IJO Names Stephen Barnes as President

Jewelry retailer and industry consultant Stephen Barnes is the new president of the Independent Jewelers Organization (IJO).

The organization announced his appointment at its recent conference in Cleveland, Ohio, which more than 1,000 members attended, it said last week.

Barnes is CEO of Barnes Jewelers in Goldsboro, North Carolina. An IJO member for nearly 25 years, he has also been its business consultant since 2020. In addition, he served as an adviser for Edge Retail Academy, a jewelry industry consultancy.

“Stephen is a bright, smart and passionate individual with experience in running a successful and profitable retail jewelry store,” said Jeff Roberts, IJO’s owner and chairman. “His added expertise in succession and transition planning only adds to his long list of qualifications.”

Barnes told the audience he had a number of goals for IJO, which include revamping its education program, improving technology resources, and creating a blueprint for succession and store transition.

“The vision of IJO is to enhance the lives of its members through the power of unity,” he said. “Our goal is to grow stronger together and further solidify the integrity of our industry.”

Image: Stephen Barnes. (IJO)