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Retail News: Neimans’ Jewelry VP To Receive GEM Award; Signet CEO Steps Down; More October 15, 2014 (0 comments)
Neiman Marcus Exec Pelzel To Receive GEM Award
New York, NY—Larry Pelzel, vice president and divisional merchandise manager of Precious Jewels of Neiman Marcus, will be the recipient of the GEM Award for Lifetime Achievement at the 13th annual GEM Awards on January 9, 2015, at Cipriani 42nd St in New York.
The announcement was made Tuesday by Jewelers of America, sponsors of the award.
The GEM Award for Lifetime Achievement is granted to an individual for an accumulated career’s worth of contributions to the fine jewelry and watch industry. Honorees set a standard of excellence that serves as an inspiration to industry colleagues.
“Larry has an eye for beautiful jewelry, a talent for discovering jewelry designers and an unwavering passion for the jewelry industry,” says Norman Miller, GEM Awards chair. “His career is a shining example of everything the GEM Award for Lifetime Achievement stands for. We are honored to celebrate his contributions to the jewelry industry with this prestigious award.”
Pelzel has worked in the high-end luxury jewelry industry for over 34 years. He joined Neiman Marcus in 1980, working his way up from sales associate in Precious Jewels to his current position. From Neiman Marcus’ flagship store in Dallas, he oversees all aspects of the Precious Jewels Division from buying to the in‐house Design Studio, to promotions and advertising.
In 2012, Pelzel was inducted into National Jeweler’s Retailer Jeweler Hall of Fame.
11 Retailers Host Natural Color Diamond Association In-Store Event Program
New York, NY—The Natural Color Diamond Association (NCDIA) announced its 2014 fall and holiday schedule of in-store events. 11 fine jewelers across the United States are participating in the program, which allows NCDIA retailers to showcase a wide variety of natural color diamond jewelry from the organization’s global designer and wholesaler members.
Participating jewelers include: David Craig Jewelers (PA), Denney Jewelers (IL), Rasmussen Jewelers (WI), Carter's Jewel Chest (AR), Ross Elliott Jewelers (IN), M. Lemp Jewelers (NY), Colonial Jewelers (MD), Devon Fine Jewelers (NJ), Jack Lewis Jewelers (IL), Long Jewelers (MA), and Gundersons (IA).
“Our first show with NCDIA was a huge success in a typically slow month of the year. The beautiful merchandise sent by various vendors was well priced and attractive to our customers. We definitely would like to do another show,” said NCDIA member Nancy Schuring of Devon Fine Jewelers. She also noted marketing materials and staff educational materials provided by the organization were extremely helpful.
To learn more about hosting an NCDIA natural color diamond event in store, call (212) 644-9747 or click here.
Signet CEO Barnes Steps Down; Mark Light Takes Over
Akron, OH—Mike Barnes, CEO of Signet Jewelers Ltd., has stepped down. Mark Light, currently president and COO, will assume the CEO position and also take Barnes’s place on the board of directors.
According to a report in National Jeweler, Barnes resigned to be closer to his family in Dallas. The former president of Fossil watches and accessories, he assumed the position in 2011, replacing Terry Burman.
Light, who has been with the company for more than 30 years, has been instrumental in its key strategic initiatives, including the acquisition of rival Zale Corp. earlier this year. His appointment is effective October 31.
Signet is one of the largest jewelry retailers in the world, with more than 3,000 stores operating in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, under the banners of Kay Jewelers, Jared the Galleria of Jewelry, Zales, and more.