Retail Scope

April 1, 2013
By RapDevTeam

Forevermark Hosts Partner Forum Forevermark hosted its “Shape the Future” partner forum, where Forevermark diamantaires and manufacturers showcased their latest collections and inventory. Held at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes in Orlando, Florida, the second annual forum was attended by all 105 Forevermark manufacturers and diamantaires, according to the company release. Forevermark revealed the return of television advertising with a new cut of “The Center of My Universe” commercial. Shown to the group, the commercial focuses on a younger bridal target and will begin running on national cable television stations in mid April. Additionally, Forevermark announced plans to create a Forevermark Leadership Council featuring select Forevermark jewelers and suppliers from across the country. The new advisory group will be announced at JCK Las Vegas in June. The forum offered in-depth seminars in marketing and public relations, media, best practices and responsible sourcing. Members of the Forevermark Diamond Institute were on hand to discuss pipeline integrity and the Forevermark inscription and grading process. Platinum Bridal Sales Strong Retailers saw strong gains in platinum bridal sales for 2012, according to a recent survey commissioned by Platinum Guild International (PGI-USA). Conducted among independent and small chain retailers by GfK Retail and Technology USA, the survey revealed:

77 percent of retailers reported same or better platinum sales compared with 2011.
Entry platinum semimounts priced under $2,500 at retail continue to be a significant factor in increasing platinum sales. Seventy-three percent of jewelers who ordered entry platinum product said that it sold through and 61 percent intend to reorder.
Among PGI-USA’s Preferred Platinum Partners, 87 percent reported same or better sales, a 4 percent increase in platinum business. They anticipate an 8 percent increase for 2013.
42 percent of jewelers attributed platinum’s qualities —unfading color, durability and high purity — as a driver for sales.
38 percent pointed to the cost of platinum in relation to the increasing price of gold as a positive factor promoting sales.
For the first time since this study was initially conducted in 2007, Preferred Platinum Partners cited knowledgeable sales associates who recommend platinum as a positive factor contributing to their sales performance.

Silver Jewelry Sales Rise in 2012 Sales of silver jewelry increased in 2012, the fourth consecutive year of “exceptional” performance, according to the Silver Jewelry Buying Trends survey by the Silver Promotion Service (SPS). The study was conducted for the SPS by National Jeweler/Nielsen Business Media in February. Highlights from the study include:

77 percent of retailers reported increases in silver jewelry sales.
Sales on silver jewelry increased 19 percent on average.
Silver jewelry represented 31 percent of overall unit volume and 24 percent of dollar sales.

Chris Aire Wins Trademark Case The Ninth Circuit reversed a lower court’s dismissal of a suit by Solid 21 Inc., which sells the work of designer Chris Aire, accusing Breitling USA Inc. of infringing on Chris Aire’s Red Gold® trademark. In ruling for Chris Aire, the Ninth Circuit held that U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fess had erred in ruling that the Red Gold® mark was generic and not protectable. “Solid 21’s federal registration of its trademark constitutes prima facie evidence of the marks validity,” the court said, according to the company release. The case, filed by Solid 21 Inc. on behalf of Chris Aire Fine Jewelry and Timepieces, is one of 15 cases Chris Aire filed in January 2011 to protect the company’s Red Gold® mark. In the lawsuits, Chris Aire accused Breitling, Swatch, Bulgari, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton and several other watch brands of using the Red Gold® mark, despite the fact that his company has held a trademark registration certificate for Red Gold since 2003. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) had also deemed the trademark incontestable as far back as 2007. Ben Bridge Opens Store in El Paso Ben Bridge Jeweler opened a new flagship store in El Paso, Texas, marking the chain store’s eighth location in Texas. The company announced that it has taken over the Lacy & Co. store and that its former owners, Ellen and Charles Lacy, will remain active in the new store as advisors and community ambassadors. The jeweler plans to host a grand opening and community celebration on April 18. Tag Heuer Launches Online Boutique TAG Heuer opened its first online shopping boutique, Shop.TAGHeuer.com, which the watch brand designed to mimic its “lifestyle lounge” concept and allow consumers to become fully immersed in the brand from any location. TAG Heuer offers high-end timepieces, limited-edition styles and lifestyle accessories such as eyewear, cufflinks, luggage, jackets and more. “Like TAG Heuer’s eight freestanding boutiques in the U.S., the new online boutique personifies the brand for our consumers and offers them an exclusive shopping experience,” said Ulrich Wohn, CEO of TAG Heuer North America. Jewelers For Children Sponsors Ring of Strength Tour Jewelers for Children (JFC) will hold its first Rings of Strength Tour on Thursday, May 30 in Red Rock Canyon in Las Vegas, where participants can bike, run or walk to benefit the organization’s charity partners. Tag Heuer, JCK Events and Rio Tinto Diamonds have signed on as event sponsors. Blue Nile, Jewelers Mutual Insurance, The Harmon Group, Jewelry Creations and Malca-Amit are providing a range of promotional support. There are two courses available, a 50K route through Red Rock Canyon and a 15K route that will snake through defined bike lanes. Runners and walkers can walk the 5K route at their own pace. Bikers can bring their own cycles or rent one. Malca-Amit is offering free shipping of bicycles from Miami, New York and Los Angeles. The event will kick off at 5:30 a.m. To sign up, visit www.ringsofstrength.org.