From Vendors to Jewelry Store Employees: X% Off of Cost

I have to share this because it struck me as particular odd—My rep from Scott Kay was visiting the store last week (by the way—he is one of the best reps I have)—he wanted to introduce himself to my staff and discuss information regarding pricing, product lines, special orders, etc.

In store, we carry Scott Kay bridal as well as the sterling collection—so to get my staff excited about selling Scott Kay he told them about the discount offered by Scott Kay to employees…but before he disclosed this information he prefaced with, “Shanu, I’m not going to ask you if this is okay, because I know you’ll agree so here it is I’m going to tell them, while looking straight at me and in front of the staff, he goes on to offer them this heavy discount off of their merchandise during two particular months of the year.”

After the conversation—I went back to my rep and asked him, “Why did you preface the conversation like that? I’m glad you told them about the discounts offered to them. I definitely want them to wear as much product as they can afford, and in particular, lines we sell.” We all know—sometimes pieces sit in the case forever, but as soon as someone puts on the piece, “It’s sold.”

My rep went on to tell me—many owners do not like to divulge such information—that many owners do not want these discounts offered to their employees. I just don’t understand? Are you one of those who doesn’t want your brands to tell employees about special discounts offered to them? I’d love to know why? Isn’t it better if they’re strutting around with product on—don’t customers then get to see it and might even ask them where to buy such lines? Isn’t that free advertising?