Read NJN Online Retail Forum Attendees' Perspective on the July 29, 2008 event!

“It’s about time this happened. The jewelry industry needs this. This event is well positioned to become very valuable in the years to come."
- Au-Co Mai, CEO of Emitations.com

“It was very informative. The speakers were very in touch and willing to share information!”
- Jim DeNatale, Vice President, DeNatale Jewelers

 “Myself and the other members of Majorvault.com all agree that the forum was a huge success sharing much needed information, confidence and energy for many Jewelers who are looking to adapt to the growing e-commerce channel of the Retail Jewelry Industry.”
- Corey Frons, Operations Executive, Major, Markens, and Cambridge Jewelers

"Just a quick note of thanks regarding the the NJN Online Forum. 
It was quite good and very informative. Thank you!"
- Joe Wieder President of JWieder, Partner on GemNation.com

"I thought the conference was outstanding, and I learned so much about marketing Jewellery on the internet.”
Anne-Marie Warburton, B.A., J.B.M. (GIA),
- President, Gallery Gemma Inc. Jewellery Art, Ontario, Canada

PRESS RELEASE

Jewelers Ready to Seize Growing Online Market Share

New York (July, 29, 2008) – Amid the glitz and glamour of the JA Summer show this week in New York City, approximately 200 progressive jewelers convened at the sold out National Jeweler Network Online Retailing Forum.  Senior executives from Fred Meyer, Jewelry Television Network and leading independents Moeller Jeweler and Von Bargen’s as well as successful pure play e-tailers Ice.com and Goldspeed.com shared strategies and discussed how retailers must act now to position their brand online line and in the years to come.

Online retailing experts including Mike Gottfried of Google, Michael Ober of Yahoo!, Scott Silverman of Shop.org, and Neil Kugelman of Goldspeed.com and Don Davis of Internet Retailer addressed the audience and answered numerous questions surrounding issues from managing a successful cost per click campaign to complex questions regarding ensuring the security and integrity of shipped product.  In addition, the group was joined by online jewelry giants Pinny Gniwish of Ice.com, JT Thome of Jewelry Television and Kirsten Darrow and David Kohel of Fred Meyer who openly shared the lessons they’ve learned as seasoned online retailers.

This invitation-only event for independent jewelry retail executives was open to those just beginning to explore online opportunities and seasoned internet marketers alike and the audience reflected the diversity and breadth of the internet jewelry market.  Much was discussed regarding strategies to sell in a down market as well as what to do now to prepare for the ground swell of community shopping sites and social networking tools online.  In addition, speakers spoke to email campaign management, search engine optimization, costumer service management and fulfillment. 

Sponsors at the event included Customer Connect, International Gemological Institute, Ideal Diamond Solution, GemFind, GCAL/AGL and MGeller. During the discussion of 3rd party partnerships Jay Gerber of MGeller highlighted the importance of maximizing your core competencies, setting goals for your online business and finding the right solution partner for your needs.

After months of planning the National Jeweler Online Retailing Forum was a tremendous success.  The attendees were incredibly enthusiastic and engaged showing their continued interest in online retail and readiness to explore opportunities in multi-channel marketing.

About The National Jeweler Network and The Nielsen Company
National Jeweler Network (NJN) is part of The Nielsen Company, one of the world's leading publishing and information companies. Our industry-leading publications include National Jeweler and Couture International Jeweler, the official business journal of Couture. The Nielsen Jewelry Group is part of the Nielsen Company that produces more than 50 conferences and trade shows annually for professionals in fields ranging from presentations and training to travel, design and retail merchandising.

The National Jeweler Network Online Retailing Forum is an invitation-only event for independent jewelry retail executives. The academically-based forum is geared to foster thought leadership and forward-thinking ideas to help retailers solve current and future business challenges. The event is positioned to address the strategies, processes, and technologies/services surrounding key online transactions for jewelry retailers including distribution, marketing and merchandising. To learn more about attending or sponsoring future events, contact Maria.Palombini@nielsen.com or call +1.646.654.4959.

Attendee Demographics
Whether you're a business owner or marketer, our goal is to provide valuable and actionable knowledge. Newbies and seasoned internet marketers alike will find something they can take back to their jewelry store.

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