The Independent Jewelers Organization (IJO) held its second annual NextGen Jewelers Workshop from January 18-20, 2025, in Savannah, Georgia.
The event hosted 57 attendees from 33 IJO retail stores, IJO headquarters, and seven supplier sponsors for three days of industry-focused discussions and training.
Focus on Business Relationships
The workshop focused on the importance of relationships in business operations. IJO President Stephen Barnes emphasized this in his remarks, stating:
“This year, we wanted to build on some of the foundational principles we explored last year. “We chose to focus on relationships and how important they are in growing our businesses. Building strong relationships with customers, vendors, and peers is the cornerstone of a solid business foundation.”
The event was sponsored by Parle, The Edge Software, Ostbye, Quality Gold, Pancis Gems, Wilkerson, and The Edge Retail Academy. A vendor panel discussion covered strategies for selecting business partners and maintaining productive relationships.
Educational Sessions and Industry Insights
Sessions covered business operations and marketing strategies relevant to independent jewelers. Tim Ell of Zorells Jewelry (Bismarck, ND) delivered a keynote presentation on marketing innovation, encouraging jewelers to think creatively and challenge conventional industry norms.
Additional sessions addressed:
- Key POS reports for tracking sales performance
- Using industry data to optimize inventory management
- Goal-setting and financial analysis for improved profitability
The event concluded with another session from Tim Ell, focusing on resilience and overcoming challenges in the jewelry business.
Industry Education for Next Generation Jewelers
The annual NextGen Workshop provides younger jewelers with industry education and peer engagement opportunities.
Kimberly Snow of Ellsworth Jewelers (Ellsworth, ME) shared her experience, stating:
“I laughed, I cried, I learned, and most of all… I was inspired! The IJO Next Gen Workshop 2025 was unforgettable. I’m grateful for the wisdom shared by the speakers and the support from our amazing sponsors. Here’s to turning inspiration into action!”
Barnes noted the importance of supporting the next generation of jewelers, stating:
“This group of amazing jewelers is our future, and at IJO, we will continue to invest in them as best we can.”
For information on IJO membership, contact Penny Palmer at 800.624.9252.
