talk about about what Trevor hopes to get out of his visit to the RJO show, and the "holes" in his display case he anticipates filling with vendor jewelry based on this past year's holiday trends.
RJO Palm Springs is coming up in just a few days, and we cannot wait to see you all! Make an appointment to meet with the Punchmark team and discuss how to elevate your online presence! https://www.punchmark.com/appointments
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Michael follows up with Justin VanMatre of National Rarities to unpack a year of unprecedented growth and treasure hunting by hitting the sweet spot with Independent Jewelry stores through their estate buying events.
We also run through a session of "Would You Buy This?", putting Justin’s expertise to the test with one-of-a-kind items that might just cross their path.
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Regardless of if a shopper starts online or walking the sidewalk in front of your store, the path to purchase is as unique as the pieces themselves. This week's conversation illuminates the diverse ways consumers shop for everything from engagement rings to casual accessories. We dissect the importance of not just catering to high-ticket items but also embracing the varied desires of a broader clientele. By balancing in-person consultations with digital exploration, businesses can craft a shopping experience that resonates with a generation of buyers seeking both meaning and variety in their purchases.
Learn more about National Rarities: nationalrarities.com/pages/host-an-event
Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe
Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com
We're setting our sights on the latest technological advancements and decoding the secrets of successful digital marketing for jewelers. Michael sets up what Season 5 of In the Loupe will look like as well as teases a few of the episodes he is most interested in sharing.
In the second half of the show, he is joined by Ross Cockerham, CEO & Co-Founder of Punchmark, to talk about what he is most excited about personally this upcoming year.
Learn more about National Rarities: nationalrarities.com/pages/host-an-event
Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe
Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com
It's the final episode of Season 4! Which means another Best Bits episode!
In this wrap up, we covered highlights from:
S4 E33 -Exclusive First Interview with IJO’s New President, Stephen Barnes
S4E23 -What Led to the Creation of the Geller’s Blue Book; an Interview with David Geller
S4 E24 - Stop Making These 10 Social Media Marketing Mistakes!! // Diamond Diaries
S4E5 - Dazzling Diamonds for Mom ft. David Douglas Diamonds & Jewelry
S4E7 - I Went to RJO San Antonio and All I Got Was This Podcast Episode
S4 E10 - Breaking Down the Best - StockX
S4 E28 -Let’s Talk With: Ring Buyers (Part 3)
S4E36 - I Tried Every Vertical Video Platform So You Don't Have To (TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels)
We are taking a week off next week, but will be back on January 2nd with Season 5!
Thanks for listening, and the support.-Michael
Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe
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It's the busy time of the year, but that's not stopping us from talking with jewelers in the middle of making their holiday sales. We compare Black Friday performances, early December Sales, and if they open the days between Christmas and New Years.
This is the penultimate episode for Season 4, so sit back and enjoy!
Thank you to our guests:
https://www.sundancejewelers.com/
https://www.arezzojewelers.com/
Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe
Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com
This is the follow up episode to S4 E16, where we discussed the creation process (and mistakes) of our new publication, the Vendor Vault.
Now, after the completion of our 3rd issue of the Vendor Vault, Sarah Weekes, Art Director at Punchmark, Savannah Kell, Junior Designer at Punchmark, joins Mike to talk about the things we improved, how we keep innovating, and what is coming in future issues!
Read the Vendor Vault here:https://issuu.com/punchmark/docs/vendor_vault_issue_3_final
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Let's do employee recognition differently this year, and learn how our guest, Alex Schlindwein also known as Diamond Diaries, celebrates with the employees at Kiefer Jewelers at the annual Kiefer Conclave.
We go in-depth on the annual event that masterfully blends team-building activities, training, and celebration of hard work. We discuss employee recognition, the art of public speaking, and Longevity Pins, and how these can come together to motivate your team as they approach the most important months of the shopping year.
Follow Alex on Instagram for more Retail Jeweler Tips: instagram.com/_diamond_diaries_/
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Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com
This episode is the follow up to S3 E37 of In the Loupe where we first interviewed Zulu about Smiling Rocks.
Ever wondered how a company can make a difference? Zulu Ghevriya, CEO and Co-Founder of Smiling Rocks, gives us a fascinating glimpse into the heart of Smiling Rocks, a brand that isn’t just about adding sparkle to your fashion statement but also making a difference in the world. From navigating new markets and collaborations with retail partners to their inspiring charity initiative that contributes 3% of each purchase to a customer-chosen charity, Zulu takes us through his unique business model.
Learn more about Smiling Rocks: smilingrocks.com
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Our guest this week is Matthew Ego, CEO & Founder of the forward-thinking Guild and Facet, a renowned white label jewelry manufacturing company. He delves into the world of jewelry customization where Guild and Facet is making a mark, not necessarily through brand name, but through their commitment to exceptional customer service, incredible design, and commitment to leaning into burgeoning technologies.
Matthew also recounts some of the most unforgettable custom jewelry projects that Guild and Facet has undertaken, including a breathtaking 14.5 carat lab-grown heart-shaped diamond that was worked with recently. We round up the discussion by exploring the growing trend of customization in the manufacturing industry, providing a glimpse of how this trend impacts our everyday lives.
Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe
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Have you ever wondered about the journey a gemstone makes before it adorns your favorite jewelry piece? Our guest, Rachel Merisheki from Gem Legacy, joins us to peel back the curtain on the world of East African gemstone mining. Highlighting her deep-rooted connection to the jewelry industry, Rachel shares the inspiring birth story of Gem Legacy, a non-profit that's empowering the backbone of the gemstone industry - the local miners.
Learn more about Gem Legacy's not-for-profit efforts: gemlegacy.org
Learn more about Gem Legacy's adventures: gemlegacyadventures.com
Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe
Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com
Get ready for Black Friday and this holiday season, with our special guest, Stuart Blessman, Director of Digital Marketing at Punchmark. We've packed this episode with loads of practical advice on how to ride the wave of the biggest shopping season of the year, especially with the evolving trends that are seeing more and more customers favor the omni-channel solution.
Stuart also sheds light on how to utilize the power of platforms like Google and Facebook in order to boost your holiday sales. From setting up your Google Merchant Center and Facebook Shop, to understanding your audience, it's all covered.
Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe
Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com
Mike is joined by our most requested guest from Season 3, Craig MacBean, the President and Leader of Ostbye, one of the most influential and trend setting vendors in the Jewelry Industry.
Together, they discuss everything that has changed since last year, what trends they have seen in orders and sell-through, as well as what didn't perform as expected. Craig also teases some future project's Ostbye will be working on for next year, so stay tuned until the end of the episode to get a sneak peak!
Learn more about Ostbye: ostbye.com
Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe
Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com
This episode of In the Loupe unboxes the strategy behind Nike's multi-brand approach and their innovative website. We take a deep look at the often-overlooked elements, such as website footer optimization and image consistency that have significantly contributed to Nike's e-commerce triumph.
Check out their website: nike.com
Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe
Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com
Ready to amp up your email marketing game? We've got Stuart Blessman, Director of Digital Marketing at Punchmark, sharing the nitty-gritty of email marketing and how it's evolved in recent years. From the right amount of emails to leveraging sequences, Stuart guides us through the digital marketing labyrinth.
We take an in-depth tour of email marketing platforms such as Constant Contact, Active Campaign, Campaign Monitor, Mailchimp, and Klaviyo. Stuart reveals how these platforms, with their unique features and integration options, serve as powerful engines to boost your store's revenue.
Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe
Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com
Who said building a jewelry website has to be a daunting task?
Mike is joined by Alex, Diamond Diaries, to discuss her recent website rebuild process and the steps required to revamp her website, as well as WHY she redid her website now of all times. We also take a critical look at the importance of promptness in the digital age, and why having your ducks in a row before holiday season can pay off massively.
We hope that hearing about the facelift process of someone else will allow you the foresight to begin your own successful revamp process, free of any bugs or snags.
Check out Kiefer Jewelers' new website: kvjewels.com
Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe
Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com
Are you ready to unlock the world of vertical video content? Join me as we delve into the intricacies of Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and TikTok, the leading platforms that have revolutionized the era of vertical video content. You'll take away valuable insights as we dissect the strengths, weaknesses, and my personal experiences with each platform. I'll guide you through their unique content limits, diverse audio options, and the specific audience they attract, and you'll understand why one claims a special place in my heart.
We won't just stop at platform comparisons; we'll venture into the vast realm of editing tools and best practices that can optimize your content creation process. I'll take you through the hurdles of multi-publishing and the significance of tailoring content to satisfy the unique requirements of each platform.
Hope you enjoy!
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Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com
Imagine transforming your jewelry store's old inventory into cold, hard cash. With us today is James Porte from Porte Marketing, who offers to reveal the potent role of flash sales and limited time offers for effective inventory management. By employing strategic flash sales, he highlights how your store can improve its cash flow, attract more customers, and raise impressive funds quickly. Deep dive into the various types of flash sales and learn how to implement these effectively to maximize the benefits.
Learn more about Porte Marketing: portemarketing.com
Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe
Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com
Join me as I sit down with the inspiring Constance Palamalu, the creative genius behind the high-end jewelry brand, Birthright Foundry. Drawing from her rich Samoan heritage, Constance has successfully carved out a unique space for herself in the world of fine jewelry. We chat about her innovative design process, the fascinating journey of selling her most high-profile piece to date, and the special experience of working with celebrities. Constance's story of embracing her authenticity and staying true to her roots will leave you inspired.
Learn more about Birthright Foundry: birthrightfoundry.com
Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe
Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com
In the Loupe EXCLUSIVE
In his first interview as acting President of IJO, Stephen Barnes opens up about his vision for IJO and what being president means to him.
Michael was honored to sit down for an in-depth conversation with Stephen and ask all of the burning questions related to his new position, including what he will prioritize in the short term, how he plans to foster deeper relationships between retailers and vendors, his vision for activating the next generation of jewelers, and the course he plans to set for IJO for the next 50 years.
You may recognize Stephen’s voice from past In the Loupe episodes including S3E44 “Putting the ‘Success’ in Succession & Retirement Planning ft. Stephen Barnes” or S4E21 “I Interviewed Jewelry Industry Leaders”, and we discuss in-depth how Stephen’s history of running a retail jewelry store, and later as a mentor for the Edge Retail Academy, has prepared him for this new challenge as President of the Independent Jewelers Organization.
Learn more about IJO here: ijo.com
Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe
Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com
If you have a website, it's important for you to understand what the Americans Disabilities Act (ADA) means for you. Delve into the world ADA compliance for websites, joined by the experts from AccessiBe, Punchmark's new ADA compliance partners.
From understanding the legal landscape to practical implementation, our conversation sheds light on the importance of web accessibility and how AccessiBe's innovative Accessibility Widget can empower businesses to create truly inclusive online experiences. Tune in to discover how ADA compliance isn't just a requirement, but a step towards a more accessible and equitable digital world.
Punchmark clients receive 20% off their subscription to AccessiBe when they sign up through the link below:https://accessibe.com/a/punchmark
Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe
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Ready to revamp your store and streamline your processes for the upcoming holiday season? Your journey starts with an insightful conversation with Alex Schleinwein of Diamond Diaries. Alongside our host, she reveals the critical importance of summer cleaning for retail stores, with a bonus of the top 10 tips to enhance efficiency and establish good habits. Uncover how consolidating duplicated customer accounts and cleaning up your marketing list can create a significant impact in boosting your retail performance.
Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe
Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com
Page speed for your website might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to optimizing your website for online performance, but I assure you... it matters more than you expect. Mobile Page Speed Score is one of the key factors that Google uses to rank your website.
Punchmark is so excited to have finally cracked the... erm... code and figured out how to take our websites from a middling score of 30s and 40s to industry smashing 90s! These improvements did not come easily, and nor are they easily explained to listeners that do not have a proficiency with development, which is why Michael brought on Aaron, Director of Technology at Punchmark, to explain why and how we made this a focus for our Summer.
To learn more about getting Page Speed improvements for YOUR website, contact your Account Manager today!
Learn more about AccessiBe's ADA Compliance solutions here: https://accessibe.com/a/punchmark
Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe
Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com
Antwerp, Belgium, is the Diamond Capital of the World. Antwerp's intriguing lore, intoxicating mix of vibrant diamond markets, and the impressive security within the diamond district make it a trip to remember.
Michael speaks with Scott Stambaugh, of Stambaugh Jewelers, who has traveled to Antwerp over 30 times with IJO, as well as Erika Godfrey the organizer of the RJO Rock Tour.
And that's not all. Mike speaks Ross Cockerham, CEO of Punchmark, who tells the story of Punchmark's original 'Sweeter Than Chocolate' campaign, as well as announces Punchmark's exciting new campaign slated for this year, designed especially to help retailers connect with their VIP clients in unique, meaningful ways.
If you want to sign up for Punchmark's Antwerp campaign to drive awareness for YOUR trip, email marketing@punchmark.com today and tell them In the Loupe sent you!
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Your favorite episode theme is back, baby! We've gotten so much love from the first two ring-buyer interviews, we came back for a third one. What's the general approach to engagement ring buying from someone not within the jewelry industry? What do couples know about jewelry, and what misconceptions did they have before the process?
Mike spoke with two first time ring buyers in two different demographics to hear about their ring buying experiences. We hope this informs you of what is important to ring buyers when they are shopping for engagement rings!
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Are you curious about how artificial intelligence is reshaping our lives? Want to know how businesses can tap into the potential of AI? Join us on the Loupe, where we have the pleasure of unpacking these subjects and more with Daniel Sirois, CPO & Co-Founder of Punchmark, and Alex Schlindwein, also known as Diamond Diaries. They'll help unravel the mysteries of AI, the impact it has on content creation, and how it's revolutionizing our workflows with the latest features like Punchmark's Ask AI tool.
Imagine being able to create engaging blog posts, landing pages, and other content effortlessly. That's the promise of AI. We explore the benefits and potential pitfalls of AI in content creation, discussing how Punchmark's Ask AI feature can help save time and resources. We also delve into the importance of the human touch in editing AI-generated content, ensuring it resonates uniquely with your audience. Daniel will share invaluable insights on how to make the most of AI, and how Punchmark decided to embrace this groundbreaking technology.
But the potential of AI extends far beyond content creation. It's a game-changer for businesses, able to assist in everything from customer onboarding to custom product creation. We'll guide you through how AI can be integrated into a retail business, the legal implications, and how your company can harness its power to gain a competitive edge. It's a brave new world out there, and we're here to help you navigate it. So, join us on this exhilarating journey through the realm of AI, and discover how it's poised to revolutionize various aspects of our lives.
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Get ready to unlock the strategies of the best in the business as we bring together an array of professionals from the jewelry industry. We bring on industry leaders, jewelry vendors, and more so you know what is developing around the nation.
Looking for inspiration? Well, we've got you covered there too. Prepare to learn what's working from other retail jewelers as they share business strategies and trends, alongside Jewelry Organizations like RJO and IJO.
So dust off your keyboard, pull up a chair, and tune in because the only way to stay ahead is to stay... 'In The Loupe'.
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Ever wondered how some jewelry stores stay thriving while others struggle? Join us in this episode as we talk to three successful Punchmark clients - Jesse Minor from Minor Jewelry, Anna Barnett from Barnett Jewelers, and Vincent Spilotro from Arezzo Jewelers - who share their retail strategies, current projects, and the secret sauce behind their flourishing businesses.
Our guests discuss the vital role of jewelry organizations in building invaluable connections and boosting their businesses. They also reveal the vendors they work with, their marketing tactics, and how offering custom work sets them apart from competitors. From Facebook and Instagram to TikTok and Google Ads, these jewelers know how to shine in the digital age.
We wrap up the conversation with insights on navigating slow seasons and managing operations and capital. Jesse, Anna, and Vincent share their on-trend jewelry offerings, their strategies for staying busy all year round, and their ongoing projects aimed at improving customer experience and profitability.
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Whether it's Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, or LinkedIn, there are best practices for how to run your business's Instagram account. Posting at optimal times, replying to every comment, and taking great candid footage are all small parts of a larger strategy of engaging with customers to the point they decide to follow you for the long haul. And there are some... mistakes to avoid along the way. You don't want to miss this!
Follow Alex on Instagram for more Retail Jeweler Tips: instagram.com/_diamond_diaries_/
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Few things have a hold on the world of jewelry quite as great as The Geller Blue Book. More of a binder full of pricing menus, this understated guide details the pricing and costs of nearly every service a jewelry store can provide. If you aren't a retail jewelry store owner, you might not have ever heard of this book, but I promise you've probably been in a store that has, as nearly 90% of stores have a copy.
This episode's sponsor: rembrandtcharms.com
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Join us as we dive into the world of discovering hidden treasures, and unveiling the secrets of lucrative estate buying with the experts at National Rarities.
We split this episode down into two parts, the first explaining the process of estate buying and marketing an event in your community, and the second hearing first hand how a jewelry retail store runs their own estate buying sales at their own location.
If you are interested in hosting your own estate buying event at your own location, contact National Rarities, and tell them In the Loupe sent you!
nationalrarities.com
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Enjoy this compilation of mini interviews I got to do with some Jewelry Industry leaders at the Punchmark Client Workshop.
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Join Mike for an exciting vlog-style podcast episode as he takes you behind the scenes of the highly anticipated Punchmark Client Workshop, in Charlotte, NC. Follow me as I navigate the workshop's educational sessions, where passionate jewelry retailers come together to exchange ideas and take their online presence to the next level.
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Coming to you LIVE from the 2023 Punchmark Client Workshop in Charlotte, NC!
For the first time, Michael is joined by Alex, Diamond Diaries, in front of an audience of retail jewelers who traveled from around the US and Canada to learn about the latest in digital marketing and jewelry websites.
Listen in as Michael and Alex discuss managing an e-commerce website, what processes you should have in place, and how to grow your online sales!
Follow Alex on Instagram: instagram.com/_diamond_diaries_/
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If you are a member of the Independent Jewelers Organization, commonly known as IJO, buying group, then you've probably had a conversation with Penny Palmer, Director of Member Services. She's responsible for introducing new potential members to the group, and upholding the exclusivity and integrity of the group. She's been with IJO for over 30 years, starting as a front desk secretary and moving her way up to where she is today as a Director.
Learn about the founding of one of the oldest buying groups in Jewelry and how they've managed to stay abreast of all changes that have cropped up over the years.
Learn more about IJO: ijo.com
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In this episode, we dive into the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on small businesses' operations and growth. Our guest, Jiovan Melendez, Product Manager at Podium, shares insights on how companies can leverage AI technologies to streamline processes, reduce costs, and drive revenue growth.
We discuss real-world examples of small businesses that have successfully integrated AI into their operations and the benefits they have seen. Additionally, we discuss the ethics and morality of leveraging AI to make our lives easier.
Leverage AI for your business through Podium's powerful suite of tools. Click here to learn more and try out a 14 day free trial:
https://www.podium.com/punchmark-free-trial
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Publications used to be more common, however they've risen in scarcity as things have shifted to more digital approach in nearly every industry. However, their merits are hard to deny, especially as a way to connect with an audience outside of the comforts of a screen. And, after all, what's old is back in vogue!
Punchmark decided to create their own publication, the Vendor Vault, a "Zine" publication intended to showcase the incredible brands and vendors we partner with as a part of our Premium Vendor program.
Michael and Savannah, Junior Designer at Punchmark, sit down to talk about the designing process, what they learned along the way, and a few of the hurdles they had to jump over along the way.
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Welcome to the latest episode of In the Loupe, where we will be discussing the funnel approach in marketing. The funnel approach is a proven methodology used by businesses to convert prospects into customers. The process involves guiding potential customers through different stages of the buying journey, starting with awareness and ending with the final stage of purchase.
We will dive into the different stages of the funnel approach, discussing how businesses can utilize various marketing tactics to move customers through each stage. We will also cover common mistakes businesses make when using this approach and how to avoid them. Whether you are a seasoned marketer or just starting out, you won't want to miss this informative episode on the funnel approach in marketing!
Article we reference this episode: https://www.semrush.com/blog/marketing-funnel/
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In the first installment with our recurring correspondent, Alex Schlindwein, Owner of Kiefer Jewelers & Top 20 under 40 of the jewelry industry in 2022, talks about what it was like growing up in a jewelry store, how her parents guided her without pressuring, and tips for other jewelers who might have kids of their own growing up in a jewelry store.
Follow Alex on Instagram: instagram.com/_diamond_diaries_
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With the continued growth and evolution of social media, it's more important than ever for businesses and brands to have a strong presence on Instagram. We'll be talking to industry experts who will share their tips and tricks for creating engaging content, building a community, and leveraging Instagram's features and tools to reach new customers and drive sales.
You'll learn about the latest Instagram features and best practices for creating effective Instagram content with each. Additionally, you will hear insights on how to reach target audience effectively, how to measure and optimize performance, and how to leverage Instagram Influencers and other partnerships to grow your reach. Whether you're new to Instagram or a seasoned pro, this episode will provide valuable insights and actionable advice for anyone looking to improve their Instagram marketing strategy in 2023.
Learn more about Punchmark's Digital Marketing Services: punchmark.com/digital-marketing-program Learn more about our sponsor Illumix:illumix.com
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In Season 2 of In the Loupe, Gasper Spinosa. Sales Representative at Punchmark, joined Mike to talk about their favorite e-commerce website experiences. Gasper is back to talk through how to stand out in the e-commerce field, whether that means through unique product offerings, being over the top with your website design, or knowing your clientele.
Sites we referenced in the episode:pitviper.comvadersvault.comshiro.studiohuckberry.com Learn more about our sponsor Illumix:illumix.com
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The oft-repeated criticism of the e-commerce experience for jewelry is that its missing the tactile and personal feel a customer feels when you visit in-store. Augmented Reality (AR) might be the beginning of a solution for that, and Illumix is on the forefront of the push to bring the in-store try on experience to online.
Kirin Sinha, Founder & CEO of Illumix, joins Michael to discuss their mission to bring AR to retail jewelers, how they got their start in the Disney Accelerator, and some insights on how to improve your online shopping experience.
Learn more about Illumix: illumix.com
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In our newest recurring series, Michael takes a deep dive into what the best e-commerce websites are doing to really move the needle and elevate their game. Join Michael as he translates what these companies do in other luxury industries that can be leveraged on your own website.
View the website I reviewed: stockx.com
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The yearly guidebook written and released by The Smithee Group at the start of each year is your ultimate strategy guide for making 2023 your best year ever. They cover how to elevate your existing marketing with new styles, marketing channels you should be opening to find new customers, and industry trends they believe will be the next big thing.
Download the latest TSG Marketing Guide: https://marketingguide.thesmitheegroup.com/
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We spend a lot of time measuring results of a wide variety of different digital marketing techniques, and it shouldn't come as a surprise to hear that not everything is effective. Not only that, but digital marketing changes yearly, if not monthly, based on the small algorithm tweaks enacted on the various platforms available to retailers. Stuart Blessman, Director of Digital Marketing, outlines 5 things that are working (and 5 things that are NOT) in the digital marketing space.
Read the blog article we reference frequently on this episode here: https://www.punchmark.com/blog-post/working-digital-marketing-for-jewelry-stores-in-2023
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The first ever In the Loupe "audio-blog," Mike takes you, the listener, to RJO San Antonio with him to experience a jewelry show. Jewelry shows are a unique and interesting place, where business, socializing, good food, and a heck of a lot of jewelry mix to create an environment that can't exist elsewhere. We know not every listener was able to make it to this show, so we hope that this episode will help you feel like you were there right beside us!
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Your website’s design is one of the first things a visitor notices about your jewelry store, but many websites are outdated. Punchmark’s Art Director Sarah Weekes joins In the Loupe to talk design trends, changes, and why a website redesign is so important for your store.
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Doug Meadows, Owner of David Douglas Diamonds & Jewelry, says, "We deal with cold metal and hard stones, but it's the people that wear the jewelry that breathe life into the jewelry." When Doug lost his mom at a young age to cancer, he knew he wanted to find a special way to pay tribute to the important role she played in his life.
He created "Dazzling Diamonds for Mom," a writing competition for Kindergarten through 5th graders in his local area where students write about why their mom deserves a diamond this Mother's Day. Doug works with the local schools to award three winners diamonds and MANY others semi-precious stones to the participants. It's a real feel-good story that will surely pull at your heart strings. Even better, Doug outlines exactly how YOU can run your own competition, if you feel so inclined.
Visit David Douglas Diamonds online: douglasdiamonds.com
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While you might know Alex Hevia by her online moniker "Diamond Diaries," what is lesser known is that she also manages the online presence for her store, Kiefer Jewelers, where she continues to push the envelope in forms of marketing, social posts, and maintenance. At Punchmark we really value clients like this as it pushes us to keep up and adapt our platform to accommodate these new ideas. In this episode, Alex shares some of her best tips for listeners to start creating some separation between their own store and their competition.
Follow Alex on Instagram: instagram.com/_diamond_diaries_
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A lot has changed since In the Loupe covered Facebook marketing in S1E10. Facebook became Meta, which we still refuse to refer to it as, and are focused more than ever on shopping for their platform. That should be good news for both retailers and shoppers, but it also mean the rules are more complex and important than ever before.
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The marketing for your website can best be described as the type of fuel you put in your car. If you want performance, you'll need performance fuel! To get a little more information on how exactly to do this, Michael spoke with Hope and Stuart from the Punchmark Digital Marketing team to reflect on what's working for our clients this past year and what new strategies and channels they are focusing on now.
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We are back and there's so much to be excited about with in 2023! There are new trends to explore, new technology and social media to explore, and a NEW SEASON OF IN THE LOUPE!!! Join us as we get excited for what's in store for all of us this year!
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It's the end of Season 3! We will be off for the next two weeks, but to help ease the time apart, listen back on our favorite moments from the year! Thank you to all of our amazing guests, our sponsors, and YOU the listeners!
See you in January!
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A majority of retailers make upwards of 70% of their online sales in November and December, which means the probability to encounter fraud around the holidays is the highest. It's not all faulty cards, or shady orders too! Some fraudsters have put as much time into attempting to scam you as you have trying to prevent them. Mike speaks with Faye from ClearSale to discuss how you can prevent your business this holiday season.
Learn more about ClearSale: offer.clear.sale/loupe
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Larry Johnson is one of the most experienced jewelry showcase and display consultants in the industry. He’s worked with stores around the world, helping them increase profits and sales by keeping the customer in mind first.
Visit his website and download his free guide to Top 10 Gift Idea Concepts: larryjohnsonconsulting.com/top-10-gift-idea-concept
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"If you enjoy what you do, you'll never have to work a day in your life..." is how the saying goes. But anybody who has worked the holidays in retail understand that sometimes... work is work. We want you to feel prepared for when you start to truly consider retirement, which is why we brought Stephen Barnes on the podcast to discuss Succession & Retirement planning. There are a lot of decisions to be made, and we want you fully prepared for what is next, whether you are the retiree or the heir to the business.
Learn more about Edge Retail Academy: edgeretailacademy.com
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It's that crazy time of year again!! We want our listeners to push the needle this year, and that's why we have The Smithee Group back again to share how your store should be prepping for Black Friday & Cyber Week. We want you to have your sales on lock, your promotion material created, and your strategy thought through so that you feel confident going into the most important time of the year for your business.
Learn more about Smiling Rocks: smilingrocks.com
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It's no secret that retail jewelry owners tend to skew towards the older generations, which can feel intimidating for the few owners that are on the younger side. Vincent Spilotro, 2nd generation owner of Arezzo Jewelers is only 38 but has fast tracked his success by attending training sessions, finding mentors at jewelry shows, and continuing to ask questions and staying curious. Michael speaks with him to learn what he wished he had discovered earlier, what his holiday plans are, and how he stays abreast of current trends.
Learn more about Arezzo Jewelers: arezzojewelers.com
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Punchmark has been busily working on creating their next product, the Vendor Portal, which aims to provide a platform and content management system to Jewelry Vendors. It has been a massive undertaking the past few months, but a great case study on how to build a project, which is why Michael invited Aaron Plocharczyk, Lead Developer at Punchmark, to talk about the design and build process behind the Portal. We hope that this episode will provide a unique peak behind the curtain of what goes into a release of this scale and how we collaborate on a professional level! If you enjoy episodes like this, please let us know!
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Male self-buyers are one of the prime target demographics for this upcoming holiday season for jewelers, which is why we are breaking down the best type of event to attractive these customers, the Guy's Night. Michael is joined by Sebastian and Cole from INOX to discuss how to host a successful Guy's Night, as well as some of the best ways to level up your displays to appeal to new shoppers this year.
Learn more about INOX jewelry: inox-us.com
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Store traffic can ebb and flow throughout the seasons and years. It can be exhilarating when traffic is up and your marketing efforts are paying off, just like it can be demoralizing when traffic is down and you feel like things aren't going according to plan. The Punchmark Marketing team is here to walk you through some strategies on how to get your traffic back on track.
Learn more about Punchmark's Digital Marketing plans: punchmark.com/digital-marketing-program
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A business doesn't stick around for over 100 years if they aren't doing things the right way. Craig MacBean is the 4th generation President of Ostbye, and shares some of the key differentiating factors when it comes to standing out in the crowd of bridal vendors, his views on lab-grown diamonds, and teases some new products that are going to be coming to a jewelry retailer near you!
Learn More: ostbye.com
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Smiling Rocks are a new lab grown diamond & jewelry business with a focus on giving back. Their jewelry has been worn on the red carpet by celebrities and influencers, but the most beautiful part of their jewelry is the 3% of every purchase that goes to charity. CEO & Co-Founder Zulu Ghevriya created this business with environmental impact as a focus, and have made strides to minimize their footprint on the world, going so far as planting hundreds of thousands of trees and removing thousands of pounds of ocean trash. But their philanthropy doesn't end there, they also are donating to Animal Protection, Medical Support for children born with clef pallets, and kids scholarships. This is a feel good episode, so don't miss out!
Learn more about Smiling Rocks: smilingrocks.com
A background in retail jewelry is a great way to find out exactly what most irks a jeweler. One of those is ordering a specific piece for a customer, paying for shipping insurance, and building up the moment just for the customer to feel like it misses the mark and to having to send it back. Tanya Nisguretsky, CEO and Founder of Virtual Diamond Boutique, seeks to provide a solution and allow retailers to show customers the wide world of jewelry so that when a piece is delivered, it's EXACTLY what the customer had in mind.
Learn more about Virtual Diamond Boutique: vdbapp.com
Learn more about Smiling Rocks: smilingrocks.com
The fastest growing social media platform is made to feel authentic, unpolished, and fun. However, all of these adjectives contrast starkly with how many business owners try to portray themselves online. Most business owners want to be seen as professional, trust worthy, and intelligent, and it can be intimidating to let go and embrace the fun of making a TikTok! But don't worry, The Smithee Group team are here to give you some tips on how to start marketing in a different way!
Perhaps you are familiar with the phrase, "If it can't be measured, it doesn't matter"? Or maybe you've heard this one: "You can't fix what you can't measure." If either of these adages rings a bell, then you've probably also heard of the Edge Retail Academy and their tremendous work utilizing your POS data. We speak with Sherry Smith, Director of Business Development, about what KPIs should matter to every jeweler, and trends for the industry. This is not an episode you'll want to miss!
Learn more about Edge Retail Academy: edgeretailacademy.com
In the Loupe originally began under the name The Jeweler's Survival Kit, a podcast dedicated to coverage of the Pandemic's impact on the Jewelry Industry and how to adapt to an increasingly online retail space. We made the pivot towards e-commerce techniques, strategies, and tools, so that we could better educate jewelers and pull the industry forward. 100 Episodes later... and we still have more we want to share, and it wouldn't be possible without listeners like you! So THANK YOU for being a part of our journey. We promise to keep producing the best podcast episodes we can!
Malyia McNaughton found her jewelry and lifestyle brand in 2014 to fill a gap in the market that she identified when she was searching out the perfect body chain for a music festival and came up empty. Rather than end her search there, she decided to try her hand at creating her own jewelry, which has grown from a small Etsy to eventually being worn by superstar Lizzo while hosting SNL! Malyia has grown with her business as well, and now serves on the board of directors of Black in Jewelry Coalition, the first international non-profit membership association dedicated to the inclusion and advancement of Black professionals within the gem, jewelry, and watch industry.
Learn more and Shop Made by Malyia: madebymalyia.com
Alex Schlindwein is the Marketing Director and former General Manager of Kiefer Jewelers, but you might know her as @_diamond_diaries, her Instagram influencer alias she creates engaging and eye-catching content under. Mike spoke with Alex about what drove her to create content, what her goals are with the platform, and what easy content ideas she believes are winners.
Follow Alex on Instagram
The misfit of the social media sphere, LinkedIn has long served as the primary place for humble brags about promotions. However, Megan Crabtree believes there more to the platform than Help Wanted ads and Bragging. LinkedIn allows users to have an authentic professional voice, something rare when compared to other social platforms, and Megan explains exactly how to amplify what you have to say. B2B or B2C, your voice deserves to be heard.
Jennifer Markas, the Executive Director of the Women's Jewelry Association joins us this week to talk about the impact WJA is making in the industry and the exciting initiatives the organization has coming up. Jenn shares in detail the difference that the community of WJA has on one another, the future of sustainability in the industry, and how we can all get involved to make a tangible impact.
You know them as brilliant minds behind one of the most transformative pieces of technology in jewelry e-commerce, the GemLightbox, but do you know their story? Their team is full of talented individuals, brilliant minds, and a 30 under 30 member. Michael sat down with Kevin Saw, Director of Finance and Operations at Picup Media, about their impact on the industry, making a splash with the GemLightbox, and what their next product will be.
Learn more about Picup Media: picupmedia.com
Preparation is the key to success, and also the key to a successful in-store event. Megan Crabtree has helped a number of jewelers take their in-store events from the $300,000 range to the $1m+ realm. Targeted advertising with big payoffs, arming your sales representatives with data and incentives, and most importantly, learning from what goes well and what doesn't. It's all part of Megan's playbook that continues to payoff for jewelers. Listen in and start your preparations today!
Learn more about Crabtree Consulting: crabtreeadvisory.com
If you're listening to this, chances are you already know that there's a lot more to running a jewelry store than just buying jewelry to sell to customers. The B2B2C model holds an incredible amount of nuance and space for exploration and trend-setting. In this episode, we interview Scott Stambaugh from Stambaugh Jewelers in Defiance, OH, about hiring a bench jeweler, upgrading your in-store branding, hiring employees, where e-commerce fits into the equation, and how the space has changed over the years.
Visit Stambaugh Jewelers Website: https://www.stambaughjewelers.com/
Earlier on In the Loupe, we made some predictions (you might call them "educated guesses") about what was going to happen in 2022. So, were we right? Or did we lead you astray with some perhaps aspirational-but-not-realistic foresight? We are super excited to dive back in to some of those predictions and see if a career in fortune telling is in our future, or if we should stick to digital marketing and call it a day.
Thank you to our sponsor: INOX Men's Jewelry
JCK, the biggest jewelry show in the Wester Hemisphere just ended last week, and Michael wanted to hear how it was so he invited Stuart Blessman, Director of Digital Marketing at Punchmark, to recap how the show was, what the buzz was about, and which parties he thought were best! If you didn't get to attend this year, you'll get a full recap here!
Say, do you remember that Christmas ad Apple made a few years back that made everyone cry? Here's a secret: it doesn't matter which one you remember -- they come out with a new one every year, and they're mostly all tear-jerkers. These emotion-inducing ads are forms of impact-based advertisements. Impact-based ads do more than sell a product. They sell a company, its ideas, and its values, sometimes without ever mentioning a product. And if you're selling jewelry, a product that runs almost entirely on emotions... well, welcome to your new marketing strategy.
Selling jewelry to men isn't the exact same process as selling jewelry to women. There's a different cadence to the sales transaction, with a focus on detailed specifics. Many jewelry stores are hesitant to jump in and start carrying men's jewelry in earnest, so we decided to speak with a jeweler who has cracked the code when it comes to selling jewelry to gents. Amanda from Nelson's Jewelry in Iowa talks about why she started selling to men, how the harvest season can impact the end of year sales volume, and what you can do to capitalize on the forgotten 50% of buyers.
Visit their website: nelsonjewelry.com
Thank you to our sponsor: INOX Men's Jewelry
What's in a business name? It can mean everything to you, a banner that you and your employees rally around, and gives purpose and value to your business. For others, it can be as simple as appearing having a business name that appears in the front of the phone book so that more people call. And yet again, it could be as simple as the name of the owner(s). Mike interviewed a few business owners at the inaugural Punchmark Client Workshop about where their names originated. We hope you enjoy!
Imagine trying to convince your grandma to buy a nice pair of diamond earrings online - chances are she'll be skeptical at best, and potentially horrified at the thought. But the data shows that even if Grandma might not be hopping on the bandwagon, many consumers are. Luxury e-commerce has grown significantly over the past few years, aided by pandemic shut-downs and consumers who see a well-designed website as equal to a showroom floor. This episode, we're diving into the stats, data, and stories about luxury e-commerce with a special guest from ClearSale, a leading e-commerce fraud protection company.
Learn About ClearSale: punchmark.com/clearsale
Enter the GemLoupe Giveaway: punchmark.com/loupe
At some point in the year, you will probably be tasked with creating a marketing campaign. Regardless of whether it's for Black Friday, Christmas, or Valentine's Day, your goal should be the same: drive traffic to your brick and mortar showroom, and your digital showroom (aka, your website). Instead of starting from scratch for the hundredth time, listen to this episode for tips on how to follow a tried and true recipe for a successful digital marketing campaign that you just might find yourself replicating with every holiday season...
Enter the Giveawaypunchmark.com/loupe
You can't fix what you can't measure, so you need to be measuring everything! The state of play for online marketing is constantly shifting and adapting to the will of the Google Algorithm, and it is a full time job staying on top of what is working and is not. Mike speaks with Stuart and Hope about where things stand, how they've changed in just last few months, and what they do for our digital marketing clients to get them more e-commerce sales.
Enter the Giveaway for a Picup Media GemLoupe!
punchmark.com/loupe
2021 was one of the best years ever to be a jeweler. After the relative loss of 2020, most stores had record years last year and are continuing to see that success grow. Is this you? If you're considering expanding to a second or third location in the near future, there are some things you'll want to know about how to keep your business unique and thriving throughout multiple locations. This episode we are speaking with Howie from Robert Irwin Jewelers who has opened FIVE locations to uncover everything that goes into expanding a business without losing that familiarity that your long-time clients know and love.
Visit their website: rijewelers.com
Thank you to our sponsor: INOX Men's Jewelry
Jewelry organizations are an important part of the jewelry ecosystem, providing a valuable mediation between vendors and retailers, and hosting annual trade shows where retailer members can experience valuable face time with the vendors they wish to carry in their store. Michael spoke with three board members of one of the biggest jewelry organizations in the world, RJO. RJO is unique in that it's member owned, and with the combined weight of 1200+ retailers and vendors, they feel they are only just getting started!
Learn More About RJOrjomembers.com
The essence of "luxury" defies reason and instead pulls at an emotional connection. Jewelry is the quintessential luxury item -- does anyone actually need those beautiful pieces? Logic tells us we can exist without them, yet jewelry is one of the oldest forms of adornment. So what does that tell us? It's even more important to foster an emotional connection between the jewelry and your prospective buyers. We have the 401 on how to create this connection and market to emotions in this episode of In the Loupe.
Digital Marketing is a compilation of techniques and tools focused on one thing: driving traffic to your business. The goal stays the same, but the techniques and tools are constantly evolving and shifting much like the internet itself. We talk about how the Digital Marketing landscape has changed in recent years, and try and predict where it will be heading soon.
Most jewelry stores have been around for ten, if not a hundred, years. Amy Baird is an outlier, having opened The Hills Jewelry, in Worthington, OH, in 2018 with her husband. With almost no prior jewelry experience, Amy has learned an immense amount about running a business and the world of jewelry. Michael spoke with Amy about the successes, pitfalls, key decisions, and strategy that has led to opening a successful jewelry business in the late 2010s!
Visit Their Websitethehillsjewelry.com
Okay, so you've figured out how to get potential customers to your site -- but have you made the sale yet? Conversions take people through the marketing funnel, from awareness to consideration and finally to that crucial decision. Converting an aware audience to one interested in making a purchase isn't not just a matter of saying "SHOP NOW!" over and over on your website. This episode will go over strategies to improve your conversion rate and go in-depth on how you can optimize the smaller details to grow your digital footprint. Your first step towards achieving your sales goal starts with this episode and identifying where your target is!
After a two-year hiatus, people are desperate for in-person shopping, and in-store events are making a come back in a big way! However, it's not enough to just open a bag of chips and place your products out on the counter anymore. A successful in-store event requires planning, strategy, and -- above all -- a reason. Ensure your next event is a smash hit and learn what cutting-edge techniques your should include next time you decide to have a themed night or trunk show.
SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is one of the most important long-term investments you can make in your website. SEO's main goal is to get your website to show up on the very first page of any search results. And while this seems like a relatively simple goal, the rules are challenging. Google, the search site of choice for three-quarters of the world, is constantly changing their criteria and rules for what gets you to the top, which means you and your digital marketing company need to stay on top of what they prioritize or be left in the dust.
It's taken many years of progress to get to e-commerce to the point it currently is at, and our guest this week, Dan Sirois, CPO & Co-Founder of Punchmark, has seen it through since the beginning. Dan is a leading mind in the jewelry e-commerce space, and continues to drive forward the industry's leading platform, no matter what the state of play looks like in the future.
One of our most popular guests of Season 2 is back! Sebastian Velasquez from INOX Men's Jewelry is here to explain how to capitalize on three major jewelry sales periods that are often overlooked: graduation celebrations, Father's Day, and groomsmen gifts. Learn how to prepare your store and your marketing for this upcoming year and give your offseason a boost.
Harry Styles made headlines as the first man to grace the cover of Vogue magazine -- wearing a dress. Even before the controversial photoshoot, men's fashion was starting to shift into a new era. Accessorizing and wearing bright colors has become more acceptable off the runway, and men are also starting to wear more jewelry. Tune in to this episode to hear how you can capitalize on this trend and get more men as self-buyers in your store.
The future of clienteling looks a lot different than it has in the past, and expectations have changed. The difference between a customer and a client relies on the follow up skills of the business owner. That's why we decided to speak with Ryan from Clientbook about clienteling in 2022 and how you can convert one-time customers into long term clients.
https://www.clientbook.com/
In the era of the internet and content saturation, finding a unique way to stand out from the competition is key to landing sales and building a loyal customer base. Luckily, there are some simple yet powerful tactics that you can employ to take your business to the next level. Join Alex, Joel, and Matt from The Smithee Group for their favorite strategies to help empower small businesses in the retail space.
Digital marketing is something that is difficult and hard to see success in without the knowledge of the market, but don’t worry because we’re here to help. On today’s episode, we have Alex from The Smithee Group, where she’ll go over their 2022 Marketing Guide. This guide is made to equip you with the knowledge and strategy to elevate your marketing to the next level.
It's too easy to set yourself up for (perceived) failure with unrealistic goals, but what metrics can you use to set achievable goals when it comes to e-commerce? E-commerce isn't all about getting immediate results, especially when it comes to luxury purchases like fine jewelry and haute couture. In this episode, we cover various ways you can set e-commerce goals, including conversions, email newsletter sign-ups, and more. Wait to set your Q1 and 2022 goals until after listening to this episode!
Selling fine jewelry online is a bigger challenge than selling shoes or costume jewelry. The luxury goods market requires a different type of e-commerce presence than your typical retailer... or does it? Punchmark's 2021 best-selling client, Graziella Fine Jewellery, shares how they garnered so much success selling fine jewelry online -- and it might be a simpler strategy than you'd think.
Check out Graziella Fine Jewellery online!
And we're back! Now in its third season, In the Loupe is here to answer all your e-commerce and retail jeweler questions. If you've ever wondered how to open a second or third location, want to know the trends for men's jewelry this year, or needed an update on digital marketing, this season is for you. Listen in to hear about everything we've got planned for our most epic season yet!
What a year it's been! We had so much fun making this podcast and sharing cool guests and helpful knowledge with you each week. This episode is a wrap-up of the things we learned, stories we shared, and a compilation of our favorite moments from this past year (there were so many!). Join us as we go over the highlights from this season and share a few sneak peeks for what next year holds. We hope you have a wonderful rest of the year -- see you in 2022!
Pinterest is seeing a huge surge in use for retail businesses, with tools that are on par or better than other social media platforms. It inhabits the "dreamer" or "planning" stage of a project, which can allow retailers to build a unique bond with potential shoppers. Mike spoke with Sara from D Geller in Georgia, Deeb from Graziella Fine Jewellery in Ontario, two Punchmark clients with a strong understanding of e-commerce, about how they are marketing through the platform, if they will lean into Pinterest more in 2022, and what you can expect as a budget.
Michael O'Connor has been there, done that, in the jewelry industry. He's worked as a designer, conceptualizing jewelry prior to the popularization of CAD software, he's started his own marketing firm, Style & Substance Inc, and worked at prestigious organizations like Frederick Goldman, Platinum Guild International, Couture, JCK, DeBeers. In addition to staring in his own TV show and covering numerous awards show red carpets, he has appeared repeatedly on a variety of shows such as The Today Show, ET, Access Hollywood and QVC. He has also styled numerous celebrities for red carpet appearances. He now oversees marketing efforts for the prestigious vendor coalition, The Plumb Club, as their Marketing Director.
Good copywriting doesn't stand out: it blends in. The copy on your website should act as a brand ambassador and point of connection with your customers. In this episode, we talk with professional writer Stephanie Momot Rhodes. She shares her perspective on the value of good copy and how it functions on your site to encourage specific user behavior. She also gives her top tips for those tasked with writing web copy, and some insights on the In the Loupe brand voice that she crafted.
The holidays are rapidly approaching (but you didn't really need us to tell you that). In the last-minute scramble to get ready for the flood of holiday shoppers, what should you be prioritizing, and what shouldn't you bother with in your limited time? We've got some advice on how to maximize your earning potential without sacrificing your sanity as you rush to accommodate each client. From making sure your inventory is up-to-date to what to post on social media, tune in to this week's episode for a quick-and-dirty to-do list from people who want to see you succeed!
If business growth and development was a one size fits all endeavor, then there wouldn't be any need for this podcast. Fortunately for us, the route for growth that fits your business is completely unique, but one thing is for certain: it takes time. Patience is key and we want to explain how to track your incremental gains and ensure you are headed in the right direction.
A strong website is an absolute MUST for a luxury business in 2021. We find that we are having similar conversations all over the country as we talk face-to-face with retailers, both big and small, so we've brought Thomas Cossuto on the podcast to explain the common misconceptions and questions regarding why a website makes sense in 2021. Tommy has attended well over 35 jewelry trade shows around the country, and has helped hundreds of retailers understand how to improve their business.
Marketing isn't always about making the sale. Gaining brand awareness, creating a community, and promoting meaningful interaction with your brand using social media and web presence are often better received than constant sales pushes, and they can actually result in more sales over a period of time. In this episode, we're doing one of our favorite things -- talking about our favorite brands' social accounts and websites and why they're so successful at what they do. We'll share a few of our favorite profiles and discuss the ways they're bringing in clients and encouraging more than a sale.
The fervor of Black Friday hasn't died away, but each year it has increasingly moved online as people shop from their phones in their pajamas, coffee in hand in the comfort of their own homes. As shopping shifts to the internet, is your store prepared to handle the increase in virtual traffic and the delivery and fulfillment? How can you use specific selling tactics to push certain inventory? How many staff should you have to handle the in-person and virtual traffic? In other words, are you READY? If you don't have all the details hammered out around what your store should be doing to prep for Black Friday, join Matt and Elizabeth to chat about starting off the holiday shopping rush right and set yourself up for your most successful weekend ever.
Landing pages are the lighthouses to your store in an ocean of options. They bring in website traffic, tell customers a little bit about you and what you offer, and provide directions on ways to go next. If you already have a website, they're a pretty easy and inexpensive way to bring in new leads. But do they really work, and is it worth the effort to invest in establishing and maintaining landing pages? What are the most important parts of landing pages, and are there any cases where they could be detrimental to your business? Find out all you ever needed to know about landing pages in this week's episode!
The social media space is ever changing, and can be confusing when viewed from a distance. Every business now-a-days has a Facebook and an Instagram, but have you ever considered how you use your Twitter? Or building your presence on Reddit? What about leveraging long form content from Twitch into mid length content on Youtube, or ultra short content on TikTok. Mike and Gasper break down Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Youtube, WhatsApp, Tumblr, Reddit, LinkedIn, SnapChat, Pinterest, Meetup, Twitch, Discord, and Zoom and suggest some ways small businesses might leverage their unique voices on each.
This week Mike interviews Sebastian Velasquez from INOX Men's Jewelry. INOX is best known as THE men's jewelry line, creating iconic bangles, bracelets, and rings for over fifteen years. Sebastian shared his view on men's fashion and where he thinks the industry is heading, information he is uniquely privy. Additionally, the pair discuss the unique trust and dynamic between vendors and retailers, something that is rarely spoken about but is extremely important for the continued success of the jewelry industry. You wont want to miss this one!
Sponsor
picupmedia.com
Punchmark and The Smithee Group recently traveled to Las Vegas for JCK, the largest jewelry show in North America. While there, we attended the inaugural year of the JCK Podcast Zone, and recorded a few conversations on the future of the jewelry industry. The first was with Denise Purtzer from ClearSale about the state of online fraud and how to prevent it, as well as some of the most common techniques fraudsters employ. The second was with Emmae and Matt from The Smithee Group to talk about their booth at JCK which aims to educate jewelers about the future of technology, as well as potential e-commerce and shopping uses for them. These were recorded live at the JCK show, and some of the audio has more background noise than we typically permit. We appreciate your understanding!
You've heard from Mike, Evelyn, Cody, Ross, Ben, and others; now it's finally time to get to know your favorite cast of In the Loupe on a deeper level. This episode will dive into a perhaps surprising topic (but then again, we don't really pull punches when it comes to divulging our company secrets on this podcast!). Take a look into the leadership at both Punchmark and The Smithee Group and see how we run our companies, when leadership roles might shift depending on the topics, and why our 20-something-year-old employees are able to contribute equally to our more senior company members. We hope you'll take some ideas from this episode on how to use the unique skills of different generations to your advantage and what makes good leaders.
Join us at JCK Las Vegas for 3 live recordings of In the Loupe! We will be live in the Podcast Zone at JCK at:
- Friday 11:15
- Saturday 1:00
- Sunday 3:00
Bring questions for the live Q&A at the end of each recording!
The first form of "online" shopping was invented in 1979. The internet was invented in 1983. Amazon, one of the first big online retailers, didn't incorporate until 1994. E-commerce is, in the grand scheme of things, still very, very new. To make things more complicated, the technology behind e-commerce seems to change almost daily. So how do you know if you're running a successful online business or not? If you're pouring thousands of dollars into your website but seeing online sales, is it even worth it? In this episode, we discuss e-commerce statistics, the growing importance of online shopping, and the ROI on e-commerce.
Kate Youngstrom is the VP of brand and content marketing at Reed Exhibitions, which means she is the perfect guest to talk to about what's coming up at JCK Las Vegas, JIS Miami, and more - because Kate has all the details! We ask her questions like what's new in the post-Covid trade shows, what she's most excited about, and the biggest hurdles in getting this year's lineup together. Get a sneak peek of this year's trade shows, including new vendors and partners and why it's still so important to have in-person gatherings and exhibitions in a world where things are rapidly going digital.
Growing your brand, your products, and your voice are all things that take time and many iterations. To take your ideas and turn them into reality can be difficult and exciting at the same time. Today on In the Loupe we're talking about what it takes to grow and how to start something new. From small businesses to new product launches to podcasts (like this one!), if you're interested in building something new, unique, and worthwhile this episode is for you.
Brought to you by:
punchmark.com
thesmitheegroup.com
Sponsored by:
theedgeforjewelers.com
A good online shopping experience should feel as smooth and without obstruction as swimming, and some websites definitely do this better than others. Mike and Gasper each describe in-depth a website they have ordered through that absolutely checks every box of a good experience, and then they boil down this information into actionable advice for your own e-commerce website.
Brought to you by:
punchmark.com
thesmitheegroup.com
Sponsored by:
theedgeforjewelers.com
If you've been listening to In the Loupe, you know both Punchmark and The Smithee Group willingly spill all our secrets when it comes to web presence and digital marketing! Not only will we tell you how the algorithms work and why they do, but we also lay bare our own strategies and how we implement them. In this episode, we'll critique the other company's website to better understand how they achieve their goals through their web presence. If you've ever wondered why our websites look and feel the way they do, why we've chosen our colors and layouts, and how we influence users to interact with our sites in specific ways, this is your chance to see our perspectives on web design and maybe learn a few tricks to help you out with yours.
Brought to you by:
punchmark.com
thesmitheegroup.com
Sponsored by:
theedgeforjewelers.com
We got such good feedback from our last ring-buyers episode, we decided to do it again! Part one featured two men with clear views on what they wanted who had never bought much in the way of fine jewelry before. This time, we've got a different subset of interviewees to offer their perspectives on the ring buying process. We hope this episode gives retail jewelers a better look at the different types of approaches to ring buying and the type of clientele they may interact with, from the totally clueless to the custom creator.
Brought to you by:
punchmark.com
thesmitheegroup.com
Sponsored by:
theedgeforjewelers.com
Tiktok is the newest mainstream social media app; it's trendy and has millions of users every day. The main user demographic is tech-savvy, young, and making their debuts as adults with income. Tiktok's videos are engaging, fun, funky, and even silly, creating an environment where things can go viral quickly and easily. So should retailers hop in on this new platform? How difficult is it to navigate a new app? What does TikTok offer that other social media doesn't? We answer all these questions and more to determine the ultimate question: will using TikTok help grow your business?
Brought to you by:
punchmark.com
thesmitheegroup.com
Sponsored by:
theedgeforjewelers.com
You may or may not have heard the phrase "data is the new oil," but it's true that data collection and analysis has made sweeps through the e-commerce and business industries as a key component of effective advertising. Using data from social media, cookies on browsers, and location data, it's possible to predict what consumers are interested in and when they're likely to make a purchase. The best part is, you don't even need special training or a degree in Artificial Intelligence to use this data. Join us this episode as we unpack some data from the jewelry industry to make measurable and verifiable predictions about what we're likely to see within the next quarter, year, and beyond.
Brought to you by:
punchmark.com
thesmitheegroup.com
Sponsored by:
theedgeforjewelers.com
Can you believe we're already halfway through the year? The first half of 2021 certainly was a whirlwind as businesses returned to a more normal cadence and found a happy medium welcoming customers in to their stores while increasing their online presences. In the Loupe touched on digital marketing, consumer trends, and increasing your digital presence effectively to drive more traffic, sales, and exposure. In this episode, we talk about everything that has happened in 2021 to date and how these events and trends are likely to impact the second half of the year.
Brought to you by:
punchmark.com
thesmitheegroup.com
Sponsored by:
theedgeforjewelers.com
As more and more people turn to their smart phones for everyday activities like shopping and ordering coffee, building connections and a customer pipeline via mobile-enabled technologies simply makes sense. In the second half of this 2-part episode, we're breaking down clienteling in the 21st century to make sure your team is equipped with top-notch digital integrations to make building client relationships seamless and effective. Never thought about texting your clients? Why might it be worth investing time into a drip campaign? We chat about all this and more to equip you with the tools to make automated sales and engage with thousands of customers with the click of a button. This is a conversation for the whole team to listen in on as we dive into mass texting, wishlists, automated emails, and more.
Brought to you by:
punchmark.com
thesmitheegroup.com
Sponsored by:
theedgeforjewelers.com
What happens when someone makes a wishlist on your website? Signs up for your newsletter? Signs up for an account on your site with their email address? These are all integral digital touch points to convert a customer. Knowing how to use these touch points to your advantage to connect with the customer, see what they're interested in, and bring them back to your store or website will bring you higher sales and more satisfied customers. In the first half of this 2-part episode, we take a comprehensive look at automated emails, texting softwares, and web functions. By the end, you'll know exactly how to equip your salesperson with digital integrations to bring in new clients at every stage.
Brought to you by:
punchmark.com
thesmitheegroup.com
Sponsored by:
theedgeforjewelers.com
Tradeshows have been canceled for over a year, but the wait is nearly over and the world is beginning to open back up. In this episode, we talk with CEOs Ben & Ross about the strategy they anticipate the jewelry industry to take as we re-enter normalcy and their recommended approach for retailers at these highly anticipated post-pandemic trade shows.
Brought to you by:
punchmark.com
thesmitheegroup.com
Sponsored by:
theedgeforjewelers.com
Targeted ads, stellar SEO, pay-per-click, and more: digital marketing is a booming industry because it's so effective. So what's the best strategy for you? Following up from last episode where we discussed the effectiveness of social ad campaigns, Katie Kinlaw, Punchmark's digital marketing manager, walks us through a case study on how a digital marketer might help you decide what's right for you. She looks at a more broad-scale approach to digital marketing and how it could improve your reputation, both within and outside of the internet, and gain you lifelong clients.
Brought to you by:
punchmark.com
thesmitheegroup.com
Sponsored by:
theedgeforjewelers.com
You've read the studies and seen the numbers; digital marketing seems to work. But how do you know it'll be worth the investment for you, and not just that hippie eco-friendly toilet paper brand? In this case study, we look at the data to determine the effectiveness of social media advertising. Cody from the Smithee Group will take you beyond the numbers to look at the strategy and goals for long-term ROI.
Brought to you by:
punchmark.com
thesmitheegroup.com
Sponsored by:
theedgeforjewelers.com
Boosting engagement and growing followers doesn't have a one-size-fits-all approach, which is why this episode is all about our favorite Instagram accounts and Facebook pages outside of the jewelry sphere. They may look very different from your social media accounts, but you can use the same tactics to achieve success on your own pages. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe!
Brought to you by:
punchmark.com
thesmitheegroup.com
Sponsored by:
theedgeforjewelers.com
The je-ne-sais-quoi factor of a good website is finally revealed. Join Katie and Summer as they discuss their favorite websites of all time and what gives these sites a competitive advantage by looking great and valuing the user experience above all else.
Brought to you by:
punchmark.com
thesmitheegroup.com
Sponsored by:
theedgeforjewelers.com
To those not in the industry, the world of jewelry is a foreign land where they may only go once or twice a year at most. After a few years behind the scenes in the jewelry business, your hosts Mike and Katie from Punchmark and Cody from The Smithee Group have learned a thing or two. Join us as we reflect on our journeys into jewelry, what we've learned, and what we see for the future of the industry.
Brought to you by:
punchmark.com
thesmitheegroup.com
Sponsored by:
theedgeforjewelers.com
TikTok, Billie Eilish, VSCO, and the return of the scrunchie - who is Gen Z? These young people have just started arriving into adulthood, and they're making decisions very differently than previous generations. They rely on the advice of others, and of Google. In part two of this two-part episode, we chat with some Gen Z buyers about their style, their buying habits, and their relationship with fine jewelry.
Brought to you by:
punchmark.com
thesmitheegroup.com
Sponsored by:
theedgeforjewelers.com
Who is Gen Z, and what are they looking for in the jewelry industry? Gen Z is typically defined as anyone born after 1997, or thereabouts. This young generation has just reached the point of having their own money and making their own buying decisions. They make up a huge sector of the market, and an even bigger sector of influence. They're tech-savvy and have shorter attention spans but enduring loyalty. In part one of this two-part episode, we talk about the defining characteristics of the youngest generation, delve into their relationship with technology, and discuss the things that are important to them.
Brought to you by:
punchmark.com
thesmitheegroup.com
Sponsored by:
podium.com/punchmark
We're not saying we can predict the future, but we've spotted 10 standout trends that we think we'll be seeing more of throughout the rest of the year and into 2022. From e-commerce best practices to digital marketing tactics and customer expectations, if you're looking to get ahead of the curve this is the place to start.
Brought to you by:
punchmark.com
thesmitheegroup.com
Sponsored by:
podium.com/punchmark
Websites are becoming more complex every day; no longer static organisms, a dynamic, functional website is like a high-maintenance Pomeranian instead of a pet rock. Today's websites have a variety of important features that go beyond a header and footer. What do you need to include on your website to make it exciting? How can you draw customers in to an experience that they'll want to come back to again and again? This episode will cover the basic anatomy of a good e-commerce website and how you can make your site work for you instead of the other way around.
Brought to you by:
punchmark.com
thesmitheegroup.com
Sponsored by:
podium.com/punchmark
The strategy to sell online and in your brick-and-mortar is not a one size fits all practice. The population of your city, the average budget for a shopper in your area, and the distance your customers will travel all matter when creating your business strategy.
This episode features two jewelry store owners, Jeff from Miner's North & Todd from Meig's Jewelry, and we talk about their business strategies, ranging from adapting to their stores being shut down to in person visits, what social channels they advertise on (and how much) and clever ways they market to their past customers to potentially gain a repeat purchase.
Guest's websites
meigsjewelry.com
minersnorth.com
Brought to you by:
punchmark.com
thesmitheegroup.com
Sponsored by:
podium.com/punchmark
Social media marketing has become more important than eye contact and a firm handshake - but it's left us with so many questions. When to post? What to post? How often to post? Who to tag? How big of a budget should I have for digital marketing compared to traditional marketing? If you're feeling lost in the chaos of the internet, you're not alone. In this episode, we're here to share our tips and tricks for posting the most impactful content, best practices for high engagement, and the importance of having a social media presence at all.
Brought to you by:
punchmark.com
thesmitheegroup.com
Sponsored by:
podium.com/punchmark
What's most important: a stellar in-store experience, the perfect ring, or an unparalleled online experience? We talk to recent ring buyers about their buying experience and what they care about most in their shopping experience. From ring sizing to wedding bands, we discuss how buying experiences and expectations have shifted and give advice on how retail jewelers can adapt their processes and priorities to build a devoted customer base.
Brought to you by:
punchmark.com
thesmitheegroup.com
Sponsored by:
podium.com/punchmark
Re-post it, re-tweet it, re-blog it! When something catches your eye, you can instantly share it with your audience on social media. Sharing is caring - and free marketing. So what makes some posts so share-worthy?
Katie Kinlaw, Punchmark's Digital Marketing Manager, discusses some of her top picks for influential social media accounts within the fine jewelry sphere. Listen to discover what makes their content so shareable and their brands so enticing, from image quality to fun call-to-actions.
Brought to you by:
punchmark.com
thesmitheegroup.com
Sponsored by:
podium.com/punchmark
Everything is going smoothly - and then an email pops up on your phone in the middle of the night from a disgruntled customer saying they can't complete the checkout process. What do you do?
This week's episode discusses this scenario and more website Q&A with Punchmark's CTO Bryan Cockerham and Associate Creative Director Sarah Weekes. They touch on everything from visual design to dealing with bugs, image compression, and what you need to know (and what you don't) when maintaining your website.
Brought to you by:
punchmark.com
thesmitheegroup.com
Sponsored by:
podium.com/punchmark
Stepping up and becoming a leader requires fearlessness, integrity, and an entrepreneurial mindset. If you're already a successful business owner, you can probably recall the somewhat risky decisions you had to make, the hard jobs that only you could do, and the late-night conversations that left you inspired and hopeful.
We speak with Ross Cockerham & Ben Smithee about their experience leading their company, and the influence they had on the Jewelry industry. They discuss what worked and what didn't, the importance of having a mentor, how to overcome all levels of obstacles, and more.
Brought to you by:
punchmark.com
thesmitheegroup.com
Sponsored by:
podium.com/punchmark
2020 prompted a lot of changes in the way we sell and consume, from our coffees to our sneakers. Research predicts that many of the changes to a traditional retail method are here to stay. So how should you decide which of your changes to keep going forward and which ones to ditch the minute we can ditch the masks?
Ross and Ben talk to us today about which changes are more likely to stick around and draw in a much younger, tech-savvy demographic. If you're looking to boost your sales and upgrade buyer experiences, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
Brought to you by:
punchmark.com
thesmitheegroup.com
Sponsored by:
podium.com/punchmark
It's pretty easy to spot a good website design when you're on a site that feels and looks effortlessly clean and is easy to use, but it can be difficult to place your finger on exactly what details make it so nice to use. In this episode, we talk about our favorite websites in the fine jewelry industry and what sets them apart.
From visual design to custom ring builders, we hope you find inspiration and gain some ideas for how to improve your own website.
Brought to you by:
punchmark.com
thesmitheegroup.com
Sponsored by:
podium.com/punchmark
Digital marketing tools are no longer limited to big companies with seven-figure marketing budgets. In fact, for anywhere from nine to fifty dollars a month, you can get your own personal marketing assistant who's available 24/7, posts everything to your social media accounts, and even calculates how well you posts do when you publish them in the morning versus the evening.
Sound too good to be true? Hear us out.
Digital marketing apps have exploded in prominence; they can schedule your posts automatically, help you analyze which posts do the best, and even recommend the best time of day to post based on your specific audience. What's more, they're unbelievably affordable for the amount of insights you gain. We discuss our favorite tools and apps, from free analysis sites to social media posting aids. If you're looking to grow your social media following and hone in on your audience likes and dislikes, a digital marketing tool will quickly become your best friend.
Brought to you by:
punchmark.com
thesmitheegroup.com
Sponsored by:
podium.com/punchmark
Welcome back to Season 2 of In the Loupe, hosted by Punchmark and The Smithee Group. Guests, Katie and Cody, re-introduce the podcast (and mention why you might want to go back and listen to season 1 if you haven't already!). We get into a bit of birthday shenanigans and spill some secrets about what you're going to hear in season 2. From digital marketing to business leadership, we've got some gems for you.
Brought to you by:
punchmark.com
thesmitheegroup.com
Sponsored by:
podium.com/punchmark
In the Loupe is a weekly podcast that is dedicated to educating business owners on the latest tools and techniques that you need to be taking advantage of.
Brought to you by Punchmark, the jewelry industry's leading website provider, and The Smithee Group, a digital growth agency. This is your one stop shop for not just surviving, but THRIVING in a digital age.
We cover digital marketing techniques like SEO & SEM, Social Marketing advice to elevate your online presence, and strategies to improve your understanding of your website’s role in your business.
After each live show, the hosts would stay on a little longer after the episode ended and talk a little more casually about the episode's topic and their own personal feelings about it.
These are the best snippets from each episode's post show from Season 1!
In the Loupe is taking a short break, but we will be back with Season 2 in early January!
That's a wrap! Season 1 of the 'In the Loupe' podcast is coming to a close and we're looking back on some of the top moments from the season and answering your questions. We'll also give a teaser on what's to come in the next season, which you don't want to miss!
Your website is the most important aspect of your web presence, serving as the centralized point for communication and shopping. Coordinating your business's messaging to pass through your website in strategic and dynamic ways is important when attempting to dominate the online space.
This will be a live recording of the In the Loupe podcast, a podcast produced by Punchmark & The Smithee Group, two leaders in the online jewelry industry. Each week's episode is focused around the explanation and advocacy of important E-Commerce topics and why every jeweler needs to be focused on their online presence now more than ever.
I said the word Keurig and now Facebook is showing me ads like crazy!' Does Facebook listen to your conversations to deliver better ad experiences? While we can't answer that, we can give you the inside scoop on social ads and how to thrive with Facebook and Instagram ads.
Hear from Katie Kinlaw (Digital Marketing Manager - Punchmark) and Cody Giles (Director of Integrated Marketing- The Smithee Group) as they talk paid social strategy and what works and what doesn't.
Now that we've talked through SEO and how to boost your search ranking organically, we'll touch on paid search strategies for platforms like Google.
Listen in as Katie Kinlaw (Digital Marketing Manager - Punchmark) and Cody Giles (Director of Integrated Marketing- The Smithee Group) talk through the pay-per-click model and search engine marketing and what you need to know to get started.
You've revamped your website experience, but you need to make sure people discover it. Now we're talking SEO, or Search Engine Optimization. SEO helps to drive more viewers to your website, and in this episode Blake Smith (Media Strategist- The Smithee Group) and Bryan Cockerham (CTO & Partner- Punchmark) are telling you what you need to know to get there.
We've said it before and we'll say it again: Your website is the most crucial tool when it comes to winning in the digital environment. So, how does it stack up?
In this episode, Mike Burpoe (Lead UI/UX Designer- Punchmark) and Cody Giles (Director of Integrated Strategy - The Smithee Group) are talking best practices when it comes to your website and what you need to focus on to drive conversions.
You've become a pro at developing and posting great content on social. Now what? The key to driving social growth is inbound and outbound engagement! What does that mean? Tune in to find out as Erin Lashley (Brand Strategists- The Smithee Group) and Katie Kinlaw (Digital Marketing Manager - Punchmark) provide top strategies on how to maximize engagement on your profiles so your social numbers reach new heights!
'I just don't know what to post!' - Ever had that thought when you're trying to figure out what to do on social? We're breaking it down and giving you the tools you need to keep your content fresh and up-to-date.
This is the second half of a two-part episode that features Katie Kinlaw (Digital Marketing Manager - Punchmark) and Evelyn Stetzer (Integrated Brand Strategist- The Smithee Group) discussing organic content and how to elevate your social strategy for success.
I just don't know what to post!' - Ever had that thought when you're trying to figure out what to do on social? We're breaking it down and giving you the tools you need to keep your content fresh and up-to-date.
This two-part episode features Katie Kinlaw (Digital Marketing Manager - Punchmark) and Evelyn Stetzer (Integrated Brand Strategist- The Smithee Group) discussing organic content and how to elevate your social strategy for success.
We all know how important the in-store experience is to your brand. But how does that translate online? Your website is considered 'homebase' when it comes to digital, and the experience that customers have online is just as important as the experience they have in-store.
Join Elise Poeana (Director of Client Success- The Smithee Group) and Sarah Weekes (Associate Creative Director- Punchmark) as we talk about how you mirror your in-store experience to your online customers.
What are the fundamentals of digital marketing and why is it relevant to your brand? In this episode, Katie Kinlaw (Digital Marketing Manager - Punchmark) and Cody Giles (Director of Integrated Strategy - The Smithee Group) give you the 411 on digital marketing and what it takes to win!
Welcome to the 'In the Loupe' podcast, featuring Punchmark and The Smithee Group! We're kicking off the series with a message from Ross Cockerham (CEO & Co-Founder of Punchmark) and Ben Smithee (CEO of The Smithee Group), where we'll chat about the importance of your website and digital marketing presence, and what you'll learn throughout the first season of the podcast.
In our final episode, Ross Cockerham, Co-Founder & CEO, and Michael Burpoe, Lead UI/UX Designer, discuss the Survival Kit’s original goal, and what lead to its creation. Together, they cover what they have learned about the jewelry industry’s battle with the pandemic, and recap the best tips for jewelers who are making the leap into e-commerce. They also announce Punchmark’s next podcast, In the Loupe. Launching next month, this podcast is a collaboration with The Smithee Group which will cover aspects of social marketing, website strategy, and PPC. Stay tuned for more information!
This episode talks about the key to unlocking your cash flow while reopening your retail store. We hear from Dick Abbott, owner of The Edge (Abbott Jewelry Systems), who talks about the strategies behind turning your aged inventory into cash. This episode is hosted by Tommy Rhodes, Punchmark's Lead Developer, and Ross Cockerham, CEO and co-founder of Punchmark.
This week’s episode is about creative sales strategies to move some of your products while the stay-at-home order remains in effect, and ways to maintain your connection with your community when you aren’t able to see your customers. We interview Jeremy Jordan from Robert Irwin Jewelers in Memphis, Tennessee and take a close look at the ways that the pandemic has affected him on both a professional and personal level. This episode is hosted by Tommy Rhodes, Punchmark's Lead Developer, and Michael Burpoe, Punchmark's Lead UI/UX Designer.
This episode dives into the ideas surrounding jewelry membership organizations, and how being a member of a group or an association can be helpful during a pandemic, considering the amount of resources that are available to members. Our guests this week are Stephen Barnes from Barnes Jewelers in Goldsboro, NC, and Lauren Johansen from the American Gem Society (AGS). This episode is hosted by Tommy Rhodes, Punchmark's Lead Developer, and Ross Cockerham, CEO and co-founder of Punchmark.
This week's episode includes specific examples of how two retailers are promoting their online presence by harnessing social media, reaching out to customers, and utilizing practical digital marketing techniques. Our guests this week are Deeb Basmaji from Graziella Fine Jewellery, and Kim Elton from Peter & Co Jewelers. This episode is hosted by Michael Burpoe, Punchmark's Lead UI/UX Designer, Katie Kinlaw, Digital Marketing Manager, and Tommy Rhodes, Punchmark's Lead Developer.
This week's episode is about navigating through all the employment issues that a jewelry store might face during this crisis, and how to stay safe during a pandemic from the perspective of an insurance company. Our guests this week will be Alex Schlindwein from Kiefer Jewelers, and Brian McCluskey from International Jewelers Block. This episode will be hosted by Michael Burpoe, Punchmark's Lead UX designer, and Ross Cockerham, CEO and co-founder of Punchmark.
This week's episode is a state of the union about the general impact of the Coronavirus and the effects of COVID-19 on businesses, consumers, and on the trade itself. We will hear from three different guests, including Sami Saatchi from SVS Fine Jewelry, Debbie Lennon from Darrah Cooper Jewelers, and Craig MacBean from Ostbye. This episode will be hosted by Michael Burpoe, Punchmark's Lead UX designer, and Ross Cockerham, CEO and co-founder of Punchmark.