Jan-Patrick Schmitz

Beyond Brilliance: The Power of Gemstones in Bejeweled Textiles (diamond emoji + textile emoji) Fellow collectors, Gemstones are more than just dazzling additions to our exquisite bejeweled textiles. They elevate these pieces to a whole new level, imbuing them with symbolic meaning, historical significance, and captivating energy. Unearth the Symbolism: Delve into the rich history of gemstones across cultures. Each stone carries a story, from rubies symbolizing passion and power to emeralds representing growth and renewal. Understanding these meanings adds depth to your collection. A Touch of History: Gemstones can be a window to the past. Certain stones and techniques were favored in different eras, offering a glimpse into the craftsmanship and aesthetics of their time. Energy & Expression: Many collectors believe gemstones possess unique energetic properties. Juxtapose stones for a specific effect, or choose pieces that resonate with your personal energy. Let's spark a conversation! Post your comments below, and share your thoughts on: The gemstones that hold the most significance in your collection. How you consider the symbolism and energy of stones when acquiring new pieces. The historical eras that most inspire your bejeweled textile collection. #bejeweledtextiles #gemstonepower #textileart #artcollecting #culturalheritage #symbolicmeanings #energyhealing

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A successful "ugly" brand needs the culmination of a few factors to get it right. The art of the "ugly" shoe lies in mastering comfort, marketing, and cultural resonance. Unsuccessful brands tend to falter with one or several of these. The ugly shoe trend is part comfort, part clever marketing, and largely due to cultural resonance following the pandemic. HeyDude failed to deliver on the comfort front, and the designs weren't appealing. Uggs, Crocs, and Birkenstock have the redeeming qualities and relevance to make it work. #Trends #Fashion #Branding

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A small 1.3% rise in sales at US jewelers in April. The increase in revenue was fully spurred by a 2.5% increase in the average consumer expenditure per unit purchased. A few of the figures: Natural diamond jewelry sales rose 1%, Prices of LGD-set DERs declined, Loose LGD was 57% of loose diamond sales, but just 25% of revenue. Here is an issue: LG prices are down, but gross margins and unit sales are up. What does it impact gross profits? We took a look at that and have some findings. https://lnkd.in/dDw4s8MQ

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According to GlobalData, the U.S. secondhand apparel market grew 11%, or seven times faster than the broader retail apparel market, to $43 billion last year. The report estimates that resale sales online and at traditional thrift stores could reach $73 billion by 2028. #resale #retail #apparel #retailsales

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📢 Has the jewelry industry ever seen a bigger string of obstacles at one time? 🌟 Platinum Deficit in 2024: Challenges Ahead https://lnkd.in/eYS_kVWa 📢 Obstacles for the Jewelry Industry: 🔻 Diamond prices declining 🔼 Rise of lab-grown diamonds 🔼 Gold reaching all-time highs 🔻 Platinum, rhodium, and palladium facing deficits Now, more than ever, #strategic #differentiation and #branding are crucial. Show your value! 💎💡🔥

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In this Expert Analysis #3E's Cassidy Spencer stitches together the details of the Fashion Environmental Accountability Act, a.k.a. the New York Fashion Act. What does the Met Gala have to do with supply chain best practices for sustainability? Read our blog to find out: #supplychain #nycfashion #NewYorkFashionAct

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For those of us working in Sustainability in fashion it can feel lonely. When I worked at Theory 19 years ago, one of my responsibilities was to develop all the trims. I insisted that all metal trims be "nickel free" Nickel is a hard silvery-white metal that may cause irritation to the skin. Exposure can harm the lungs, stomach, and kidneys. Exposure to nickel may lead to cancer. Workers may be harmed from exposure to nickel.This was not popular because nickel finishes are super shiny and appeals to design sensibilities and cheaper. Luckily I had the authority to insist that we only use nickel free products. Eight years ago when I was heading up production at 3.1 Phillip Lim we were faced with the dilemma of a coating on a fabric that would make it waterproof but contained PFAS, versus a coating that would only be water repellent that did not contain PFAS. Again I insisted we should proceed to not use the waterproof coating despite sales would like it to be waterproof. PFAS is a forever chemical that has health effects on immunological, developmental or reproductive, hepatic, hormonal and carcinogenic – basically everything from asthma to testicular cancer. There is now the beginnings of a ban on them. Often there may not be regulations or awareness of the harm many of the materials or substances used in the production of clothing. Sustainability at a fashion company is not a department that drives revenue, your actions are often not popular like turning over rocks in the supply chain. But your work is important and vital. As I reflect on actions I made in the past this week, I am grateful that I insisted and that they had impact for both people and the environment.

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Sex Toy Distributing Empire: Your 2024 Guide to Success Gone are the days of hushed whispers! The sex toy industry is booming, projected to DOUBLE by 2030 (that's $80 BILLION!), making it a RIPE opportunity for savvy entrepreneurs. This guide gives you the lowdown on EVERYTHING you need to launch your sex toy distributing empire. Find Your Niche & Source: First things first - who are you selling to? BDSM enthusiasts? The LGBTQIA+ community? Research your target audience and source high-quality toys that cater to their desires. Resell existing products, outsource to a manufacturer, or create your own - each option has pros and cons! Safety & Privacy First: Customer trust is paramount. Ensure your products are safe (think detailed labeling, clear instructions), and comply with regulations. Discrete packaging and secure data handling are essential! Partnering with an experienced company can make navigating legalities a breeze. Build a Brand that Sells: Don't be afraid to get personal! What values will your brand embody? What drives you? These elements shape your voice, tone, and visuals, creating a magnetic connection with your ideal customer. Craft Your Online Store: Building your online empire requires navigating legal restrictions. Some payment processors shy away from adult products, so research is key! High-quality photos, detailed descriptions, and a user-friendly platform are crucial. Partnering with a seasoned company can smooth out this process. Price to Win: Finding the sweet spot between profit and affordability is key. Understand your costs (manufacturing, shipping) and factor in a fair profit margin. Research competitor pricing and consider offering tiered options to cater to different budgets. Marketing Magic: Get creative! Craft engaging website content, leverage SEO to attract organic traffic, and explore affiliate marketing to expand your reach. Partner with sex-positive influencers (micro-influencers are budget-friendly!) to create buzz. Email is Your Secret Weapon: Build an email list before launch! Create excitement with a "Coming Soon" page offering discounts for early sign-ups. Partnering with a sex-toy distributing expert can guide you through proven marketing strategies. Ready to Build Your Empire? The sex-positive revolution is here, and YOU can be a part of it! This guide equips you with the knowledge to navigate this exciting industry. Partner with a company like V For Vibes, and watch your sex toy distributing business soar! https://lnkd.in/guh-NKhR

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Recently spoke with Joshua Freedman at Rapaport regarding Lab grown. It is evident that the rise of lab grown diamonds is not merely a reflection of consumer preference, but rather a strategic push by certain retailers. The allure of high margins has led retailers to embrace lab grown diamonds, despite the diminishing overall value. As consumers become increasingly informed, the consequences of this misinformation is becoming apparent. Trust, once lost, is not easily regained. The jewelry industry risks alienating consumers by prioritizing short-term profit over transparency and integrity. Even worse these business models will not be viable in the long-run when the public realizes lab grown is worthless. Every day our team speaks to clients who thank us for our honestly and share stories of fraudulent attempts by retailers to sell them lab grown for tens of thousands of dollars. It's past time for a paradigm shift. We must all prioritize honesty and transparency in our businesses, ensuring that consumers are empowered to make informed decisions. Otherwise, we risk jeopardizing not only our credibility but also the trust of our valued clients. This is why The Clear Cut we have never sold lab grown diamonds but rather give them away for free. Let's all work together to uphold the standards of our industry and restore faith in the timeless beauty of ethical natural diamonds. https://lnkd.in/eKP7QZci

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🔥 Hot Off the Press! 🔥 Dive into my latest column in TJC's Summer Issue! "9 Strategies to Elevate Your Customers' In-Store Experience." Running a successful jewelry retail business requires continuous innovation and strategic approaches to attract and retain customers. Here are effective ways to expand your business by enhancing your overall customer experience: 1. EMBRACE VIRTUAL SELLING: Explore virtual selling options by offering virtual appointments and creating sales videos. Even post-COVID, virtual selling remains a successful method to connect with customers. 2. PROVIDE FREE WATCH BATTERIES WITH A TWIST: Offer free watch battery replacements while customers wait. This low-cost service allows customers to explore other items in your store while their watch is being serviced. This simple gesture can lead to additional sales. 3. COLLABORATE WITH INFLUENCERS: Partner with social media influencers or local celebrities who align with your brand. Hosting influencer events generates free content for your store and expands your reach to their followers. Influencers can help promote your products authentically and engagingly. 4. HOST EVENTS STRATEGICALLY: Hosting events can contribute up to 10% of your annual sales. Collaborate with local businesses, offer targeted marketing based on past purchases, and invite vendors to showcase their full lines or pieces created exclusively for your store. 5. DEVELOP A LOYALTY PROGRAM: Implement a loyalty program to reward customers for their ongoing support. Exclusive discounts, early access to collections, and special perks create incentives for repeat purchases and build long-term customer relationships. 6. EXPAND INTO CUSTOM JEWELRY DESIGN: Differentiate your store by expanding into custom jewelry design. Find a supplier that offers unique customization options and set yourself apart in the market. 7. PARTNER WITH WEDDING AND EVENT PLANNERS: Establish partnerships with wedding and event planners to become their preferred jewelry provider. Offer promotional discounts for their clients, provide custom jewelry for special occasions, and collaborate with florists to display fresh flowers in your store. 8. COLLABORATE WITH LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHERS: Partner with local photographers to offer free or discounted engagement sessions. This collaboration not only attracts potential customers but also positions your store as the go-to destination for wedding-related jewelry. 9. ENHANCE THE IN-STORE EXPERIENCE: Focus on personalized service, knowledgeable staff, and aesthetically pleasing displays. A positive in-store experience encourages customer loyalty and word-of-mouth referrals. Stay innovative and adapt to your target audience’s evolving needs and preferences. Creating memorable experiences will contribute to building a strong and loyal customer base. Ready to take your jewelry retail business to the next level? Let's elevate your customer experience together! 🌟

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Footwear leading the way in female senior appointments, with females also leading the way in discretionary purchases across apparel and footwear, according to recent research #DE&I

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Market2024: NO.31 Poll Summary: Fashion's Impact on Eyewear Choice Poll Results: A Great Deal: 18 votes (🌟) Moderately: 11 votes (👍) Slightly: 6 votes (👌) Not at All: 7 votes (🙅‍♂️) Quick Take: Fashion plays a big role for many when picking eyewear, with 29 folks valuing style from a bit to a lot! 👓🎨 Advice: Shoppers: Mix it up! Choose frames that match both your style and comfort. 🎭👓 Retailers: Stock a variety of styles to cater to all fashion tastes. 🏬👀 Let's keep rocking those stylish frames! 🚀👓 #Eyewear #Fashion #StyleChoices #Market2024 #marketresearch

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#HotTake: Retail stores aren’t a shortcut to success. Retail offers bigger POs, visibility, and cash flow Yet, it doesn’t ensure brand sustainability Case in point: JLo Beauty Despite celeb status and prime placement at Sephora, She faced challenges resulting in a US exit Retail alone doesn’t secure loyalty or repeat sales Placement isn’t guaranteed forever For lasting success, think beyond the retail PO Some markers of a sustainable brand include: Authenticity, community, differentiated formulas, and true fans Building a lasting brand legacy requires more than a retail presence – 👋🏾 Hi, I’m Monique, a former retail buyer turned beauty industry advisor who helps emerging brands ready to scale at big retail. If you are ready to scale and invest, book a discovery call, and let’s see if we can work together.

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“If you look at consumer purchasing decisions, people choose the lowest price for the best perceived quality and style,” said Elena Bridgers, who launched her slow fashion line Hera California. “That’s rational. It’s a really small segment of people who live their values when it comes to sustainable fashion.” Is there room in the market for brands that put sustainability first? Is there a market space for truly sustainable fashion or is it just a dream of a few? Who can change this industry to be more sustainable for all the consumers? Will only the rules imposed by legislators be able to do it? What will be the role of the DPP in the evolution of a more sustainable fashion industry? #Sustainablefashion #sustainability #traceability #circularity Arcangelo D'Onofrio Natasha Franck Laure Betsch Martina Schiuma Romain Carrere Francesco Pieri Guido Mengoni Alois Bertona Gianpaolo Azzini Veronica Monni Amit Gautam Matthieu Hug Shameek Ghosh Jason McIntosh Piero Puttini Carlo Giardinetti, MBA giorgio macor

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🌟 From Supermodel to Pet Industry Entrepreneur: The Pivot of Taylor Hill 🌟 From the world's most iconic fashion runways and magazine covers, Taylor Hill has made a remarkable pivot from supermodel to pet industry innovator. After a personal loss and profound insights gained from her late beloved labradoodle, Tate, Hill ventured into entrepreneurship with a purpose-driven mission. With the launch of Tate & Taylor, Hill aims to tackle the complex $143 billion pet market by creating a community-centric platform that simplifies pet ownership. Her venture focuses on curated experiences, promoting ethical brands like FLOOF and Springer Pets, and providing credible information, making the pet care industry more accessible and less daunting for pet owners. Key to Hill's venture is promoting brands that align with her values of quality and transparency. Hill is also driven by a deep commitment to animal welfare, evidenced by her support for initiatives like The Buddy Fund, which helps manage cancer treatment costs for pets, and her role as an ambassador for Animal Aid USA. Taylor Hill's transition into the pet industry is not just a business move; it's a heartfelt endeavor to honor Tate and improve the lives of pet owners and their furry companions. Her story tells a personal experience and passion that can inspire success in business ventures with purpose. For the latest article on my Forbes page: https://lnkd.in/eDZHw57t #CareerPivot #Entrepreneurship #PetIndustry #Innovation

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Mother’s Day sparked a promising trend in the jewelry industry this year. With sales surpassing last year's figures, US consumers are showing signs of increased demand. In May, jewelry sales rose by 1.8% year over year, with a 2% increase in average expenditure per item. The Jewelry Index reflects this positive shift, with a continuous upward trend since March. Notably, sales surged by 5% on May 10-11 compared to the same period in 2023. Retailers are also optimistic about the year ahead, as evidenced by the positive outcomes at recent trade shows in Las Vegas. Exhibitors reported heightened buyer demand, indicating a strong market outlook. However, the demand for loose lab-grown diamonds at JCK was subdued, resulting in notably reduced prices. Read more about the latest trends in jewelry sales from Tenoris: [Link to the article](https://lnkd.in/d7j-upjC) #JewelryIndustry #ConsumerDemand #RetailTrends

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Stephanie Downs, the founder of UNCAGED Innovations, one of our portfolio companies, has penned a compelling op-ed challenging the conventional view of leather as a 'natural' choice. She introduces innovative alternatives that promise sustainability without sacrificing quality. A must-read for anyone interested in the future of sustainable materials. Dive into her insights and join the conversation on redefining 'natural' in our industries. #SustainableMaterials #Innovation #VentureCapital Read her op-ed here: https://lnkd.in/gUtu4-F6

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I gained by devoting at least one hour each day to physical exercise, including activities such as slow jogging, brisk walking, and swimming. As an entrepreneur engaged in daily work, I have to highlight the importance of maintaining optimal physical health while honing the entrepreneurial mindset for business growth. Empirical evidence on adult subjects indicates that 41.9% of men in their forties who exercise for at least one hour three days a week or more report experiencing a sense of fulfilment in their lives. #andrewtanatomisingapore #theatomiway #actushause #atomi https://lnkd.in/eXvhmRHj

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Good article on Puma outlined by Ken Pucker on how they were able to decouple increased growth from lowering emissions. Impressive data that since 2017, Puma has doubled revenues to $9.3 billion, while cutting carbon emissions by 30%. On a per unit basis, that is a 66% reduction. At my last company, I created a model to show that the consolidation of markets, with a calendar adjustment could reduce emissions by 18% allowing a reduction in carbon emissions and creating a savings from air to sea freight alone. This is one of the highest impact adjustments companies can make to really lower emissions.

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