Hope you’re all is staying healthy and safe. Wishing the best to everyone.
Our podcast guest this week is probably someone all of have heard of, even if—until now—you may not have heard from him. He’s Bruce Cleaver, the chief executive officer of De Beers.
In this episode, he gives his view on the such hot-button issues as the state of the diamond industry, in the immediate and long-term; whether De Beers should offer credit; and Lightbox and lab-grown diamonds. There’s a lot of insight about how the head of one of the most important companies in our industry sees the world. You can listen here.
This week in Diamond Shavings. Is there hope for J.C. Penney? How about Sears and Neiman Marcus? Why influencers may shake out too. All below.
Why the U.S. reopening is looking choppy, and what do about it.
– More than half of jewelers say they are reopen for business.
– Jewelers recouped Mother’s Day closures digitally.
– Reena Ahluwalia: Emerging trends that will drive the jewelry industry.
– JCK list of cancellations, reschedulings, reopenings (updated regularly).
Thirty percent of small business owners have tapped into personal savings.
– Survey reveals minority-owned businesses are struggling to get PPP loans.
– Many small businesses not helped by stimulus.
– JCK coronavirus resource page (updated regularly).
How retail experience may be changed forever.
– Shoppers “slowly trickling” back to stores.
Five retail winners during COVID-19.
J.C. Penney files for Chapter 11, wants less debt and fewer stores.
– Why its e-commerce strategy failed.
– Chapter 11 is Penney’s best shot.
– But it still may not be enough.
– Shareholders want a voice.
Report: Amazon may buy J.C. Penney.
– Another “huge mistake”?
– Amazon has finally found a way into the fashion space.
– Can Amazon save luxury fashion?
Nordstrom pulls the plug on upscale boutique chain Jeffrey.
Pam Danziger: What killed Neiman Marcus.
Lawsuit claims Hudson’s Bay engaged in “corporate shell game.”
– Saks, Lord & Taylor miss debt payments.
Sears’ survival is in doubt, again.
Macy’s sees $10 billion in sales up for grabs.
Walmart shuts down Jet.
Jadelle Jewelry and Diamonds tries to stop involuntary bankruptcy.
There’s no more Baselworld, as fair drops name (and maybe city).
Diamond Producers Association to abandon “Real Is Rare.”
– Russell Shor: “Now is the time” to engage customers with diamonds.
Sally Morrison becomes De Beers’ PR director for natural diamonds.
Swarovski names Giovanna Battaglia Engelbert as its creative director.
JBT elects Ann Arnold as chair.
Sally Rowley, jewelry-maker and freedom rider, dies of COVID-19.
Rabbi Yochanan Follman, former diamond dealer, dies of COVID-19.
Botswana ends seven-week lockdown.
French jeweler Chaumet makes daring move on e-chat.
Swatch Group’s Breguet sets new price record on Watchfinder.
The “coming influencer shakeout.”
Brooklyn, N.Y., jeweler’s plea goes viral.
Jewelry houses rally toward COVID-19 relief efforts.
Jeweler supports frontline workers with “NY Strong” pendant.
Ten jewelry movies set in New York City.
How she’s managing: Susan Thea Posnock. (Way better than me.)
From the Blog
Why the U.S. Reopening Is Looking Choppy—and What to Do About It
From the Podcast
The Jewelry District, Episode 19: Guest Bruce Cleaver
Have a safe and healthy weekend.
– Email: rbates – at – jckonline.com.
– Twitter: @robbatesjck
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