Show Us Your Shop: The Jewelry Cafe By Debbie Eisele

With so many retailers facing similar challenges right now, we encourage you to Show Us Your Shop so we may share your story and help other independent retailers.

The Jewelry Cafe is based in Woodbury, Connecticut and has been in business for 14 years. The retailer offers its customers in-store and online shopping experiences according to Laura Brown. The shop offers a curated collection of handcrafted jewelry and gifts, as well as clothing, accessories and furniture. Brown shared how the business is adjusting to the current retail climate.

How have you transitioned your selling strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic?

I decided to offer delivery services, free of charge, anywhere in USA. I will deliver locally and mail the rest. Since I did not have a website, the first order of business was to get one up and running. I went with GoDaddy since my domain was purchased from them. The first items I promoted were our CBD teas, coffee and honey sticks — I had an $80 order my first day.

We put our furniture on sale, they sold within 2 days. I listed (for the first time) on Marketplace on Facebook as I finally had the time to check into it. Now I am listing my items one by one on every marketplace platform. I am also conducting live streaming events on Facebook and offered a Trivia Couch Party with a top prize of a gift certificate to my new website.

We are also offering Project Kits, purchased online, I deliver and customers watch a LIVE workshop where we make the item. I will be offering “creativite zen” packages: an adult coloring book and pack of 36 colored pencils for $10 and coloring books for kids with crayons for kids $6. They will be packaged together in a cello bag with gold swirls and a purple ribbon. I will also be handwriting a letter then will copy, and deliver to local seniors offering to deliver gifts they might need.

What special services, such as curbside pickup or delivery, have you implemented?

We are offering local delivery and will mail items. We are offering one-on-one lessons and online workshops.

How are you reaching out to customers during this crisis?

We sent an email to share what our plans are and shared our website link. We are continuing with our social media, adding in LIVE events and content to keep people looking.

What are your social media handles?

Facebook: @jewelrycafe742

Is your business offering any new programs to assist others in the community at this time?

We provided sewing instructions to our customers and we sewed more than 40 masks. We will continue to distribute the masks and have reached out to the senior center and offered to call seniors all alone.

Have you increased your online retail presence to adjust to social distancing?

I didn’t have one before this virus. Each day more items are added and then we can begin to promote.

Are you creating any grab-and-go type solutions to help sell through existing inventory and to provide merchandise customers need in today’s environment?

Yes … our Creative Zen packs with a coloring book and colored pencils or crayons, CBD tea and a package of CBD Honey sticks, and project Kits to do with us on a Live Workshop

What helpful tips would you like to share with other retailers during these unprecedented times?

Stay connected with your customers. Give them ways to buy from you. Have an online presence and offer delivery. Deliver items they could use — food, entertainment or in my case a gift. We will also deliver handmade unique soaps.

Debbie Eisele

Debbie Eisele is the former managing editor for Gift Shop Plus, Stationery Trends and a variety of special issue publications, including: The Guide, Holiday Shop, Celebrations & Occasions and Waterfront Living.