b'Q2: WHAT DO YOU THINK JEWELRY RETAIL WILL LOOK LIKE 10 YEARS FROM NOW?JESSICA ADLER GERRING, OWNER & COO MARIA BROWN, VICE PRESIDENT & CO-OWNERADLERS DIAMONDS, ST. LOUIS, MO EXCLUSIVELY DIAMONDS, MANKATO, MNIn the next decade, I believe Jewelry retail will be heavily based in customjewelry retail will undergo significant design. Fine jewelry is, and always has been, antransformations. Technology will emotional business, and consumers buy fine jewelry based on sentiment. Advancements inplay a crucial role in shaping the CAD technology have expedited the customindustry. Online and omnichannel design process already. In 10 years, customersretail experiences will become designs will go from sketch to reality in amore prevalent, with virtual try-ons, fraction of the time.augmented reality, and interactive platforms providing customers with STEPHANIE GOTTLIEB, immersive and convenient ways to explore and FOUNDER & CEO purchase jewelry.STEPHANIE GOTTLIEB FINE JEWELRY, NEW YORK, NYTen years ago, I never could have predicted howMARINO COSTELLO,instrumental social media would be in driving theGENERAL MANAGERsuccess of my business. I imagine we will see theCOSTELLO JEWELRY COMPANY, rise of new social platforms, improved virtual shopping experiences,NAPERVILLE, ILand AI that will lend itself to more tangible and comprehensiveI think the experience a brick-and-mortar online shopping. My hope is that in-person shopping continues toretailer can offer the client will be the most be an important part of the jewelry industryI do think the formatimportant strength one can have 10 years from of in-person shopping will change dramatically to accommodate anow. Right now, it is convenient and easy for new generation of jewelry buyers who are technologically inclined,someone to buy jewelry online. In 10 years, I more educated about their purchases, and attracted to highlythink it will be even easier with the help of AI curated settings and experiences. and virtual try-on. The stores that make buying something a special experience for the client will do best. Merchandise mix will matter ANGELA HOPE, VICE PRESIDENT more than ever to cater to whats currently relevant in the culture at OF MERCHANDISE the time; we must be aware of current fashion trends and events. BEN BRIDGE JEWELER, SEATTLE, WABrick-and-mortar presence will be even moreISREAL MORALES, OWNERimportant. Our stores will be an extension of ourSKY DIAMONDS, NEW WINDSOR, NYdigital presence and where our brand comes toI am hoping jewelry retail, as far as brick-and-life, creating an experiential gathering place thatmortar stores go, will have a better relationship with embodies our commitment to our communities and provides anonline retailers since neither can fully conduct busi-opportunity for genuine connection and shared passions. Technol- ness without the other. I believe the generation in 10 ogy will be used as an aid to enhance the overall experience but willyears will swing back around to appreciating the value blend seamlessly with the environment. Our product stories will beof local jewelers you can go to and develop personal richer and deeper and we will continue to invite our clients furtherrelationships with for the special events in their life, into the supply chain to share the natural wonder of our incredibleand turn to for appraisals, care, and upgrades! merchandise.MATTHEW FINK, PRESIDENT, FINKS JEWELERS, ROYAL OAK, MIWe have seen so much change over the last few years and the direction things are moving now will continue. Store experience, hospitality, and customer service-obsessed retailers will be the best positioned to succeed in the future. I think e-commerce has brought about much focus and change, but the in-store jewelry shopping experience has not seen as much change. Retailer investment will continue to improve this experience over time, which is really healthy for the future of our industry. 58 RETAILER HALL OF FAME 2023 Continued on page 60'