Jack Mitchell, author of Hug Your Customers, is one of the keynote speakers slated to address jewelers attending the JCK Invitational, set for Feb 4-6, 2007, at the New York Hilton Hotel. Mitchell will share his how his business philosophy based on “hugs”–personal touches that impress and satisfy customers–is effective.

“Everyone loves a Hug,” says Mitchell. He said the concept is what made his third-generation family specialty stores such a success, and that the jewelry industry is a natural for embracing those practices.

Shane Decker, a national diamond and jewelry sales trainer and consultant, will address the ongoing Internet issue with his session “The State of the Jewelry Industry vs. The Internet.”  He will focus on the challenges jewelry retailers face from increasing Internet jewelry sales today by giving tips to overcome the challenges.

John Kennedy, president of the Jewelers Security Alliance, will bring together a panel of security professionals to discuss current issues of jeweler security and crime.  The discussion will cover the latest security devices, tips on how to secure the premises, and best practices of use of security services and devices from independent and major retail chains.  Speakers include David J. Sexton, vice president for loss prevention, Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company; supervising detective Sergeant Scott F. Guginsky, commanding officer, Organized Theft Task Force, New York City Police Department; and the security directors of a major jewelry chain and an independent retailer. 

“Thefts at jewelry retailers’ account for millions of dollars worth of lost goods a year, and our goal is to bring these occurrences down,” said Kennedy. “We have created a dynamic educational panel discussion on what the worst security mistakes are, and will have professionals tell retailers what they need to be aware of.” 

The JCK Invitational is produced by JCK, the leading producer of trade events in the fine jewelry industry.  For registration and exhibit information log onto www.jckgroup.com or call (800) 257-3626.

JCK