In preparation for my upcoming panel at the JCK Las Vegas show focusing on the e-commerce debate, I searched JCK’s archives and the Internet to find articles to broaden my understanding of online retailing.   

Here are 10 good reads that should help you make sense of the issue:

• From the November 2011 issue of JCK, Michael Schechter debates the pros and cons of e-commerce in his Jewelry 2.0 column. Also check out his column from the May 2012 issue of JCK that argues F-commerce failed retailers. 

• Also from the November 2011 issue of JCK, we picked out 10 of our favorite jewelry industry blogs and showcased how companies are using them to drive traffic (and sales) and build their brands.

• From internetretailer.com, a survey found that half of U.S. online consumers are concerned about privacy, security, and safety issues when buying something online. However, that concern isn’t stopping customers from doing so. The survey found that 71 percent of U.S. adults have paid for products online in the past three months. Food for thought for jewelers who aren’t developing an e-commerce strategy based on privacy concerns.

• Last fall, I reported a story based on statistics from the L2 Digital IQ Index: Watches and Jewelry study that showed the jewelry industry was still struggling to grasp online retail. The industry came through with some great tips on how jewelers and manufacturers could improve their online presence.

• From imediaconnection.com, some tips on how retailers can develop a retail strategy and message to make the most of multiple channels—both offline and online.

• At the beginning of last year, I started a debate about online jewelry retailing. During a recent Twitter debate, several industry professionals said that the lines between traditional brick-and-mortar stores and e-tailers were blurring and would continue to in the future. Also, check out how Union Diamond has carved a niche for itself in the jewelry business.

• And, finally, here’s a good read on how a 12-year-old entrepreneur founded an online jewelry company. After reading this for the first time, I had to take a moment to reconsider my life choices. She wins.

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