Q: What’s your New Year’s resolution—for you and your store?
A: “2013 is the year of new opportunities. It’s been four remarkably quick years since the recession hit and we all went into survival mode. Although it’s still tough out there, it’s time to turn the page once and for all in 2013 and take advantage of some opportunities to grow. At Long’s, we are focused on new business initiatives to make us a bigger, stronger company: new locations, upgrading our stores, more higher-end product, exclusive supplier partnerships, and new services to improve our margins. Plus, we are investing heavily in our people—from new hires to training—because our staffs are the ones who can best influence sales day in and day out. I think that the biggest challenge in 2013 is going to be making tough decisions on which opportunities to pursue. Focus is the key to being successful and not biting off more than we can chew! I’m looking forward to 2013 putting us in a position to ride the wave when the economy eventually goes into high-growth mode again.”
—Craig Rottenberg, president, Long’s Jewelers, Burlington, Mass.
“Expansion, expansion, expansion! We aren’t afraid of the recession or that diamond prices have been fluctuating. Our business has been booming. We are expanding in 2013 to add a new showroom strictly for diamond sales and custom jewelry design. We are also expanding online with our new websites, social media, and e-commerce. 2013 is going to be a good year for Jonathan’s Fine Jewelers.”
—Jonathan Siegel, principal, Jonathan’s Fine Jewelers, Houston
“My New Year’s resolution is to be more considerate, ask questions, and listen more. We have two ears and one mouth for a reason. After growing up and working in a jewelry store with my grandfather and father, I sometimes take for granted what they tell me every day. My grandfather proudly calls this syndrome ‘Too Much Enthusiasm and Not Enough Experience!’ As for the store’s resolution, it is to keep cutting! We cut our own super ideal-cut diamonds, the EightStar Diamond, in-house, so we made it a priority to focus on cutting—as well as keep our very high-end quality of merchandise.”
—Scott D. Davis, partner, Seng Jewelers, Louisville, Ky.
“Most people see the new year as an opportunity to start fresh and be inspired. Instead of resolving to stop doing something, it’s the perfect time to improve and make things even better. Braunschweiger has been providing unparalleled service and selection since the 1930s. That’s a lot of new years! Our philosophy is to offer the highest quality and craftsmanship while staying up to date with the newest trends. However, no store is ever done learning and growing. We want to inspire fashion, make more brides happy, and deliver what our customers want. Our ‘resolution’ for 2013 is to continue this and provide the best service we can.”
—Kristy Braunschweiger-Smith, president, Braunschweiger Jewelers, Morristown and New Providence, N.J.