INDUSTRY IN FLUX The entire trade has, by now, become keenly aware of the increasing pace of change in our industry, and your excellent article ("Where will consumers buy their jewelry in 1999?" May JCK, p. 188) addressed the subject well. A full exposition of the subject would consume a book, but a few points bear some additional comment. To a significant degree, the average independent jeweler is beset with problems that do not necessarily come from head-to-head competition with the chains, such as: The independent has always relied on his personal contacts with his community. In today's megalopolis it is very difficult to maintain that identity, or to transfer it to the next generation. Some retailers report that fully 25% of their customer base turns over each year, partly a reflection of our society's mobility. The toughest competition often comes f