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-Platinum Guild International (PGI) and Martha Stewart Weddings are pleased to announce the winner of the 2008 "3-Platinum Bridal Ring Display Challenge," a national Platinum merchandise display contest. The award was presented to Long's Jewelers, Boston's premier retailer for high-end designer jewelry, at the Summer 2008 JA Show in New York City.
The contest challenged retailers to create an innovative display for merchandising the 3-Platinum bridal rings (engagement ring, and his and her wedding bands) as a set, while communicating Platinum's pure, rare and eternal qualities. The contest was designed to educate retailers about the potential sales opportunity by merchandising and displaying all three rings together.
Long's Jewelers' winning display featured three 3-Platinum bridal ring sets by designers Memoire, Ritani and Diana Classic. Additionally, the display ambiance was enhanced by a tableware set by Platinum on Porcelain by Michael Wainwright and a Platinum picture frame.
As the grand prize winner, Long's Jewelers' display will be showcased on the promotional pages of the Martha Stewart Weddings Fall 2008 issue. They will also receive a custom trophy and a lunch for their staff, catered by Martha Stewart Weddings.
"Our partnerships with Platinum Guild International, Memoire, Ritani and Diana Classic are incredibly important to Long's Jewelers and as such, we are thrilled with the distinction of being awarded the grand prize winner of the "3 - Platinum Bridal Ring Display Challenge". We constantly strive to display product in an innovative and captivating way that highlights our jewelry selection and delights our customers. It is wonderful to be recognized by the ultimate in style, Martha Stewart Weddings," said Rebecca Garnick, Director of Marketing for Long's Jewelers.
In other news, PGI is extending a personal invitation to retailers to take advantage of its distinctive Platinum Jeweler Program, designed to help boost Platinum sales and drive both in-store and online traffic.
As a participant in the Platinum Jeweler Program, retailers receive exclusive benefits, services and resources, including:
· Listing on the "Find-a-Retailer" pages of PreciousPlatinum.com and EngagementGuide.com, which host more than 40,000 unique visitors per month and connects customers seeking Platinum to their local fine jeweler.
· PGI will train sales associates on how to maximize profits by selling Platinum. The training arms sales associates with the knowledge about Platinum's superior characteristics, features and benefits so they inform their customers and then let the metal sell itself. This can lead to instantly increased sales and larger profits. Stores have reported a 40 percent increase in Platinum sales after the training.
· PGI will send "mystery shoppers," or trained shopping professionals, to shop their stores, so retailers can gain insight into their customers' shopping experience. This useful information will provide valuable and constructive feedback on how to enhance performance and increase sales.
In addition, at the upcoming IJO Conference in Philadelphia, PGI will host an educational seminar for retailers titled, "Take Back the Wedding and Maximize your Profits with Platinum." The seminar will take place on Saturday, August 2, at 10 a.m. Visit the PGI table at the IJO Conference for additional information on the Platinum Jeweler Program and also receive free, customized, in-store signage.
To learn more about the Platinum Jeweler Program or the IJO Conference, please contact Kevin Reilly of Platinum Guild International at kreilly@pgiglobal.com.
Platinum Guild International, the marketing arm for the worldwide Platinum jewelry industry, is dedicated to promoting Platinum and its pure, rare and eternal qualities to the consumer and the jewelry trade. PGI has offices in each of the world's major jewelry markets, providing information, assistance and education on all aspects of Platinum jewelry. For further information please visit www.platinumguild.com. |
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