In the Loupe

In this episode, we dive into the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on small businesses' operations and growth. Our guest, Jiovan Melendez, Product Manager at Podium, shares insights on how companies can leverage AI technologies to streamline processes, reduce costs, and drive revenue growth. We discuss real-world examples of small businesses that have successfully integrat...

Publications used to be more common, however they've risen in scarcity as things have shifted to more digital approach in nearly every industry. However, their merits are hard to deny, especially as a way to connect with an audience outside of the comforts of a screen. And, after all, what's old is back in vogue!  Punchmark decided to create their own publication, the Vendor Vault, a &qu...

Welcome to the latest episode of In the Loupe, where we will be discussing the funnel approach in marketing. The funnel approach is a proven methodology used by businesses to convert prospects into customers. The process involves guiding potential customers through different stages of the buying journey, starting with awareness and ending with the final stage of purchase. We will dive into the dif...

In the first installment with our recurring correspondent, Alex Schlindwein, Owner of Kiefer Jewelers & Top 20 under 40 of the jewelry industry in 2022, talks about what it was like growing up in a jewelry store, how her parents guided her without pressuring, and tips for other jewelers who might have kids of their own growing up in a jewelry store. Follow Alex on Instagram: instagram.com/_dia...

With the continued growth and evolution of social media, it's more important than ever for businesses and brands to have a strong presence on Instagram. We'll be talking to industry experts who will share their tips and tricks for creating engaging content, building a community, and leveraging Instagram's features and tools to reach new customers and drive sales. You'll learn a...

In Season 2 of In the Loupe, Gasper Spinosa. Sales Representative at Punchmark, joined Mike to talk about their favorite e-commerce website experiences. Gasper is back to talk through how to stand out in the e-commerce field, whether that means through unique product offerings, being over the top with your website design, or knowing your clientele. Sites we referenced in the episode: pitviper.com...

The oft-repeated criticism of the e-commerce experience for jewelry is that its missing the tactile and personal feel a customer feels when you visit in-store. Augmented Reality (AR) might be the beginning of a solution for that, and Illumix is on the forefront of the push to bring the in-store try on experience to online. Kirin Sinha, Founder & CEO of Illumix, joins Michael to discuss their m...

In our newest recurring series, Michael takes a deep dive into what the best e-commerce websites are doing to really move the needle and elevate their game. Join Michael as he translates what these companies do in other luxury industries that can be leveraged on your own website. View the website I reviewed: stockx.com Send us Fan Mail  Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/...

The yearly guidebook written and released by The Smithee Group at the start of each year is your ultimate strategy guide for making 2023 your best year ever. They cover how to elevate your existing marketing with new styles, marketing channels you should be opening to find new customers, and industry trends they believe will be the next big thing. Download the latest TSG Marketing Guide: https://m...

We spend a lot of time measuring results of a wide variety of different digital marketing techniques, and it shouldn't come as a surprise to hear that not everything is effective. Not only that, but digital marketing changes yearly, if not monthly, based on the small algorithm tweaks enacted on the various platforms available to retailers. Stuart Blessman, Director of Digital Marketing, outli...

The first ever In the Loupe "audio-blog," Mike takes you, the listener, to RJO San Antonio with him to experience a jewelry show. Jewelry shows are a unique and interesting place, where business, socializing, good food, and a heck of a lot of jewelry mix to create an environment that can't exist elsewhere. We know not every listener was able to make it to this show, so we hope that...

Your website’s design is one of the first things a visitor notices about your jewelry store, but many websites are outdated. Punchmark’s Art Director Sarah Weekes joins In the Loupe to talk design trends, changes, and why a website redesign is so important for your store. Send us Fan Mail  Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe Learn about Punchmark's website platf...

Doug Meadows, Owner of David Douglas Diamonds & Jewelry, says, "We deal with cold metal and hard stones, but it's the people that wear the jewelry that breathe life into the jewelry." When Doug lost his mom at a young age to cancer, he knew he wanted to find a special way to pay tribute to the important role she played in his life. He created "Dazzling Diamonds for Mom,&quo...

While you might know Alex Hevia by her online moniker "Diamond Diaries," what is lesser known is that she also manages the online presence for her store, Kiefer Jewelers, where she continues to push the envelope in forms of marketing, social posts, and maintenance. At Punchmark we really value clients like this as it pushes us to keep up and adapt our platform to accommodate these new id...

A lot has changed since In the Loupe covered Facebook marketing in S1E10. Facebook became Meta, which we still refuse to refer to it as, and are focused more than ever on shopping for their platform. That should be good news for both retailers and shoppers, but it also mean the rules are more complex and important than ever before. Learn more about The Smithee Group: thesmitheegroup.com Send us Fa...

The marketing for your website can best be described as the type of fuel you put in your car. If you want performance, you'll need performance fuel! To get a little more information on how exactly to do this, Michael spoke with Hope and Stuart from the Punchmark Digital Marketing team to reflect on what's working for our clients this past year and what new strategies and channels they ar...

We are back and there's so much to be excited about with in 2023! There are new trends to explore, new technology and social media to explore, and a NEW SEASON OF IN THE LOUPE!!! Join us as we get excited for what's in store for all of us this year! Send us Fan Mail  Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmar...

It's the end of Season 3! We will be off for the next two weeks, but to help ease the time apart, listen back on our favorite moments from the year! Thank you to all of our amazing guests, our sponsors, and YOU the listeners! See you in January! Send us Fan Mail  Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com Inq...

A majority of retailers make upwards of 70% of their online sales in November and December, which means the probability to encounter fraud around the holidays is the highest. It's not all faulty cards, or shady orders too! Some fraudsters have put as much time into attempting to scam you as you have trying to prevent them. Mike speaks with Faye from ClearSale to discuss how you can prevent yo...

Larry Johnson is one of the most experienced jewelry showcase and display consultants in the industry. He’s worked with stores around the world, helping them increase profits and sales by keeping the customer in mind first.   Visit his website and download his free guide to Top 10 Gift Idea Concepts:  larryjohnsonconsulting.com/top-10-gift-idea-concept Send us Fan Mail  Send feedback or learn more...

"If you enjoy what you do, you'll never have to work a day in your life..." is how the saying goes. But anybody who has worked the holidays in retail understand that sometimes... work is work. We want you to feel prepared for when you start to truly consider retirement, which is why we brought Stephen Barnes on the podcast to discuss Succession & Retirement planning. There are a...

It's that crazy time of year again!! We want our listeners to push the needle this year, and that's why we have The Smithee Group back again to share how your store should be prepping for Black Friday & Cyber Week. We want you to have your sales on lock, your promotion material created, and your strategy thought through so that you feel confident going into the most important time of...

It's no secret that retail jewelry owners tend to skew towards the older generations, which can feel intimidating for the few owners that are on the younger side. Vincent Spilotro, 2nd generation owner of Arezzo Jewelers is only 38 but has fast tracked his success by attending training sessions, finding mentors at jewelry shows, and continuing to ask questions and staying curious. Michael spe...

Punchmark has been busily working on creating their next product, the Vendor Portal, which aims to provide a platform and content management system to Jewelry Vendors. It has been a massive undertaking the past few months, but a great case study on how to build a project, which is why Michael invited Aaron Plocharczyk, Lead Developer at Punchmark, to talk about the design and build process behind...

Male self-buyers are one of the prime target demographics for this upcoming holiday season for jewelers, which is why we are breaking down the best type of event to attractive these customers, the Guy's Night. Michael is joined by Sebastian and Cole from INOX to discuss how to host a successful Guy's Night, as well as some of the best ways to level up your displays to appeal to new shopp...