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Retail And Industry News: Zillion Innovation Council; Adrienne Fay Promoted; SoCal 24K Honors; More September 11, 2019 (0 comments)
Key Industry Leaders Tapped To Join Zillion’s Jewelry Innovation Council
Palo Alto, CA—Zillion, the jewelry insurer that offers 1-Click insurance at point of sale, has formed the Zillion Jewelry Innovation Council and tapped venerable jewelry industry leaders Phyllis Bergman, Ronnie VanderLinden, Jeff Fischer, and Patti Geolat as its founding members. All four have served on—and in most cases chaired—industry boards and organizations such as the Jewelers Board of Trade, American Gem Society, 24 Karat Club of NY, Women’s Jewelers Association, U.S. Jewelry Council, Diamond Empowerment Fund, and the World Diamond Council.
The purpose of Zillion’s Jewelry Innovation Council is to bring industry experts together to discuss opportunities and overcome challenges to providing more transparency and value-added services to the jewelry industry. With its primary focus on better serving the end customer, the council seeks to help the industry create differentiation and better experiences for consumers.
Key industry leaders tapped for Zillion's Jewelry Innovation Council include, from left, Phyllis Bergman, Ronnie VanderLinden, Patti Geolat, and Jeffrey Fischer.
“We are excited about the approach Zillion has taken to provide increased transparency to customers” said Ronnie VanderLinden, who also serves as president of Diamond Manufacturers & Importers of America. “The industry is ready to expand consumer education, and provide new solutions to an ever-changing customer.”
“Council members are interested in promoting the industry they love and to create customer delight in partnership with jewelers and industry stakeholders,” said Adam Black, Zillion co-founder and managing director. “We are aligned and overjoyed to be in partnership with four industry experts who have dedicated their careers to bettering the jewelry industry.”
Phyllis Bergman, former CEO of Mercury Ring added, “We have always been at the forefront of change, and we look to continue our efforts to exceed customer expectations.”
Borsheims Promotes Adrienne Fay To VP Overseeing Customer Experience
Omaha, NE—Borsheims has promoted Adrienne Fay (top of page) to vice president overseeing the customer purchase journey. In this newly created role, Fay will ensure that customers shopping online, by phone, or in person will have the same excellent experience that has been a hallmark of Borsheims since its founding in 1870.
Fay is a 15-year veteran of Borsheims, most recently serving as director of marketing and business sales. In that role, she led the marketing team, grew and managed Borsheims’ business sales division, and guided the store’s philanthropic efforts. She also oversaw the store’s participation in the annual Berkshire Hathaway shareholders weekend, including the shareholder-only parties at Borsheims and the mini-Borsheims at the exhibitor’s hall.
In her new position, Fay will bring together every part of the store that interacts with customers, uniting them in an omnichannel approach. It’s a strategy Borsheims has been focusing on as it moves toward its 150thanniversary. Among the changes the retailer is making include:
- Implementing and converting to a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution;
- Developing ‘virtual showroom’ technology to allow the sales team to create personalized selections for retail and business customers;
- Implementing new e-commerce and Gift Registry platforms that allow for ease of navigation and ordering for customers;
- Promoting new customer outreach tools, both in traditional and new media methods;
- Creating a new role, e-commerce fulfillment specialist, dedicated to ensuring online orders and customer interactions receive the same exemplary customer service as in-store purchases, and
- Unveiling a new corporate gifts online ordering functionality, working with companies, educational institutions, and nonprofits throughout the United States to help reward their employees.
Borsheims president and CEO, Karen Goracke, believes in the importance of serving the customer however they choose to shop. “Customers value Borsheims’ integrity and quality, and we in turn value making shopping a seamless experience for them no matter how they come to us. Whether it’s an online sale, a live chat that leads to an in-store consultation, or research conducted on borsheims.com for a special purchase, we are designing all our business functions with the customer in mind. Adrienne has the ideal skills to lead us in that direction.”
Berkshire Hathaway chairman Warren Buffett echoed, stating, “Borsheims has been in business for nearly 150 years due to its leaders’ ability to adapt to the environment around them. The evolving business focus and Adrienne’s promotion to this new role are evidence of that.”
Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California Announces 2019 Honorees
Beverly Hills, CA—The Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California and its board of directors are pleased to announce the Club’s 2019 honorees, who will be recognized during its 75th Annual dinner dance and gala, set for Saturday, October 12 at the Montage Beverly Hills.
This year’s Excellence in Service honorees are retailer Bill Jones of Arkansas-based Sissy’s Log Cabin, and gem dealer Ruben Bindra. Additionally, the organization will bestow its 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award on Terry Chandler, president of the Diamond Council of America. The Lifetime Achievement Award was created to recognize an individual who has made significant contributions to the jewelry industry throughout his or her career.
Bill Jones, CEO of Sissy's Log Cabin, left, and Lifetime Achievement honoree Terry Chandler, president of Diamond Council of America
Jones is the CEO of Sissy’s Log Cabin, with locations in Pine Bluff, Little Rock, and Jonesboro, AR, and Memphis, TN. He is an award-winning jewelry designer, a board member of various national trade associations, and also is a real estate developer. Bindra, meanwhile, started B & B Fine Gems with his wife in 1985. Today B & B Fine Gems imports fine quality gemstones from over 13 countries and has clients in more than 14 countries around the world.
Ruben Bindra, B&B Gems
“Bill and Ruben have both made a tremendous impact on our industry, and exemplify a high standard of professionalism, business ethic and a commitment to excellence, true to the 24 Karat Club’s mission,” said Silvia Raz, president of the Southern California 24 Karat Club.
Of Chandler, Raz highlighted his many years of service throughout the industry as both a successful retailer and association executive. “Terry is a gifted professional with a proven dedication to this industry, truly worthy of this honor and recognition,” she said.
The event is black tie optional. For tickets, sponsorship and more information on the honorees, please contact Marlowe Sutton, info@jewelers24kclub.com or call (310) 375-6300.
CA Police Shoot, Kill Robber Following Jewelry Store Heist
Glendora, CA—One suspect is dead and another remains on the loose following a robbery Friday at a jewelry store in Glendora, CA, about 25 miles east of Los Angeles. Local police responded to an armed robbery call shortly after noon Friday, September 6. After securing the area—including placing two nearby schools on lockdown—they cornered one of the suspects, who was subsequently shot and killed. A second armed suspect remains at large and a third, a female found in a waiting vehicle, was arrested.