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How Your Jewelry Store Layout Affects the Shopping Experience

Jewelry Store Layout Sketch Blog Header

Your store's design can make customers feel at ease and entices them to stay awhile

With a lengthy background in retailing and store design, I’m always looking at how to improve a store’s environment. And I’m always amazed at how easy it is for store owners to forget how to look at their stores from a customer’s viewpoint. With independent jewelers having to compete against big box stores and the internet, it’s more important than ever to examine their jewelry store layout and create an EXPERIENCE that wows jewelry buyers and makes them want to return again and again!

Quick! You’ve got 9 seconds!

Most research says that you’ve got exactly nine seconds to engage a customer’s senses when they enter your store. If your store is a somber, vanilla-looking box, exactly which senses are you engaging? What emotional reaction are you creating— besides a yawn?

But don’t despair! I’m here to give insight into your jewelry store layout that will take you out of the dark to in the know—

1. Crank up your jewelry store music

Music makes the world spend money, and there is ample science to back this up. If your customers can overhear each other, they are less likely to ask questions or stick around for very long. Does your store sound like a funeral home? Or, does it scream, “Stay! Have fun and relax?” No, you don’t have to play rock and roll, but you should have something upbeat that also reflects your personal brand. For instance, if you do a lot of custom work for millennials, play some indie music, preferably by local bands. If your store is more traditional with an older clientele, feature upbeat jazz music. The truth is that the playlist matters less than the ambiance you create. So break out the stereo and pipe some tunes through the speakers.

2. Make it cozy

Is your store casual and inviting or stuffy and intimidating? If it’s the latter, you can solve things pretty easily by adding a lounge area into your jewelry store layout. This allows to relax and sit down with a water or soft drink (or beer or splits of champagne)! Husbands with a cold drink in hand are less likely to grouse about hanging out in a jewelry store while their wives shop. And speaking of your female clientele, add a full-length mirror to give your customer a great view of herself with all her bling on. Let her have that moment!

3. A layout that sells

The U-shaped jewelry store layout of the past just spins customers in and out of your store. Incorporate transition zones for different types of jewelry. Create a bridal area, for instance, and a customization center, too. With subtle zones, you’ll encourage customers to browse and discover everything you have to offer.

When planning your jewelry store layout, keep in mind that most customers naturally turn right as they enter a retail space. So think carefully about what merchandise you position there. Perhaps that’s where you put your fantasy items or bridal. To create more space to explore, try pushing your cases against the walls and remove the glass from the front to allow customers to touch the merchandise. This won’t work for high-end live product, but it works great for less expensive items. Which brings me to the next big point . . .

4. Reach out and touch some bling

Today’s shoppers should be encouraged to touch your merchandise. Seriously. Research bears it out: The more they touch, the more comfortable they are with the item, the more likely they are to buy. Why do you think Apple has been so successful?

Now you may be thinking, “What! You want me to have merchandise on display for customers to touch?” Well, yes. It doesn’t have to be the high-price-point pieces. Put a monogram kit on the counter, or place a birthstone kit near the register. Not only are these great impulse purchases, they’re also unique opportunities for your customers to feel the jewelry.

What about bridal? If you’re like most independent jewelers, bridal is a crucial component of your business. But studies show that with consumers, there’s an unwritten five-ring rule. That means that they’ll ask to try on just five rings before they decide they’ve bothered you long enough. But with ever&ever® bridal prototypes featuring beautiful designs cast in alloy and set with CZ, your customers can try on up to 160 rings without bothering you to take a single piece from the case.

Jewelry Store Layout ever&ever Display

5. Color me engaged

Yes, color is easy to change. But the wrong colors can set the tone for a snooze fest. Boring hues are the visual equivalent of a lullaby. If you have some money to spare, hire a commercial interior designer to advise you on the right wall colors. Consider adding some texture in the form of wall coverings. This small investment could completely change the look and feel of your store.

6. Keep it fresh

Adhere to the M&M merchandising philosophy. Movement = Money. Did your customers see the exact same merchandise in the exact same spot one month ago? If so, move it! Lay out a plan for your in-case displays and change things up weekly. Also, be sure to schedule all holiday themes at the beginning of the year and stick to the calendar.

7. Join the 21st century

Bring technology to your sales floor. Have iPads readily available with access to other merchandise you do not have in stock. Stuller Showcase is the perfect tool to help you capture a sale when you don’t have something in your cases. You can show every Stuller product with your markup! This is the ideal virtual inventory. Partnered with 3C items, you can give your customers exactly what they want, usually the very next day. There is no better way to secure a sale when you don’t have the physical product in your store.

Jewelry Store Layout iPad Stuller Showcase

8. Dress the part

This is a touchy subject, but very important. Does your sales staff’s appearance seem unapproachable and uptight? In today’s world, and especially among millennials, professionalism does not equal a suit and tie. We are, after all, in the fashion industry. So let your employees express themselves in a tasteful way that reflects your store’s brand.

Really, the right jewelry store layout creates a successful store environment and is the easiest ways to bring new life to your business. It’s also the most neglected. But now you know how to fix things. So roll up your sleeves, paint your walls, move your cases, and pipe in some tunes. Then stand back and watch your customers enjoy the experience of shopping (and buying) in your store.


What’s your jewelry store layout design strategy? Have you employed some of these techniques? Or do you have some other cool ideas? Share with us in the comments below!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jim Froeschle

I've been with Stuller since 2012 • I am the last of 9 awesome siblings • I love Atlanta • Heaven will have a ton of sand volleyball courts! • My favorite book still is “ Devil in the White City” • I am a sucker for a good glass of Chardonnay and sea salt ice cream. .