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Gems, Games and Generosity: How RJO Members Are Redefining the Holiday Rush

ARTICLE IMAGE 1 Gems, Games and Generosity: How RJO Members Are Redefining the Holiday RushReading Time: 34 minutes
Key Takeaways:

• Winning the holiday season for independent jewelers begins well before winter arrives.

• Insights from an RJO survey show that late-summer planning is critical to avoiding peak season chaos in November.

• Store owners are leveraging early strategic planning to redefine their approach to the holiday rush.

For independent jewelers, winning the holiday season starts long before winter falls. In a recent RJO-facilitated survey, store owners shared key insights, telling us that late-summer planning is essential to avoiding November chaos. Alex Breaux of Family & Co Jewelers recommends mapping out campaigns during back-to-school downtime—advice echoed by several other retailers. They also stressed back-end auditing: Kendra Harris of Jayson Jewelers urged store owners to re-cost gold inventory to protect margins. At the same time, Drew Rasmussen of LR Jewelers warned to stick with vendors offering ready-to-ship stock.

Once the foundation is set, jewelers focus on elevated in-person experiences. Whether store owners promote their proprietary store brand or lean on trusted partners like Allison Kaufman, Ostbye and Ania Haie, face-to-face connection remains vital. From low-cost traffic drivers like Doug Schlotthauer’s three-dollar watch cells to experiential events and showroom gamification like “Care Plan Bingo,” local jewelers give clients compelling reasons to shop local. Read on to explore their distinct blueprints for seasonal success.

image 5 Gems, Games and Generosity: How RJO Members Are Redefining the Holiday Rush

Blase DeNatale Jewelers (Forked River, NJ) — Anthony Massa

At Blase DeNatale Jewelers in Forked River, NJ, Anthony Massa told us they like to play the long game with the store’s holiday strategy, preferring simple, sustained promotions over flashy, attention-grabbing sales. Their top brand recommendations are PeJay Creations and Alamea Hawaii, both of whom Anthony said he loves working with because they are family-oriented and friendly. When it comes to quality, they highlight the excellent craftsmanship and modern designs of PeJay Creations, and the “quality silver” and “exceptional larimar” of Alamea Hawaii. His approach is to focus on one item in a series, then for each following occasion, highlight another item in the series until the collection is complete.

For the holiday season specifically, they go with a timeless strategy: “keeping it simple.” They begin their holiday sales and promotions in the second week of November and run them until the end of the holiday season. They told us that running promotions on timeless items like natural diamond studs, solitaire pendants and inside-outside hoops brings customers into the store. But their biggest recommendation? “Utilize your wishlists.” Women are encouraged to build wishlists so that the team can then follow up directly with their spouses or partners to drive holiday sales. 

image 8 Gems, Games and Generosity: How RJO Members Are Redefining the Holiday Rush

Doug Schlotthauer (Hartford, WI) — Doug Schlotthauer   

Doug Schlotthauer in Hartford, Wisconsin, told us successful holiday sales are built on trust, beautiful collections and reliable entry-level service. When it comes to recommending a standout brand, Schlotthauer highly praised the Gabriel & Co line. He said the pieces in this collection are exceptionally beautiful and the company is remarkably easy to work with, making the seasonal rush much smoother for the store’s operations.

To capture shoppers’ attention and drive immediate foot traffic, he told us the store relies on a highly effective, low-cost service incentive: three-dollar watch cells. This affordable promotion gets people through the door, giving the sales team a perfect opportunity to start bigger conversations. Once customers are engaged, the team secures their confidence and closes high-value jewelry sales by highlighting a lifetime guarantee. By pairing an affordable service driver with a powerful commitment to long-term quality, Schlotthauer creates a holiday strategy that turns a simple three-dollar watch cell service into a lifelong customer relationship.

image 4 Gems, Games and Generosity: How RJO Members Are Redefining the Holiday Rush

Michael and Son’s (Reno, NV) — David Lorenz

From Michael and Son’s in Reno, Nevada, David Lorenz told us their holiday marketing playbook focuses on capturing the budget-conscious shopper early with high-impact events and accessible luxury. They said they strongly recommend retailers focus on lab-grown diamond pieces—specifically earrings, pendants and bracelets. The main selling point is affordability, allowing gift buyers to buy beautiful pieces without stretching their budgets.

To launch the holiday season with energy and drive immediate store traffic, they told us they utilize a powerful catalyst: a 60% off for six hours Black Friday Sale. This limited-time event is their primary engine for getting things started, creating immediate urgency and drawing a crowd at the holiday kickoff. To sustain this momentum throughout the season, Michael and Son’s pairs its blockbuster sale with highly targeted outreach, distributing direct-mail gift cards alongside beautifully curated catalogs in both print and digital formats. By blending incredible, time-sensitive savings with accessible lab-grown inventory, they said they build a high-velocity holiday strategy that translates into early, consistent seasonal sales.

image 6 Gems, Games and Generosity: How RJO Members Are Redefining the Holiday Rush

Family & Co Jewelers (Marlton, NJ) — Alex Breaux

From Family & Co Jewelers in Marlton, New Jersey, Alex Breaux told us she urges early preparation because “there’s no worse feeling than November hitting and there is no plan in place.” She recommends starting at the end of summer when business is typically slower, as “school is starting back and people are finishing vacations.” This downtime is ideal for designing festive visual branding to build anticipation consistently across print and digital platforms.

In-store, the retailer told us they showcase inventive collections like Variety Gem’s movable jewelry and Allison Kaufmann’s timeless designs with unique twists. To maximize conversions, Family & Co said they deploy a tiered “gifts with purchase” program—which was “a huge hit” last season—alongside a versatile holiday gift guide promoted online and on in-store posters. They told us, “We found that the guides sold pieces while people waited to be helped,” and they also gave sales staff an easy conversation starter for undecided shoppers. By combining proactive preparation with engaging collateral, Family & Co creates a seamless holiday blueprint for showroom success.

image 7 Gems, Games and Generosity: How RJO Members Are Redefining the Holiday Rush

James Martin Jewelers (Dubuque, IA) — Lucas Doland

Lucas Doland of James Martin Jewelers told us that his passion for gemology inspires him to seek out adaptable, distinctive holiday designs that offer both beauty and a compelling story. For the season, he highly recommends the IDD Luxe Moze collection, particularly for its innovative interchangeable heads. The collection offers exceptional styling versatility, making it especially appealing to holiday shoppers looking for jewelry they can enjoy in a variety of settings.

To build momentum early in the season, Doland told us the store relies on its Anniversary Sale as its primary promotional driver. Launching the event in November allows James Martin Jewelers to capture holiday purchases before the late-December rush. The strategy generates early seasonal revenue while positioning the store as a destination for meaningful milestone gifts. It also encourages customers to return over time, building relationships as they add to their collections for future celebrations and special occasions.

image 9 Gems, Games and Generosity: How RJO Members Are Redefining the Holiday Rush

Elliott’s Jewelers (Huntsville, TX) — Elliott Herzlich

At Elliott’s Jewelers in Huntsville, TX, a multi-generational family history in diamond cutting shapes the store’s approach to creating a distinctive customer experience. He told us that promoting his proprietary brand, rather than relying on vendor branding, gives customers a reason to shop specifically with Elliott’s. That philosophy extends to his exclusive, by-appointment concierge model, which allows the team to provide a more personalized experience. They also use flexible value-added incentives to make holiday purchases feel especially memorable, from gifts with purchases to partnerships with local florists that provide customers with gift cards for roses and poinsettias.

Their connection to the Huntsville community is equally central to their holiday strategy. They told us that supporting local charities and food drives allows the store to give back while strengthening relationships throughout the community. One of their most significant efforts is sponsoring a local dinner honoring widows, where Elliott’s provides flowers, candy and gifts for attendees. The event gives the store a chance to make a meaningful contribution while generating valuable local press coverage. By combining personalized service with genuine charitable involvement, Elliott’s builds goodwill that extends well beyond the holiday shopping season.

image 10 Gems, Games and Generosity: How RJO Members Are Redefining the Holiday Rush

Makepeace Jewelers (Watertown, SD) — Jill Makepeace

At Makepeace Jewelers in Watertown, SD, Jill Makepeace told us her single most successful holiday collection is Levy Creations’ Honeycomb Series. She stocks up on these beautifully crafted, collectible pieces well ahead of the season because they are consistent wishlist favorites for local shoppers. This targeted inventory preparation ensures the showroom can meet eager early demand, allowing clients to steadily build their jewelry collections over multiple gifting occasions while turning initial holiday transactions into enduring, long-term customer relationships.

To launch the season, Jill told us they host a signature Ladies’ Night annually on the Thursday before Thanksgiving. By partnering with neighboring downtown retailers, they transform the evening into a unified, community-wide celebration. The high-energy event routinely draws over 150 women downtown to enjoy champagne, snacks and raffle prizes while actively filling out their in-store wish lists. This collaborative effort generates immediate holiday foot traffic and creates a powerful pipeline of pre-qualified seasonal sales for the store.

image 11 Gems, Games and Generosity: How RJO Members Are Redefining the Holiday Rush

Gem Gallery (Bozeman, MT) — Jason Baide

At Gem Gallery in Bozeman, MT, creating an engaging holiday experience goes beyond the jewelry itself. Jason Baide told us that the store uses high-traffic experiential events, including National Rarities buying events, to bring customers through the doors and create opportunities for personalized clienteling. They also add a playful element to the showroom with a whimsical Gemstone Gumball machine, giving visitors an unexpected and memorable interaction. These experiences help turn a holiday shopping trip into something more engaging while giving the team additional opportunities to connect with customers and build relationships.

Behind the scenes, they told us, the store keeps its team energized through friendly competition and carefully planned incentives. Sales Floor Bingo adds a game-like challenge to the holiday rush, while Pass the Buck rewards employees for landing the biggest holiday sale. They also offer additional SPIFFs on aged inventory to motivate the team to move merchandise that has been sitting longer. Baide emphasized that successful holiday execution starts well before the season arrives, with a highly structured plan and clear goals. Just as important is securing adequate staffing levels in advance, ensuring the team is prepared to handle increased traffic while maintaining the personalized service customers expect.

image 12 Gems, Games and Generosity: How RJO Members Are Redefining the Holiday Rush

Hager Jewelry (Hutchinson, MN) — Mark Cormier

Mark Cormier of Hager Jewelry told us that trusted vendor relationships play an important role in keeping the holiday season running smoothly. He recommends SDC and Berco Jewelry for their high level of customer service and dependable, timely holiday deliveries. Having confidence in these vendor partners helps the store maintain inventory levels during the busiest weeks of the year while reducing the stress that can come with last-minute orders and seasonal demand. 

Community involvement is another key part of the store’s holiday strategy. Cormier told us that Hager Jewelry kicks off the season with a highly successful Small Business Saturday charity event, offering customers a $10 bracelet or necklace, with all proceeds donated to a local charity. Cormier has long been an integral part of the Main Street community, and the store still works closely with its active Main Street organization. They continuously participate in community events and activities throughout the season. To keep shoppers informed, they make frequent Facebook announcements at no cost, using the platform to promote upcoming events and encourage local customers to visit. This grassroots approach helps generate steady foot traffic while strengthening the store’s connection to the community.

image 13 Gems, Games and Generosity: How RJO Members Are Redefining the Holiday Rush

Jayson Jewelers (Cape Girardeau, MO) — Kendra Harris

At Jayson Jewelers in Cape Girardeau, MO, Kendra Harris told us that strong brand partnerships can drive both customer engagement and holiday sales. The store works closely with Allison Kaufmann, whose fashion, color and bridal collections are supported by a protected retailer website and a range of marketing assets, including billboards and mailers. Another successful initiative is the store’s “Rock Tour,” a diamond-buying promotion that focuses on Earth-mined diamonds while showing clients that the store actively shops with their individual needs in mind.

Behind the scenes, Kendra told us that Jayson Jewelers keeps its team motivated while tackling aged inventory through creative sales games. A breakroom BINGO card features different sales categories, with cash rewards for completing squares and an additional blackout bonus. Their “Merry Spiffmas” game similarly highlights cash payouts for selling older merchandise. “It’s fun to mark those sold items off the poster and pay out the employee,” Harris told us. “We often create more than one poster for the season!” Harris also emphasized smart inventory management, including re-costing in-stock gold inventory to protect margins as market prices rise. At the same time, the store aggressively reorders fast-selling items to keep popular merchandise available throughout the holiday season.

image 14 Gems, Games and Generosity: How RJO Members Are Redefining the Holiday Rush

Marquirette’s Exquisite Jewelry (Montgomery, AL) — Lyle Fields

Lyle Fields of Marquirette’s Exquisite Jewelry in Montgomery, AL, told us that planning holiday promotions well in advance is essential for maintaining momentum throughout the season. Rather than relying on a single major sale, the store builds a multi-phase promotional calendar designed to reach shoppers during different buying periods. Their schedule includes a Pre-Thanksgiving Blowout to capture early holiday traffic, followed by a Christmas Special aimed at shoppers making their purchases closer to the holiday. The season then continues with an After-Christmas Sale, giving the store another chance to attract customers and maintain sales momentum after Christmas.

They also told us that getting jewelry directly into customers’ hands is an important part of their selling strategy. Through physical “test drives,” shoppers are encouraged to try on pieces and experience how they look and feel before buying. This hands-on approach can help turn interest into confidence and ultimately into a sale. Fields emphasized that successful holiday campaigns require more than simply choosing promotions; retailers should map out their strategy early, allowing enough time to prepare marketing, inventory and staff for each phase of the season.

image 15 Gems, Games and Generosity: How RJO Members Are Redefining the Holiday Rush

Randy Arnett Jewelers (Clarksdale, MS) — Randy Arnett

At Randy Arnett Jewelers in Clarksdale, MS, Randy Arnett told us that embracing lab-grown diamonds is a primary focus for driving holiday sales. As president of the Mississippi Jewelers Association, Randy is strategically expanding his showroom selection to offer high-value, modern diamond choices for local clients. Specifically, he purchased the lab-grown Labyrinth line, along with a broad selection of lab-grown inventory, ranging from classic fashion studs and pendants to complete engagement rings and bridal sets. This diverse assortment allows the store to capture both budget-conscious gift buyers and milestone bridal clients.

To launch the holiday season with high energy, Arnett told us they rely on a structured, multi-event kickoff schedule. They host a dedicated Ladies’ Night alongside their annual Christmas Open House, typically held during the first or second weekend of November. Scheduling their Open House in early November serves as the official launch of their Christmas selling season, drawing enthusiastic local crowds into the showroom and establishing vital sales momentum well before late December.

image 16 Gems, Games and Generosity: How RJO Members Are Redefining the Holiday Rush

Parker Jewelers (Carlisle, PA) — Josh Durham

At Parker Jewelers in Carlisle, PA, Josh Durham told us that one of their most important strategies for protecting the business from price comparison is building a strong brand around the store itself, since, as he said, “those things can never be shopped.” By consistently promoting the Parker Jewelers name, they create an identity that extends beyond individual products or vendors. He told us that this store-focused branding gives shoppers a reason to choose Parker Jewelers based on its reputation, service and overall experience, helping create a stronger competitive advantage.

Durham also told us that targeted specialty events effectively generate traffic and engage specific groups of holiday shoppers. Their event strategy includes dedicated Estate, Wedding Band and Buying events, each designed to address a particular customer need. They use client-targeted holiday flyers to promote these opportunities and reach shoppers most likely to respond. Planning these campaigns and operational details early is essential, allowing the team to prepare inventory, staffing and marketing materials well before the holiday rush begins.

image 17 Gems, Games and Generosity: How RJO Members Are Redefining the Holiday Rush

Jo & Co. Jewelers (Hardy, VA) — Joanna Gruver

At Jo & Co. Jewelers in Hardy, VA, they told us that offering a range of price points is essential to capturing every level of holiday gifting. They create a balanced brand mix that allows customers to find the right piece for their budget and style. Trend-focused Ania Haie serves the accessible fashion customer, while the Kelly Waters Légère Collection provides strong value. For clients seeking something more personal, they rely on Shah and its exceptional custom department to handle higher-end, bespoke requests. By combining these brands, they told us they can meet a wide range of customer needs without sacrificing quality or style.

They also said their proprietary “Jo & Co Dough” program is a powerful tool for driving engagement and repeat business. The rewards currency gives customers an additional incentive to shop and return throughout the year. To generate traffic during the holiday season, they supplement the program with BOGO promotions, National Rarities estate-buying events and their Anniversary sales. They told us that combining accessible price points with creative promotions and a unique store reward gives shoppers more reasons to visit, purchase and return, helping keep the showroom active throughout the holiday season.

image 18 Gems, Games and Generosity: How RJO Members Are Redefining the Holiday Rush

R.C. Wahl Jewelers (Des Plaines, IL) — Heather Wahl 

At R.C. Wahl Jewelers in Des Plaines, IL, Heather Wahl told us that their approach to holiday traffic is rooted in reputation rather than discounting. Instead of relying on promotions to bring shoppers through the door, they focus on building a strong reputation that encourages satisfied customers to leave organic reviews. They told us these authentic recommendations drive store visits and reinforce the showroom’s value without requiring continual discounts. 

They also told us that keeping their sales team motivated during the holiday rush is all about making competition fun. Their lineup of daily and weekly games includes Care Plan Bingo and a Try-On Game, which rewards employees each time a customer tries on a designated piece. The Race to 10,000 Days awards points based on item age to encourage movement of older inventory, while Pass the Buck uses a roaming $20 bill that changes hands when employees make larger sales. Client Outreach Challenges add another layer, keeping the team focused on proactive customer engagement throughout the season.

image 19 Gems, Games and Generosity: How RJO Members Are Redefining the Holiday Rush

LR Jewelers, Inc. (Cedar Falls, IA) — Drew Rasmussen

At LR Jewelers, Inc. in Cedar Falls, IA, Drew Rasmussen told us that emotional storytelling can transform a jewelry purchase into a more meaningful experience. When presenting fashion lines, they share the histories of vendors and artists behind the pieces, then connect those stories to the customer’s own relationship or personal milestone. They told us that giving a piece history and personality helps customers envision its significance beyond its design or price. Their approach also extends to their Estate release events, which create urgency by giving shoppers the chance to be among the first to browse newly acquired pieces. They told us these events consistently draw eager crowds, with customers excited to arrive early and discover what has just been released.

By combining meaningful storytelling with a sense of anticipation, they create a showroom experience that feels both personal and exciting. Their strategy demonstrates how retailers can use the history behind a piece and the excitement of a limited-time release to give customers compelling reasons to engage, return and purchase. Rasmussen told us, “Remember we are in the emotion and love business!”

image 20 Gems, Games and Generosity: How RJO Members Are Redefining the Holiday Rush

Dahlkemper’s Jewelry Connection (Erie, PA) — Katherine Dahlkemper

At Dahlkemper’s Jewelry Connection in Erie, PA, Katherine told us that the right brand partners should provide more than beautiful merchandise. Their preferred partners include Ostbye, ASHI Diamonds, ARKK, Diamond Expressions and Allison Kaufman, all of whom they value for flexible payment terms, co-op marketing support and a collaborative approach to managing aged inventory. Katherine told us these partnerships create shared opportunities for success while giving the store greater flexibility during the busy holiday season. She said, “As a third-generation jeweler, we appreciate working with another multigenerational family business that stands behind its jewelry.” That shared philosophy helps build lasting relationships based on trust and mutual support.

She also told us that their holiday strategy balances incentives for customers and employees. Customers can take advantage of tiered savings, including their Holiday Mailer offering up to $300 off, along with special financing and complimentary gift wrapping. Behind the scenes, they keep their team focused with structured daily and weekly SPIFFs, plus milestone bonuses tied to performance. Clear rewards for both shoppers and staff help maintain momentum throughout the season, encouraging customers to purchase while giving employees extra motivation to reach their goals.

image 21 Gems, Games and Generosity: How RJO Members Are Redefining the Holiday Rush

Cahill-Pribyl Jewelry & Gifts (Keokuk, IA) — Amy Mefford

At Cahill-Pribyl Jewelry & Gifts in Keokuk, IA, Amy Mefford told us that versatile jewelry is an especially smart focus for the autumn-to-holiday season. Their recommended collections include Elle Jewelry, Monte Luna and Marathon crosses, offering styles that can transition effortlessly from everyday wear to holiday occasions. Amy told us, “We really strive for unique, timeless pieces that can be worn with jeans or fancy dresses.” By emphasizing adaptable pieces, they appeal to shoppers looking for meaningful gifts while also offering designs customers can enjoy year-round.

Amy also said the store benefits from the energy and nostalgia of Keokuk’s downtown Main Street Christmas celebration. With festive lights, carolers and Santa creating a magical atmosphere throughout downtown, the event naturally brings shoppers into the area and through local storefronts. For their team, creating a welcoming in-store experience matters as much as the merchandise. They told us that their goal is to serve as a comforting “light” during what can be a stressful shopping season, making the experience feel warm, easy and enjoyable. By combining versatile jewelry with genuine hospitality, they turn holiday shopping into a more memorable experience.

image 23 Gems, Games and Generosity: How RJO Members Are Redefining the Holiday Rush

Pat Anderson’s Jeweler (Yazoo City, MS) — Pat Anderson & Wife 

At Pat Anderson’s Jeweler in Yazoo City, MS, Pat Anderson and his wife told us they rely on high-delight, experiential promotions to invite shoppers into their third-generation store. During local holiday parades, they split pairs of diamonds and hand out single gems paired with postcards inviting recipients to visit the showroom and claim their matching half. This clever street-level marketing strategy boasts an impressive 90% response rate, generating immediate foot traffic and bringing excited parade-goers directly through their doors.

Once inside the showroom, they told us they replaced traditional, messy catering spreads with festive gift bags filled with high-quality candy. Each bag includes a “Willy Wonka”- style chocolate bar with a gift card worth anywhere from $10 to $200, plus randomly dropped Concept Marketing pearl earrings. Anderson told us this playful gamification removes the stress of seasonal shopping, replacing it with pure fun and creating a memorable experience that builds long-term customer loyalty.

image 22 Gems, Games and Generosity: How RJO Members Are Redefining the Holiday Rush

Nelson Jewelry (Spencer, IA) — Tom Nelson

At Nelson Jewelry in Spencer, IA, Tom Nelson told us that experiential events are an effective way to create excitement and bring shoppers into the store during the holiday season. Their brand mix includes Ostbye, DiaExpressions, Bentelli, Ania Haie and INOX, helping them cover essential fashion and men’s price points. They also create memorable shopping experiences through specialized events, including “Whiskey and Watches,” developed in partnership with a local distillery. Their custom remounting “Design Days” give customers a chance to reimagine existing jewelry, while a curated holiday lookbook offers another way to showcase seasonal ideas and inspire purchases.

Tom told us that maintaining a polished showroom is just as important as creating the right customer experience. Their team regularly conducts “broken windows” tests, looking at the store through a customer’s eyes to identify anything that appears cluttered, neglected or out of place. They also emphasized the importance of greeting customers from their side of the counter, rather than creating a physical barrier that can discourage conversation. By keeping the showroom crisp and welcoming while encouraging natural dialogue, they said they create an environment where customers feel comfortable browsing, asking questions, and exploring holiday purchases.

image 24 Gems, Games and Generosity: How RJO Members Are Redefining the Holiday Rush

Godwin Jewelers (Thomasville, GA) — Ronnie Godwin

At Godwin Jewelers in Thomasville, GA, they told us that Gabriel & Co is their top holiday brand recommendation for styling and marketing support. They make strong use of Gabriel’s professionally designed marketing assets to create polished, consistent promotions and coordinate monthly store events. By maintaining a steady cadence of events throughout fall and winter, they keep the store visible and relevant to customers throughout the holiday shopping season. 

They also told us that maximizing each customer interaction means motivating their sales team to focus on add-on opportunities. In addition to offering healthy commissions, they use immediate SPIFFs to reward associates for selling additional products and services, including lifetime jewelry care plans. These incentives give employees a tangible reason to increase transaction sizes while providing customers with added value and protection for their purchases. By combining consistent community-facing events with performance-based sales incentives, they create a holiday strategy designed to drive steady showroom traffic and maximize every sale.

image 25 Gems, Games and Generosity: How RJO Members Are Redefining the Holiday Rush

Alan Miller Jewelers (Oregon, OH) — Cody Miller

At Alan Miller Jewelers in Oregon, OH, Cody told us that partnering with neighboring businesses can create meaningful goodwill while adding value for customers. One successful strategy is to buy gift cards from local restaurants and give them to clients after larger jewelry purchases. The approach rewards customers while directing business back into the local community, creating a mutually beneficial holiday promotion. They also told us that dependable vendor relationships are essential to keeping the showroom running smoothly. They recommend Seiko for its unparalleled customer service, Mercury for its lab-grown diamond options and Allison Kaufmann for easy, attentive ordering.

They also told us that high-traffic showroom events are an important part of their holiday strategy. Ladies’ Night brings customers together for an energetic shopping experience, while one-day LeVian events create urgency and give shoppers a reason to visit at a specific time. Their “Whiskey and Watches” events add another experiential element, combining product discovery with an engaging social atmosphere. By pairing local partnerships and customer incentives with well-timed events and reliable vendor support, they create a holiday strategy that strengthens community connections while driving traffic and sales.

image 26 Gems, Games and Generosity: How RJO Members Are Redefining the Holiday Rush

Mark Loren Designs (Fort Myers, FL) — Mark Loren

At Mark Loren Designs in Fort Myers, FL, Mark told us that building a strong proprietary brand is central to their holiday strategy. They focus their marketing on the Mark Loren Designs brand itself, protecting the uniqueness of their custom work and giving customers a reason to shop with them. They also told us that watch battery services are an important driver of physical traffic, bringing customers into the showroom for a practical need and creating opportunities for additional conversations and sales. By keeping the store brand at the forefront while offering useful services, they maintain a distinctive identity and consistent customer traffic.

They also told us their strongest selling tool is their staff’s knowledge and expertise. They emphasized that the team’s personalized product knowledge lets them create a more compelling sales experience than relying on vendor marketing. For holiday operations, they told us that one of their most important pieces of advice is to overstaff as early as possible. Having additional team members in place before the rush allows them to respond quickly to customers, maintain service levels and take full advantage of increased holiday traffic.

image 27 Gems, Games and Generosity: How RJO Members Are Redefining the Holiday Rush

Beckers Jewelers (West Burlington, IA) — Bill Becker

At Beckers Jewelers in West Burlington, IA, Bill told us that strong, long-term vendor partnerships are essential to keeping the showroom fresh and the business flexible. They value Allison Kaufman, Gems One, ASHI and Malo for their appealing styling, stock-balancing programs and easy-to-use websites. Bill told us that these multigenerational partnerships provide dependable support while making it easier to manage inventory and respond to changing customer demand throughout the holiday season. By working with vendors that understand the realities of independent retail, they can maintain a compelling assortment while building relationships that extend well beyond a single season.

Bill also told us that experiential selling is central to creating holiday excitement and bringing customers into the store. Their Holiday Catalog, tiered savings events, and gold-buying events give clients multiple reasons to visit throughout the season. Once customers are in the showroom, the team focuses on “features/benefits” and, above all, “romancing” the jewelry. Bill told us that the goal is to move beyond a simple transaction by creating a wonderful, memorable experience around every piece and every interaction. This approach helps customers connect emotionally with their purchases while encouraging them to return, celebrate milestones and share their experiences with others.

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