written by Aleah Arundale
We all like the idea of shopping small, but when it comes to actually making that purchase, I feel that those who do not have a small business themselves, do not really understand how or why they should do so. We can’t just say #ShopSmall and expect that to resonate with people. We as small business owners need to do more. Give them them a reason WHY. Remind them “Why they should shop with the independent retail jeweler and you will sell more jewelry. We asked small business owners in the JHJ community what their greatest strengths were. With a little help from my friends, here are 9 reasons WHY you should support them.
1. Excellent Experience
Because jewelry is personal and intimate. What is intimate at a big box store? Passion for excellence and detail and service to blow them away giving them an excellent experience of buying something they will use to create a happy memory, possibly for many generations. – Stacey Horcher
2. Better Product
Retail is not just about supporting your community. At the end of the day, I also appreciate a superior product. We should avoid relying on the emotional pull of shop local and focus on our finer quality jewelry. – Matthew Johnson
3. Knowledge
An independent jeweler is passionate and incredibly knowledgeable. Independent jewelers are a wealth of resources and experiences at your fingertips. Much more than a novice can accumulate through web surfing even with weeks of scrolling. – Jody Darlene Kahlich
4. Unique Product
You can tell your customer there is only one ring like this in the world -Dwaine Ferguson
5. Service
I legitimately care if the customer is happy. I’m not just trying to hit a number or get that credit app. Worked at a major chain for way too many years before I made the switch. I’m genuinely embarrassed about how I was trained to treat customers there. – Kaitlynn Coffey
6. Caring Relationships
I care that your Dad now has Alzheimer’s and you have to sell Mom’s ring to pay for your Dad’s care. I loved hearing the story of him refurbishing cars and winning ‘Best In Show’. The sentimental stories are why we care. The “corporate and big box” stores usually don’t allow for those types of relationships to develop.- Yhtac Kciwner
7. Flexibility
Tell your customers that independent jewelers can go outside of corporate policies and be flexible with clients as needed. You can offer in house financing, discount to match if needed, waive fees for repairs etc. – Sicily Von
8. You Help Your Own COMMUNITY
Buying from a small store, you are supporting someone’s dream of being part of a community an independent. When people want a donation for their fundraiser they always hit the small stores and not the box store. Why because they see the owner is invested in the community. Small stores are paying their fair share of taxes that help pay for education in their community (school). The money stays in the local economy. – Joseph Shiver
9. We’re Your Neighbor
“Similar to your local pharmacy or neighborhood grocery, supporting your independent jewelry store with your purchases ensures they’ll be around when you need that repair. Their overhead is often lower, so they can offer competitive pricing. When you call your local jeweler with a question or an issue, you’re not going to get an auto attendant and spend the next 20 minutes on hold. We’ve been right here, waiting to help you, the whole time.”
– Wendy
