Have You Branched Out…Glassware and Gifts?

You mention that the requests are for personalization. For me, this
raises a different set of questions. Where are these items being
purchased? Are they are being sold at a low profit/high volume
outlet. Do you want to compete for a low profit sale? Are they are
being sold for a reasonable profit, but the seller is missing the
add-on sale of personalization. How are you going to be competitive
is you add these products and don’t have personalization. Are
these requests coming from consumers that would be profitable
customers for you? And finally, why are they coming to you for the
personalization after making a purchase elsewhere? Is it your
marketing efforts? Is it because you don’t carry the right
lines? Is it because your “brand” image excludes this
kind of product? Sorry that my questions outnumber the answers.

I've heard the top is Swarovski (especially the annual star
ornament come the holidays), but also heard good things about
Lladro and Waterford crystal. Best bet is to take a long look at
the closest upscale (or upper mid-market like some Macy's)
department store's giftware/crystal and china department. For
example, my local Macy's has Lladro, as does the local Bailey Banks
& Biddle. Obviously they wouldn't carry the line if it didn't
sell well, BUT could a small local jeweler compete with their
selection and pricing? However, you have to be careful with
giftware. It requires quite a bit of space to display nicely (glass
cabinets/shelves) and has a low average ticket. To get the best
bang for your buck, you'll also need to find and advertise to the
collectors. Last but not least, make sure you know how carrying the
line will impact your store brand. Will carrying Lladro make you
seem traditional or old-fashioned? Will Swarovski make you seem
trendy or fashionable? Does it make you seem more upscale or more
downmarket? Signet had to pare back H. Samuel's collectibles
department because they did so much volume there that customers
viewed the store as a gift shop instead of a jewelry store.

I've heard the top is Swarovski (especially the annual star
ornament come the holidays), but also heard good things about
Lladro and Waterford crystal. Best bet is to take a long look at
the closest upscale (or upper mid-market like some Macy's)
department store's giftware/crystal and china department. For
example, my local Macy's has Lladro, as does the local Bailey Banks
& Biddle. Obviously they wouldn't carry the line if it didn't
sell well, BUT could a small local jeweler compete with their
selection and pricing? However, you have to be careful with
giftware. It requires quite a bit of space to display nicely (glass
cabinets/shelves) and has a low average ticket. To get the best
bang for your buck, you'll also need to find and advertise to the
collectors. Last but not least, make sure you know how carrying the
line will impact your store brand. Will carrying Lladro make you
seem traditional or old-fashioned? Will Swarovski make you seem
trendy or fashionable? Does it make you seem more upscale or more
downmarket? Signet had to pare back H. Samuel's collectibles
department because they did so much volume there that customers
viewed the store as a gift shop instead of a jewelry store.

I've heard the top is Swarovski (especially the annual star
ornament come the holidays), but also heard good things about
Lladro and Waterford crystal. Best bet is to take a long look at
the closest upscale (or upper mid-market like some Macy's)
department store's giftware/crystal and china department. For
example, my local Macy's has Lladro, as does the local Bailey Banks
& Biddle. Obviously they wouldn't carry the line if it didn't
sell well, BUT could a small local jeweler compete with their
selection and pricing? However, you have to be careful with
giftware. It requires quite a bit of space to display nicely (glass
cabinets/shelves) and has a low average ticket. To get the best
bang for your buck, you'll also need to find and advertise to the
collectors. Last but not least, make sure you know how carrying the
line will impact your store brand. Will carrying Lladro make you
seem traditional or old-fashioned? Will Swarovski make you seem
trendy or fashionable? Does it make you seem more upscale or more
downmarket? Signet had to pare back H. Samuel's collectibles
department because they did so much volume there that customers
viewed the store as a gift shop instead of a jewelry store.

collectible lines are great. we do fantastic withthem. I would
highly recommend. It has a better return than loose dia's. Lladro
is a line no one carries and allows full price sales. lalique is
also a great line. All giftware is sold at high margins with little
competition. Invest early and get the return before everyone else
does.

The only things you need in your store: Lladro Swarovski The two
best sellers. I heard from stores carrying these that people are
"crazy collectors" about this stuff and will come in and purchase
numerous items as a time. They both said its equal to "whatever
your bread and butter line is."