AGS Conclave Opens In Texas

The 2003 American Gem Society Conclave,  'Blazing The Trail to Excellence' opened today in Austin, Texas. Some 500 US jewelry retailers have gathered in the state capitol for four days of seminars, speeches, debates and disclosure.

The opening session featured keynote speaker, Nido Quebin, who urged the audience of retailers and gemologists to get on board in the changing and challenging marketplace of 2003.

The charismatic Quebin followed the theme of excellence detailing to the AGS participants that now is the time to revisit and rekindle 'basics'. "It's not about just communicating," urged Quebin, "it's about connecting with the consumer." "The single most important thing in attracting customers is ensuring an 'experience' and consistency." From this, Quebin repeated, retailers must strive to achieve the vital 'brand insistence'.

As the audience of mainly independent jewelry retailers have discovered over the past few years, it is becoming increasingly impossible for them to compete on price points against discounting retailing giants such as Wal-Mart, Costco and others.

For this audience, establishing trust and a lifetime value with their customers, is seemingly the most vital route they must take in order to hold on to their currently dwindling market share of the US jewelry retail market.