OWNER: Elizabeth Gibson; URL: elizapage.com; FOUNDED: 2004; OPENED FEATURED LOCATION: 2005; AREA: 1,200 total square feet; DESIGNER: Kasey McCarty Interior Design; TOP BRANDS: Eliza Page, Dilamani, Facet Barcelona, Shaesby, Midas, Zoe Chicco, Marika Desert Gold, Armenta, Lashbrook, Jennie Kwon, Jade Trau, Scribe; EMPLOYEES: 5 full-time, 1 part-time; ONLINE PRESENCE: 56,100 Instagram followers, 122 Google reviews with a 4.9 star average; BUILDOUT COST: $150,000

Eliza Page

ELIZA PAGE HAS been known as a “cool store” around the jewelry industry for a long time. But it was only after last year’s renovation that owner Elizabeth Gibson decided to enter INSTORE’s America’s Coolest Stores competition — and won it on her first try.

“It’s exciting for the jewelry business to see more independents that are unique,” says Gibson. “When I opened 20 years ago, there weren’t a lot of stores like mine, and now there are, which is cool. I think that just shows that today’s clients want a boutique experience, a more intimate experience. Austin definitely caters to that; that’s the culture of our city.”

While the city itself may boast the motto of “Keep Austin Weird,” Eliza Page was still an outlier when Gibson opened the store in 2004. Her original location in south Austin was “terrible,” as she puts it, so she quickly moved into her current location downtown the following year. But she was distinctly lacking in neighbors.

AMERICA’S COOLEST STORES 2023 SPONSORS

“I was the first retailer to open in the 2nd Street District,” Gibson recalls. “It was just empty store fronts around me. There was probably some naivete in my choice, but I knew downtown was going to grow.” Today, Eliza Page is a stalwart presence in a thriving retail area that includes independent restaurants, boutiques and one of Austin’s top live music venues, Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater. The store has evolved over the past 20 years, but it remains true to Gibson’s original vision: to create an approachable environment that showcases fashion-forward, artisan-created jewelry in a boutique setting that feels more like an art gallery than a traditional jewelry store.

Starting a New Chapter

Gibson didn’t come from a jewelry family like many of her fellow independent retailers did. In fact, she didn’t even intend to be a jeweler. She began her career in marketing after receiving a college degree in English. But jewelry-making had always been something she loved, starting with beads, friendship bracelets and pins, and wirewrapping.

“I had started taking metalsmithing and wax carving classes locally. I wanted to make real jewelry,” says Gibson. “As I started to sell it locally as a hobby, I realized that Austin didn’t have a cool store. You couldn’t find fashion-forward jewelry here. Austin is hip, trendy but independently minded, and it supports local retailers so well. I decided to open a store and see what happened.”

She opened the store on a shoestring budget and a prayer. “I literally had to turn down a $100 change order when we were doing the buildout because I didn’t have investors backing me, I just had to make it work,” she says. The gallery space looked different back then, with a cash wrap at the back, independently designed fine jewelry in the wall cases and costume jewelry in the center.

Over the years, engagement and wedding jewelry became an unexpected profit center. “We didn’t start out selling wedding rings and bridal,” says Gibson. “Our clients asked for it, so we started making and selling it, and it’s been a strong part of our business for many years now.”

Today, all of the bridal jewelry sold in the store is from the Eliza Page line or custom designed — a service that wasn’t offered in the original incarnation of the store. “We sold designer bridal for years, but our clients didn’t want that, so we created our own bridal line, and that’s what we sell.”

The store has also phased out costume jewelry (“that customer went away during the pandemic,” says Gibson) and replaced it with ear piercings and permanent jewelry. “The price point is low, so as a retailer, that’s not exciting, but from a lifetime customer standpoint — my staff told me we’ve got to keep offering it. It’s brand-building and relationship-building,” says Gibson.

Turning the Page

When she initially designed Eliza Page, Gibson intended the space to be an open canvas that could be adapted in years to come as the business evolved. In 2022, the time was right to make a major change — in part because of what was happening next door.

The neighboring tenant moved out, leaving an empty space, which would allow Eliza Page to operate temporarily out of that location while the store was being renovated. “I knew that kind of thing only happens every few years, so it was kind of a ‘now or never’ renovation,” explains Gibson. The business functioned in the temporary space for three weeks while the renovation was completed.

Concrete floors were replaced with hardwood. Walls were moved to create a private piercing room. Wallpaper was strategically hung in the center of the back wall to add a pop of color and texture. A large TV screen was placed on the same wall to play marketing videos. And a gorgeous new light fixture, which looks a lot like big gold bubbles floating near the ceiling, was mounted.

Custom furniture, including a new point-of-sale station and floor display cases, was built and installed throughout the store. The cash wrap was built to be slightly smaller and was placed in the middle of the store against a wall so that customers wouldn’t walk around it. The floor showcases are gold-toned with wood accents and are slightly larger than the previous cases. Plus, an extra showcase has been added to help accommodate more jewelry. “We only have 1,000 square feet to work with in the showroom, so we had to maximize our showcase space as much as possible,” explains Gibson.

One of Gibson’s favorite features of the remodel were built-in desks for staff. “Jewelry is a lot of account management, back and forth with vendors and clients, so we are giving our team members a private space to do that,” she says.

The private ear-piercing area has been a hit with clients who prefer an elegant, calm environment to the raucous energy of a tattoo parlor or the inexperience of hourly employees in chain boutiques like Claire’s. “A lot of moms come with their daughters,” says Gibson. “We spend a lot of time with these clients and get a lot of really great reviews.”

The addition of piercing as a category at Eliza Page came about during the pandemic. “Piercing parties had started to become a trend, and we were just about to do our first with a local tattoo artist when the pandemic happened and we weren’t able to,” says Gibson. But then, Sirandyn Wayne, a longtime employee that Gibson calls the store’s “Swiss army knife,” volunteered to learn how to pierce. As the pandemic receded, more and more people came in for piercings.

“We have medical-grade sanitizing equipment, and we’re regulated by the state. They say we’re the most sanitary jewelry store in the city that does piercings,” says Gibson. “Some clients are really needle-phobic — we’ve had a couple of people pass out — so we have snacks and waters and Cokes, so we’re prepared!”

The store also now features a small semi-private consultation area at the back, which can serve as either a private diamond and custom showing area or a place for permanent jewelry to be welded onto wrists. “One positive coming out of the pandemic is that people like to make appointments now, so we are able to make sure that we don’t have a permanent bracelet welding at the same time that we have a custom-design client,” Gibson says.

With the renovation, Gibson was able to retain the open gallery feel while raising the overall look of the store. “It’s still a welcoming, less intimidating environment, but we wanted to elevate the materials and the design to better fit the product we’re selling. We hope to grow our average retail sale and bring our customer into bigger, better jewelry purchases.”

Growing Together

“I know the store’s named after me,” says Gibson. “But the reason why Eliza Page is successful is the people who work here.”

The small team is comprised entirely of female employees — an eclectic and multi-talented group, according to Gibson. “We have a unique combination of sporty (wakeboarders, tennis players), skilled (a ceramicist and an Austin Community College bench jewelry professor) and fantasy-loving ladies (Harry Potter and Dungeons and Dragons fans).”
Eliza Page offers GIA AJP training to all staff, online sales training, and the sales and marketing staff has been sent to market trips in

Vegas, Scottsdale, Tucson, and Lafayette. “Our sales and marketing team members get to see our partner designer and vendors’ entire collections and learn about the jewelry firsthand from the makers and owners. It’s so important to put a face to the people we work with so closely, growing the relationships beyond phone calls and emails,” says Gibson.

The team also enjoys an annual staff retreat on the Tuesday after Labor Day every year, which generally takes the form of a spa day or a trip to the nearby Texas wine country area. “I think that you want to come to work and enjoy your colleagues,” says Gibson. “I try to create a relaxed environment. I give people a lot of flexibility and understanding that life gets in the way sometimes. I’ve never worked in a truly corporate environment; it’s not for me or anyone who works here.

“They work really hard to go above and beyond for our clients. That’s what boutique stores do. The Small Cool stores are pretty special; we have to wear a lot more hats.”

Eliza Page’s marketing incorporates in-house photography of the store’s jewelry on models. The campaign above shows how jewelry reflects the inner self.

Five Cool Things About Eliza Page

1. MARKETING KNOW-HOW. The Eliza Page marketing team includes a director, a social media coordinator and a graphic/web designer/photographer. The brand gets traction on TikTok, where it regularly receives hundreds of views of its tongue-in-cheek videos. “People my age are still on Facebook, but the younger generation isn’t,” says Gibson. “My team has a great vision, they’ve pushed me into being more edgy. We still want to be as luxury as possible, but Austin is funky, so I hope we do both of those things well.”

2. WHOLESALE LINE. Gibson recently introduced a wholesale line called Scribe to the industry at large. The line is based on acrostic stylings, with each gemstone representing a letter. The emblematic designs are inspired by European ironwork, antique architecture and nature. A Scribe medallion won 1st Place in the Personalized Jewelry category of this year’s INSTORE Design Awards.

3. CONNECTION THROUGH EVENTS. Creative in-store events are a hallmark of Eliza Page. For Mother’s Day, the store highlighted tennis bracelets and necklaces with a tennis-themed event. It included a balloon arch for photo ops, bouquets for clients, and branded Eliza Page swag with purchase. The team also wore EP-branded tennis sweaters. And for a color-themed trunk show with designer Armenta, the store brought in a person to read clients’ “color aura.”

4. MATERIAL ADVANTAGE. The recent renovation included not only a new hardwood floor, but also a point-of-sale station and built-in desks and cabinetry handmade by a local carpenter out of solid walnut. The meeting table at the back of the store is marble and is surrounded by custom upholstered velvet chairs. An antique wood and glass display case was outfitted with custom-built brass legs in order to combine old with new.

5. NON-TRADITIONAL HIRES. Most of the team at Eliza Page did not have prior jewelry experience. “Having a jewelry background is great, but you can’t train people to be kind and smart and hard-working. So that’s what I’m looking for first,” says Gibson. “I didn’t have a traditional jewelry background when I opened the business. I believe in the individual, that they can rise to the occasion if they want to and we give them the training. We want them to be passionate about the customers and the product.”

PHOTO GALLERY (16 IMAGES)

{{gallery_holder}}

ONLINE EXTRA

What did you envision for the business when you opened the store in 2004?

GIBSON: “We originally designed the store as an open canvas. I wanted it to be a gallery — warmer and more inviting than most jewelry stores. This past year, we created a private room for ear piercings and maybe one day will turn into private diamond showings. We’ve also created a dedicated area for our bridal customers, including a table where we can sit and do the presentation. We have Eliza Page-branded champagne and try to create an intimate experience. We’re a downtown, modern store, so it has more of a downtown vibe than a lot of stores.”

Why did you choose to be in downtown Austin?

GIBSON: “There was probably some naivete in my choice, but I knew it was going to grow downtown. Of course, you have to find parking and often pay for that — although we validate for our clients — but Austinites are used to that. Our customers think independently, they’re individualists. That’s why they shop at boutiques. I had a second location for a while in a shopping center, and clients were always ‘just shopping.’ They weren’t really boutique customers who want something special. Our downtown clients don’t want to look like everybody else.”

What’s the story on your new wholesale collection, Scribe?

GIBSON: “I’ve seen jewelry collections for years, and I got really excited about the acrostic concept. We’ll see. It’s an old concept but we’re modernizing it, and I feel like it has a special story to tell. I’m always thinking about the collection from a business perspective as well as, ‘Are my clients going to like this and sell it? Does it have a great story? Can it be marketed? Can it be passed down?’ Everyone has to carry collections that speak to their brand and business model. About half of what we sell is customized — meaning, they pick their own stones. The other half buy the pieces the way they’re made. It’s a passion project. It has its own personality. I see this as a marathon, not a sprint.”

Did you compare notes with your friend Jennifer Gandia, who owns Greenwich St. Jewelers in New York (our Big Cool winner this year) and created her own wholesale line?

GIBSON: “Yes, Jennifer created her own line as well, called Astra, hand-enameled zodiac. As retailers, we see so much jewelry — and of course we get excited about new jewelry all the time — but we’re probably not moved to the ends of the earth by too many things. We’re not collectors; we’re businesspeople. Jennifer and I were talking about starting our own collections, and we thought, why not? We know how to make it, we understand the markup, we know what the client wants, we know what retailers want. So naturally, if we’re designer-inclined, we would make our own jewelry. We have all of the facilities to do so. It’s really more like a time, money and interest thing.”

Marketing is very important to you. What’s your current approach?

GIBSON: “By combining images of products alongside curated and stylized model shots, we invite people to explore the new, ultimate, everyday luxury in a realistic way. We’ve modernized our approach to connecting with customers by reaching out to them through SMS marketing as well as email campaigns. Creating new lines of communication such as videos on social media has increased our visibility and relatability with our customer base. In our holiday 2022 campaign, we aimed to showcase how jewelry can be a true reflection of one’s inner self, and how it can accentuate an individual’s personality. Our objective was to demonstrate that jewelry can serve as a person’s ultimate accessory. We utilized this campaign extensively across various digital media platforms and also in printed materials. This campaign performed significantly higher digitally and got a much more enthusiastic response from our clients in person than our previous year’s campaign.”

The post Store Renovation Elevates Austin Jewelry Boutique on the Leading Edge of Retail appeared first on INSTOREMAG.COM.

Kesslers
Grand Rapids, MI

An airy storefront with three walls of windows attracted the Kesslers Diamonds’ team to the space for their newest, and eighth, store, which now has a lounge, bar and booth seating. Founder Richard Kessler taught his team to treat the business as if it were their own, advice they took to heart, because when Kessler retired in 2019, the business became 100% employee-owned.

AMERICA’S COOLEST STORES 2023 SPONSORS

Shaftel Diamonds
Houston, TX

Keith Shaftel launched his business supplying loose
diamonds to wholesalers and local jewelers, later adding a retail showroom. With son, Danny, and daughter, Gaby on board, the family recently reinvented their store. Designer Jesse Balaity’s concept was based on Houston being a big city that doesn’t take itself too seriously, prioritizing fun and engaging over formal and controlled.

L. Priori Jewelry
Washington, D.C.

GIA graduate gemologist Lauren Priori left Philadelphia’s Jeweler’s Row in 2016 to start the kind of jewelry company she’d always wanted to work for. With an appointment-only business focused on custom engagement rings, the company has grown tenfold over six years. In 2021, Priori opened her third location in Georgetown.

Springer’s Jewelers
Portsmouth, NH

Owners Lily Beaulieu Mullen, who designed Springer’s newest store, and her sister, Zoe Beaulieu, represent the millennial fourth generation of family-owned Springers Jewelers, founded in 1870. Their Portsmouth store is at the gateway of the historic downtown on the ground floor of 100 Market, a high-end building that’s home to New England’s premier private club.

Occasions Fine Jewelry
Midland, TX

In 2021, collaborating with interior designer Leslie McGwire, second-generation owner Michael Fleck remodeled his store with a motif and palette he describes as desert luxury. “We wanted Occasions to be a luxurious celebration of everything that’s best about Midland, Texas, and its prairie landscape,” Fleck says.

SMALL COOL

William Travis Jewelry
Chapel Hill, NC

Wiliam Travis Kukovich, a fifth-generation metalsmith, designed his shop with Feng Shui principles in mind to harmonize the guest experience. Everything moves in a circular pattern, avoiding any entrapment of energy. As for marketing, video is essential, he says, because it captures the natural movement of the wearer and the play of light and form as the jewelry is worn.

Powell Jewelry
Wichita, KS

Dan and Lynn Hernandez own Powell Jewelry, which has grown over 90 years from a small store to a multiple brand retailer. Their newest store, designed by Leslie McGwire & Associates, represents a cutting edge, elegant, and classy design that stands out in Wichita with its Italian marble floors and museum cases accented in black, white and brushed gold.

John Thomas Jewelers
Albuquerque, NM

John Thomas Jewelers, owned by John Thomas Mead, occupies 1,500 square feet on the third floor of an office building with almost all alloy samples in bridal. The entire store is client facing with 5-foot wide pullout double level drawers that display more than 2,000 rings. With 3D software and 3D wax printers, a magnetic try-on station, and all of the accessible jewelry, it truly is a hands-on experience.

Dutille’s Jewelry Design Studio
Lebanon, NH

Second-generation jeweler Jude Dutille and son Beau began a major renovation of their full-service store with the help of Retailworks in late 2019. They relocated their workshop from the basement to the main floor, where customers can now observe the repair, design, and creation of jewelry on-site.

Water Street Jewelers
Guilford, CT

At Daniela Balzano’s store, customers have meaningful jewelry transformed into wearable art. Balzano has a commitment to ethical sourcing, independent designers, and sustainable packaging. The store, awash in natural light, is designed with a calming palette of turquoise, white and cream. Plants, natural wood and hand-built cases contribute to an artisanal feel.

The post These 10 Stores Were America’s Coolest Stores Honorable Mentions for 2023 appeared first on INSTOREMAG.COM.

“It’s life-giving, a connection to nature,” she says.

When it comes to retail, day-lighting, as it’s called, keeps a store feeling real and not artificial, sets customers at ease and boosts everyone’s mood. “It’s healthier to have natural light illuminating our built environments as much as possible,” she says.

Although natural light changes color and intensity throughout the day, and extreme sun coming in from east, south, and west windows can be challenging, that’s an issue that can be solved with adjustable window treatments.

“Northern light is best,” says Jay Colombo, a partner at Michael Hsu Office of Architecture in Houston, who designed the Zadok store. “It’s never direct, and there’s a lot of consistency and evenness to it.”

To balance natural and artificial light, Falk suggests multiple levels and types of lights that are similar in color temperature. Natural light would be combined with fixtures that provide ambient light, as well as accent lights and decorative lights.

“My go-to-temperature for retail is 3500K, with 3000K as a second option if 3500 isn’t available,” Falk says. “And all jewelers (should) know the importance of showcase lighting that makes jewels/diamonds sparkle, and that’s a 4100-5000K lamp.

“Of course, if the jeweler is in an enclosed shopping mall, they often don’t have access to natural light, in which case, artificial light has to do the heavy lifting, and then color temp is extremely important to get right.”

Warmth of Home
Zadok, Houston, TX

At Zadok’s 28,000 square foot location in Houston, facades on three sides of the building let natural light wash into the showroom. “You don’t feel like you’re in a fluorescent box,” says Jay Colombo, partner at Michael Hsu Office of Architecture, which designed the project. A two-story window wall faces north and illuminates the grand staircase with consistent, even northern light. Windows line the branded boutiques, too, as well as the offices, a feature appreciated by 40 back-office staffers. Glazing and screens on the building enhance energy efficiency and security.

Atrium Ambience
John Atencio, Lone Tree, CO

In general, mall stores are not known for natural light, let alone an abundance of it, but John Atencio’s location in a Lone Tree, CO, mall near Denver, takes advantage of its space under an atrium with sky lights. Light shines through a 14-foot ceiling designed with natural wood in a grid pattern. The jewelry designer’s newest location also features a sheer glass facade that wraps the storefront from floor to ceiling. “When it was complete, I stood back and said, ‘Wow,’” says Atencio, who opened the renovated store in 2018.

Light as Air
Bere, Pensacola, FL

Bere, which opened in 2017, is across the street from the airport, offering owners Barry and Laura Cole a view of the runway from their conference room. Pensacola is home to naval aviation and the Blue Angels, local themes Cole wanted to tie into the store with plentiful views of the sky. An entire wall anchors a bar, lounge and Breitling watch zone, where panel walls with rivets mimicking old airplane and antique propellers pay homage to the local military and aviation history.

See-Through Site
The Diamond Center, Janesville, WI

After 30 years in a huge but windowless space in a mall, the Yeko family moved their operation into a freestanding store with 270-degree views. Designed by Leslie McGwire in 2015, The Diamond Center has more than 2,000 square feet of glass curtain walls, with more than half of that glass tilted out to span a height of 24 feet, floor to ceiling. “When customers come in, the first thing they do is look up at the ceiling,” Steve Yeko Jr. notes. “There are lots of ‘wows.’” The store’s LEDs are all calibrated to simulate natural daylight, too, so daylight is not competing with a different color of light.

Bright and Sunny
Amanda Deer, Austinm, TX

Amanda Deer’s downtown Austin store is the epitome of what’s described as light and airy interior design. Live plants thrive in the natural light and add to the natural, organic feel, which is reinforced by wood floors and bowls filled with black sand that are used as unique display elements. It occupies a historical building in downtown Austin that was built in the late 1800s as a flour warehouse. Owned by Amanda Eddy, the store opened in 2017.

Sunlight Squared
Julz by Alan Rodriguez, Canton, OH

For his newest retail location, Alan Rodriguez purchased a former bank building that was built in 1950 and hadn’t been remodeled in over 40 years. Inspired by the design of an Apple store with a touch of Crate and Barrel, he gutted the structure and built out a two-story glass cube that’s the focal point of the store. This large window structure fills the store with natural light during the day and shows the changing weather background.

Sea Inside
Hamilton Butler, Hermosa Beach, CA

Hamilton Butler brings the outdoors in with its peacock motif and the light flooding in two large windows in the front of the store. Owned by Joni Hamilton and Shelia Butler, the store is an inviting, sun-splashed hangout for the beach community that they opened together in 2016. Sea grass carpeting, pale turquoise walls and a view of palm trees reinforces the vibe. “Even when you’re in the store, you feel like you’re outside at the same time,” Butler says.

Revolution Jewelry Works
Colorado Springs, CO

Revolution Jewelry Works, owned by Jennifer Farnes, has a spectacular corner view of the mountains in its recently expanded space.

Jewelry Set in Stone
Chelsea, MI

In 2022, the Jewelry Set in Stone team moved into the Clocktower building in downtown Chelsea, a historic structure that was once a stove factory. The second floor suite is blessed with light, tall ceilings and much more space than their previous location, a perfect setting for a custom-design business, says owner Stephen Kolokithas.

JustDesi
Beverly Hills, CA

JustDesi, owned by siblings Desi Kraiem and Justin Kraiem, stands out from its neighbors with its expansive windows, brilliant lighting and chic design.

King’s Fine Jewellery
Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada

After 38 years in a popular mall, King’s Fine Jewellery faced the decision of closing or relocating during a major mall renovation. Owners Brian and Nancy Nelson decided they weren’t ready to retire and purchased and built out a freestanding store in a new shopping center. In the new space they have two walls of glass windows, providing an abundance of natural light. They aren’t the only ones benefiting from natural light. A large school of cardinals, four varieties of angel fish and a collection of catfish thrive in a naturally planted, 7-foot-long aquarium.

Kesslers Diamonds
Grand Rapids, MI

Kessler’s location, its eight store, was chosen for its three walls of windows that provide an abundance of natural light. Kesslers Diamonds is employee owned.

The post These 12 Jewelry Stores Know How to Let In the Light appeared first on INSTOREMAG.COM.

The post Humor: That Time Mr. Clean Came to Visit appeared first on INSTOREMAG.COM.

OWNERS: : Dror and Helene Zadok and their three sons, Jonathan, Segev and Gilad; URL: zadok.com; ONLINE PRESENCE: 28,753 Facebook followers; FOUNDED: 1976; Opened featured location: 2021; AREA: : 28,000 square feet; 18,000 square-foot showroom; ARCHITECT AND DESIGN FIRMS: Michael Hsu Office of Architecture; Nina Magon Studio; SHOWCASES: Faubion Associates Inc.; Alliance;TOP BRANDS: Cartier, Vacheron Constantin, Roberto Coin, Zadok Collection, Mikimoto; EMPLOYEES: 48

Zadok family

MOVING INTO THE expansive new site of his family’s jewelry store in uptown Houston was bittersweet for Jonathan Zadok, who had collected a lifetime of memories at the former location. “That was where I grew up,” he says.

But nostalgia was trumped by excitement and the prospect of new memories, especially when his 5-year-old daughter walked into the new Zadok Jewelers, with its two-story foyer, artistic light fixture and rich, natural finishes, and said, “Daddy, this store is so much nicer than your old store!”

“You don’t realize how dated your old store was until you move into your new store,” Jonathan says. “Want the truth? Ask a 5-year-old. No one tells you the truth like a child.”

Zadok’s clients seem to agree. “I think the customers really love it: a new and fresh look, a cool, fun place to go,” Jonathan says. “We opened in March of 2021 right when people were starting to come out of their COVID hibernations. Most of them say they’ve never seen anything like it.”

Post Oak Place, the mixed-use project owned and developed by the Zadok family, houses their new 28,000-square-foot retail operation, double the size of its previous location, as well as space for two restaurants and five stories of office space.

Zadok Jewelers is owned by Helene and Dror Zadok and their three sons, Jonathan, Segev and Gilad. The entire family — parents, sons, daughters-in-law and children — were involved in store design discussions with Jay Colombo, partner at Michael Hsu Office of Architecture, which designed the entire project.

It was clear that the store’s design narrative would revolve around family.

Dror (a sixth-generation jeweler) and Helene Zadok came to Houston in 1976 from Jerusalem with two suitcases and a baby. Dror and Helene founded a small jewelry shop on prestigious Post Oak Boulevard and slowly built a business by embracing the community and taking a genuine interest in customers’ lives and milestones.

What began as a 1,200 square-foot storefront has grown slowly over time, expanding in its former location at least six times before the 2021 move.

Jonathan says the store has always been like an extension of their living room and no one wanted that to change, no matter the size. “We want people to feel like they are walking into our home,” he says.

They also didn’t want their customers to feel they had to dress up to visit. “We live in a Lululemon world,” Jonathan says. “We wanted the store to feel like you could walk in no matter how you were dressed. We spent many sleepless nights wondering how to achieve that.”

It was imperative, Jonathan says, to configure the floorplan to include inviting, smaller spaces, such as boutiques and intimate seating areas, in multiple lounges and bars. Because the architect designed both the building and the exterior, the company was able to determine how tall or small different areas of the store would be and strategically position seating areas. Colombo says the goal was to create places where clients can feel like they are the only ones in the store and where sales associates can chat with a client and not have it be over a showcase.

On the grand end of the scale, they did punch a hole through the first-floor ceiling to the second floor to allow a large light fixture to be hung. The contemporary fixture by artist Tom Dixon is a centerpiece that unites both floors. “Then things compress down again,” Colombo says. “Nothing is uniformly the same across the space.”

The exterior of the building is pedestrian-friendly with limestone and lush greenery along walkways. The interior is notable for a calming palette of warm wood, Italian stone flooring, and velveteen wall coverings juxtaposed with brass ornamentation and rich detailing. These high-quality materials and design elements, often found in luxury residences, create a space that’s soft and inviting.

The two-story atrium space and light fixture creates a touch of grandeur.

The beauty of the store can be felt as well as seen. “We wanted to make sure that things we selected were quite tactile,” says Colombo. “Brass, travertine, beautiful marble. They connect with people. There’s no laminate or fake material.”

Three sides of the building let natural light flood into the store as deeply as possible. “You don’t feel like you’re in a fluorescent box,” Colombo says. Windows line the branded boutiques, while another giant window illuminates the grand staircase with northern light, desirable for its consistency and evenness.

Zadok partnered with watchmakers and jewelers to create four in-store boutiques reflecting the look and feel of their respective flagship locations. On the first floor, boutiques dedicated to luxury watch brands include Vacheron Constantin, Jaeger-LeCoultre, A. Lange & Sohne, IWC and Cartier. The space is also home to 14 shop-in-shops.

“This space allows us to showcase the brands in a much better way,” says Jonathan. “We thought long and hard about how to not let the store look like a bazaar, with brand colors fighting each other.” They chose an overall color scheme that could wrap around and separate the brands without clashing with some of the brands’ brighter colors.

The second floor, branded as Upstairs at Zadok, starts with a bridal shop, a Champagne lounge and a design room equipped with a 3-D wax printer. The team collaborated with Nina Magon Studio to create an upstairs lounge that serves as an event space.

There’s also a pop-up store area where complementary designers can showcase their luxury products, such as sunglasses or handbags. “When you go to a store like Zadok, you know what to expect, but with the pop-up shop there’s always something new, something unique,” Colombo says. “They’re selling a lifestyle.”

Colombo says he believes the project was successful based on the family’s continuing feedback. “I’m happy to see the smiles on their faces,” he says. “It’s our job to take someone’s hopes and dreams and turn them into something that they can look back at and say, ‘Yeah, you guys nailed it.’”

The showroom is home to the latest design concept for Italian luxury watchmaker Panerai that includes the brand’s very first full bar.

Jonathan believes the goal of hospitality has been achieved. “It comes down to our people. It’s rare that you come to the store and don’t find a family member here. A concierge meets clients at the door, and if you’re a regular, someone always remembers your name, remembers what you like to drink and who your salesperson is. We want them to feel special and important.”

Dror and Helene have come a long way since they opened their first Houston store. “I think my parents feel it’s bittersweet, too, but they’re ecstatic to see their dream come true, building a store that has received national accolades and local customer raves,” Jonathan says. “My dad had dreamed about owning his own building for decades. We made it a goal and we’re very thankful we reached it.”

Five Cool Things About Zadok Jewelers

1. UPSTAIRS AT ZADOK. The second floor, a destination in itself, was designed to appeal to the bridal crowd, with hardwood floors and cooler, hipper furniture. The second floor is also the site of design stations, big events, piercing parties and trunk shows.

2. WORKING WITH FAMILY. “The best part is you get to see them every day. And the worst part is you get to see them every day,” Jonathan jokes. “We all get along with each other pretty well. We tend to agree on most things. We take the time to think through ideas and find common ground.”

3. LEGACY. The Zadok family were royal court jewelers in Yemen. They started out as silversmiths, but also made gold jewelry, Judaic objects and objects for
the home. “My grandfather immigrated to Israel in the 1930s,” Jonathan says. “He opened a store in the King David Hotel in Jerusalem in 1950, and my parents came to open a store in Houston after my dad worked in the Jerusalem store.”

4. GRAND OPENING. Gary P. Nunn headlined the grand opening bash at Zadok Jewelers, where 700 people stopped in over the course of the evening. Top executives from most of the watch and jewelry brands they represent attended. Attractions included multiple bars, a cigar bar, and a cupcake raffle for hidden gems.

5. BACK OF HOUSE. The new building has windows in the offices, which is much appreciated by 40 back-office staffers, from customer service reps and bookkeepers to watchmakers and jewelers. They also enjoy an upgraded kitchen and an open workspace. Before the move, it was a struggle to find a spot to put new hires. “The new store is conducive to collaboration, to creating a better environment,” says Jonathan.

PHOTO GALLERY (11 IMAGES)

{{gallery_holder}}

The post Houston Jewelry Store Expands into Its Own Opulent Space appeared first on INSTOREMAG.COM.

Customers are looking for curation in the form of gift suggestions and ease of shopping, like videos that link to shopping opportunities on the website and information about store hours that make Christmas shopping seem convenient, even on Dec. 24. When curating a gift guide, select pieces that range from affordable to over the top, suggests Shayne McCoy, founder of Straight Up Social. Make sure it’s an omnichannel effort. Create a separate landing page to promote your gift guide or publish it to a blog post. Then share it with customers in an email newsletter.

An Omnichannel Approach

The team at Houston’s Zadok Jewelers decorates both the interior and exterior of the store to create a festive environment and boost the holiday mood. It’s one touchpoint in the company’s 360-degree brand experience, which also includes a magazine, a digital and print gift guide and a bridal billboard. And because they display a video loop featuring holiday and party looks on seven LED panels facing Houston’s busy Post Oak Boulevard, the decorations take on a life of their own. In addition, an annual holiday gift guide is circulated to subscribers through a digital newsletter and used in local print publications. The in-house team chooses items based on what’s trendy and stylish in the market; customers love that the gift guide takes the guesswork out of holiday shopping. This year, the Zadok team has also created a bridal campaign billboard that promotes Zadok’s bridal boutique, a standout feature of their new store that opened in 2021.

The Murphy Bow

Murphy Jewelers’ signature “Murphy Bow” has become synonymous with the Murphy family business over the last few decades and is prominently featured in Christmas advertising, whether digital or direct mail. “It’s something our customers look for on special occasions, even telling their loved ones, ‘You better get me a Murphy Bow!’” says Mallory Murphy, who owns the business with her mom, Kim Murphy. “We often hear stories of families hiding it under the Christmas tree or inside a bag so as not to spoil a surprise.” Murphy Jewelers is based in Pottsville, PA.

Gifts with Purchase

Zorells owner Tim Ell concentrates on radio, TV and video, then reinforce the message with billboards in his Bismarck, ND, market. This year, the focus is on o ering products that can’t be easily comparison shopped and that come with incentives including gifts with purchase and interest-free fi nancing. Ell purchased a large quantity of necklaces and earrings to be used as the “irresistible gifts with purchase” for customers who spend a certain amount. Ell says that while many of his competitors advertise by claiming to have the lowest price, he prefers to add extra value rather than engage in a “race to the bottom.”

Having Fun with Instagram

Karen Hollis is the star of her unscripted Instagram video show for her Batavia, IL, K. Hollis Jewelers, whether she’s showing a few of her favorite holiday gifts, literally “spinning” into the holidays with dance moves or lying on the store fl oor petting her dog. She is her brand. And her brand is all about authenticity, spontaneity and fun. “What’s funny is people are calling the store and saying, ‘Do you still have that necklace you were wearing on Instagram on Tuesday?’ We had to start making a list of what I wore when because I couldn’t remember,” Hollis says. She has so much fun on social media that she’s put together a bloopers compilation of outtakes that she posts on April Fool’s Day

The Voice of the Business

Marc Majors, owner of Samuel L. Majors Jewelers in Midland, TX, appears in his own TV commercials, a personal touch that resonates with the crowd looking to buy local and buy small. “Anybody can take video or pictures of product and make a generic commercial, but when you add the personal touch of being in your own commercial and talking about your business, then it seems more important,” he says. “I also voice my own radio spots, and people seem to gravitate toward that as well. I’ll be in the grocery store talking to the cashier and someone will tell me they recognize my voice.”

Finding the Right Niche

Maejean Vintage is based in Lancaster, PA, and was founded over a decade ago as a global online business specializing in vintage and antique jewelry. But their showroom is open by appointment, so co-owner Laura Mae advertises in the local Fig Magazine as a way to connect with their local customer base. “It’s pretty much the only print advertising we routinely partake in,” she says. “The magazine is local and focuses on fascinating and inspiring stories, guides, and community. When deciding upon print advertising for our unconventional and niche business, the right fi t was especially important.” For this particular holiday ad, social media coordinator Heidi played model. “We decked her out in some of our most glamorous and sparkly pieces with a holiday inspired look!” Mae says.

All About the Jewelry

Rick Nichols, owner of Nassau Jewelry Co. in Fernandina Beach, FL, has been advertising in the local Amelia Island magazine for seven years, and shoppers bring in the ads or mention they’ve seen them year-round. Readers tend to be over 40 and not active on social media, so it’s a good way for Nassau Jewelry to connect with what is a desirable demographic for them. Nichols doesn’t mention Christmas in his holiday-season ads because he doesn’t believe it’s necessary and he prefers simplicity. “People are aware it is Christmas,” he says. “In the end, it’s about the jewelry.”

The post 13 Holiday Marketing Examples That Simplify Gift Giving appeared first on INSTOREMAG.COM.

Zadok Jewelers
Houston TX, founded 1976

Judges say Zadok Jewelers is a fine example of an elite luxury retailer across all facets of their business. Their fully revamped e-commerce website, launched to coincide with the opening of their new store in 2021, is one of the best in the business. The move, which brought the showroom to a sprawling 18,000 square feet, also delivered 14 shop-in-shops, four boutiques, and interior finishes best described as opulent, rich and elegant. Zadok was founded in Houston by Dror Zadok and his wife, Helene; their sons, Jonathan, Segev and Gilad represent the seventh generation of the family business with roots in Jerusalem and Yemen. Architect and design firms include Michael Hsu Office of Architecture and Nina Magon Studio.

Craig Husar
Brookfield, WI, founded 1968

Craig Husar, in honor of the company’s 50th anniversary, decided to pursue his lifelong dream of building a freestanding store and designing it himself. He collaborated with Swarovski to create the Star of Husar, the largest star-shaped chandelier in the Midwest, which is suspended inside a 40-foot tall, halo-topped tower. Judges also noted that Craig’s personal story adds allure to his brand. Before returning to the family jewelry store founded by his father, Lyle, Craig worked as exhibition director for treasure hunter Mel Fisher. “Who wouldn’t want to buy jewelry from a treasure hunter?” says judge Mitchell Clark. The architect was Jeff Stowe, So Architecture, LLC.

Murphy Jewelers
Whitehall, PA, founded 1913

Judges describe Murphy Jewelers’ third store, which debuted in 2020, as warm and comfortable. Modern, open-air casework, a cozy fireplace, 86-inch TV and a bar serving Pottsville, PA-made Yuengling beer, combine to make everyone feel at home. The factory building-style exterior design has a retro vibe that speaks to the company’s storied history, while the online presence is well integrated into the business and by no means an afterthought. The store was designed by owners Mallory and Kim Murphy, with some help from their cousin, Annie Murphy, an interior designer.

Hale’s Jewelers
Greenville, SC, founded 1856

Lucian Lee opened a stunner of a new store in 2021 with an update of Hale’s, the 166-year-old retail jewelry business that he spent a lifetime growing. Judge Bruce Freshley of Freshley Marketing describes the architecture as jaw-dropping. “It’s actually one of the most dramatic retail stores of any kind I have seen in years,” he says. But the raves didn’t stop with the store design. Judges were also impressed with Hale’s community involvement and family-first spirit. “Hale’s may be the oldest business in Greenville, but this store is a breath of fresh air,” says judge Mitchell Clark. Architecture and interior design by DP3 of Greenville.

Revolution Jewelry Works
Colorado Springs, CO, founded 2013

Revolution Jewelry works has grown by leaps and bounds since Jennifer Farnes founded it in 2013. The latest iteration of her custom operation brings the total footprint to 4,300 square feet and features a 350-pound showstopper of a chandelier as showroom centerpiece. The floors are liquid metal, and gemstones are embedded in the countertops. Judges say creativity and joy is masterfully expressed through the interior, which Farnes designed, while authenticity and warmth are conveyed through the online experience. The marketing message is fresh, bold and edgy, just like the store.

SMALL COOL

WEND Jewelry
Seattle, founded 2020

Owner Wendy Woldenberg creates handmade, gender-neutral jewelry from sustainably sourced materials. She opened WEND, a combination studio, showroom, classroom and art gallery in 2021. The small but soaring space was designed by Zero Plus Architects with 17-foot-tall ceilings and a wall of glass. Judges note the versatility and efficient use of space. Every element of the WEND brand feels seamlessly interconnected and infused with natural elements.

Walton’s Jewelry
Franklin, TN, founded 1974

After the business suffered a fire in January 2021, the resulting unplanned renovation uncovered a treasure trove of historical features: hardwood floors, a beadboard ceiling and old brick walls among them, which add to the character of the place. The business, which specializes in antique and estate jewelry, is owned by Julie Walton Garland and her father Michael Walton. Judges say Walton’s is a rare window in time that exudes Old World charm while also being seamlessly integrated online for a 360-degree experience.

Malka Diamonds & Jewelry
Portland, OR, founded 2008

Malka Diamonds & Jewelry, owned by David and Ronnie Malka, is a full-service jewelry store that showcases exceptional craftsmanship. The new location, which opened in 2020, is on the second floor of a building in Portland’s lively Pearl District. The showroom, designed by Elk Collective, is divided by a custom cube with windows, which houses a full shop. Judges found the space beautiful and inviting. Judge Joanne Slawitsky said the abundant natural light pouring in from the windows and reflecting the light in the glass-on-glass cases gives the space the pleasant illusion of spending time outdoors.

Anna Zuckerman
Boca Raton, FL, founded 1996

Anna Zuckerman outfitted her 750-square-foot showroom with luxury finishes and custom showcases to display the eponymous, affordable jewelry brand she launched in 2020. The storefront, designed by BE Designs, brings to life her vision of making luxury accessible to all, offering fine sterling silver jewelry styles with an average retail price of $199. “Every woman deserves to sparkle” is her mantra. Judges say the space is stylishly luxurious and beautifully upscale.

Karina Brez
Palm Beach, FL, founded 2011

Judges find Karina Brez’s showroom to be open and inviting despite its tiny 125-square-foot showroom footprint. Brez’s jewelry brand is founded on her love for jewelry and horses, which takes shape in equestrian-themed pieces crafted with exquisite detail. That love of detail is reflected in the store’s interior design from the gilded ceiling to the braided carpeting. The showroom opened in 2021 and was designed by Romanov Interiors to make the best use of the space.

The post America’s Coolest Stores: Ten Stores of Distinction Join the Ranks appeared first on INSTOREMAG.COM.

To add interest, innovation and excitement to their annual get together, previously known as their convention, this year they created “Texas Tours” to charge up their annual event. “Texas Tours” are three special tours for those who register for their Round Up to be held Sunday, October 16 through Monday, October 17 at the Westin Irving Convention Center, a five star rated hotel. The first tour includes a behind-the-scenes private tour of the world famous Perot Museum Special Gem collection. The second tour includes boarding a tour bus sponsored by JA for a peek into the manufacturing, repairing and creating of high-end watches and watch accessories at the Time Delay Headquarters. Demonstrations of diamond cutting and polishing at Southwest Diamond Cutters is the third tour of the event. These Texas jewelry businesses have opened their doors to TJA to share their knowledge and create excitement at “learning outside” rather than in a hotel setting with various seminars “inside”.

“We are so lucky to have dedicated members and board members who believe in the Texas Jewelers mission to be the best in the country. Our Texas heritage has a lot to offer our members and we are thrilled at the chance to be the first creators of this type of get together”, said Susan Eisen, Susan Eisen Fine Jewelry, El Paso, Texas, president of the association. “We want to take advantage of the great people who are in our industry located in Dallas, and plan to continue our efforts in TJA to build and grow forward in Texas”, she said.

Also included this year is an exclusive group of invited vendors to showcase their products at the social event on Sunday from 4:00-6:00 p.m. in the TJA ballroom. Registration forms for vendors can be found at www.texasjewelers.org under the 2022 TJA Convention tab.

The annual TJA Design Competition will be held on Sunday afternoon in the ballroom and is open to TJA members who are present at the event. Deadline for early bird pricing for entries is October 1, 2022. More information can be found at here under the 2022 TJA Convention tab.

Deadline for hotel registration for Round Up special discounted rate of $179 (plus taxes) at the Westin Irving Convention Center is September 26, 2022. Contact the Westin and ask for the Texas Jewelers Association rate. Registration deadline to attend the Round Up and tours is October 1, 2022. Space is limited so register early for the event. Round Up registration forms can be found in the 2022 TJA Convention tab here.

For additional information, contact Round Up manager, Lucinda Rogers, Gold “N Carats, at lrgnc@aol.com, or Susan Eisen at jewelryservices@susaneisen.com.

The post Texas Jewelers First to Create Upcoming Private “Texas Tours” at Its Round Up appeared first on INSTOREMAG.COM.

“Vendors are talking about how they manufacture in a carbon-friendly manner, customers are asking for sound abatement and realizing the importance of low VOC wall coverings and paint (volatile oil compounds that contribute to poor air quality),” she says.

Along with this increased awareness has come a longing for hints of nature indoors, even (or especially) in places of business.

Green retail space, which incorporates plants, living walls and other greenery into the space, along with natural features including wood and stone, is a burgeoning trend, says interior designer Leslie McGwire. She enjoys bringing nature into the interior if it aligns with the store owner’s vision. In the right setting, green accents can be a breath of fresh air literally and figuratively.

When it comes to a living green wall, the only way to keep the greens looking great is to have a professional service come in weekly, McGwire recommends. “They water and replace old plants. They use common plants so they can change them out for a low cost.”

McGwire says employees and customers alike are more relaxed and productive when surrounded by nature. Positive emotions can lead naturally to a happier shopping experience and increased sales; extra oxygen can fight inertia and fatigue.

An Oasis in the Desert

At Occasions Fine Jewelry in Midland, TX, interior designer Leslie McGwire worked with owner Michael Fleck to install a living green wall, which has become a focal point of the recently reimagined showroom. The greenery acts as an oasis in the store that has an ambience and color palette that Fleck describes as desert luxury.

Moss Makes the Scene

While a rolling stone may gather no moss, that’s not the case for Wendy Woldenberg, who enjoys collecting it. The jewelry designer founded her retail business, WEND Jewelry in Seattle, on principles of sustainability. She has incorporated moss into a sit-down jewelry display. The jewelry, which is inspired by natural elements, both complements and contrasts with the organic backdrop.

Seasonal Sensation

At the Village Goldsmith in Wellington, New Zealand, the plants in the green wall installation are automatically fed three times a day and tended to by gardeners twice a month. Different plant species are added, sometimes to create seasonal color palettes. “It’s a wonderful and ever-changing vista,” says Allette Ockhuysen, brand manager. “It creates an environment that produces oxygen, filters the air and provides a comfortable and healthy atmosphere for clients and staff.”

Subtle Serenity

At Murphy Jewelers in Whitehall, PA, pops of green add refreshing accents to a neutral color palette in the expansive, 4,050 square-foot showroom, which opened in 2020. The store is owned by the Murphy family, who designed the interior.

A Relaxed Vibe

At Mitchum Jewelers in Ozark, MO, planters filled with vibrant green foliage take center stage, but can be seen along many sight lines throughout the space. “I think one thing that customers notice immediately in our store is how comfortable the vibe and energy are,” says owner Randy Mitchum, who undertook a major expansion and remodel in 2018, under the design direction of Jesse Balaity of Balaity Property Enhancement. Another appealing organic feature is a stacking stone wall in the bridal enclave.

An Enchanted Garden

Ellie Thompson in Chicago has an organic theme throughout her jewelry boutique. A shade garden adds warmth and curb appeal out front. Inside, sterling silver jackalopes, designed by Thompson, hide among miniature ferns. Jewelry pieces, including a snake, pop up on plants and natural stone surfaces, lending them an organic air. A magical rose motif adorns one wall.

Picturesque Party Space

Interior and exterior seamlessly converge on the patio at Provident Jewelry in Wellington, FL, where palm trees and a lush, green border add tropical ambience to events ranging from polo season parties to more intimate affairs. Owners Rob Samuels and Scott Diament own Provident Jewelers.

Blending with Nature

Karina Brez, owner of Karina Brez Jewelry in Palm Beach, FL, has framed her entrance with greenery, easing the transition from exterior to interior. Once inside, expansive windows allow for views of palm trees. The store was designed by Romanov Interiors.

The post Green Retail Space Adds Life to Jewelry Stores’ Interior Design appeared first on INSTOREMAG.COM.