Jack Mitchell, CEO of Mitchells of Westport & Richards in Greenwich, California, USA, and author of best selling book “Hug Your Customer, The Proven Way to Personalize Sales and Achieve Astounding Results,” passionately spoke to jewelry industry retailers on how customers are the very core of any business. Jack’s speech was given during the opening day of the JCK Invitational at the New York Hilton Hotel.

Jack and his brother grew his parent’s original 800 square foot store in Westport, Connecticut into a US$65 million 3rd generational business that is now run by his 7 sons and nephews. “We get to know each and every one of our customers individually, we know their birth dates, their anniversaries, and we let them know every chance we can, how much we appreciate them,” said Mitchell during his keynote presentation at the JCK Invitational.


Jack Mitchell, CEO of Mitchell’s of Westport and Richards in Greenwich, California addresses JCK Invitational attendees during the opening day keynote address.

Mitchell shared several outstanding customer service stories about how his sales associates, his tailors and his office staff go above and beyond what other retailers are doing. “They give out “hugs” both physical and emotional ones. It’s the little things from remembering a birthday to sending a personalized note of thanks from the CEO to sending an unexpected give like an orchid plant. By building personalized relationships, we have been able to expand our business,” added Mitchell.

“We know that we could not grow our business without the people who truly believe in our philosophy. We hire people who are honest and open, have positive attitudes, are competent and self confident, have passion and are genuinely nice people,” said Mitchell. “I know this sounds basic – but so many retailers don’t follow these rules.”

Mr. Mitchell’s keynote address was a featured session as part of the opening day of the JCK Invitational, an event for leading retailers that showcases 300 hand-selected jewelry manufacturers showcasing the newest styles and trends in colored gemstone and diamond jewelry, engagement settings, fine finished metal jewelry, pearls, sterling silver and watches.


Retail buyers see the latest jewelry designs during a meeting with an exhibitor at JCK Invitational.

Retailers who attended the first day included major buyers from AAFES, Amazon.com, Christian Bernard Stores, Costco Wholesale, Friedman’s Jewelers, JC Penney, Jewelry Television, Macy’s West, Navy Exchange, Reeds Jewelers, Rogers LTD. Inc., Ross Simons, Sam’s Club Canada, Sears, Sterling Jewelers Inc., QVC, and Zales Outlet. In addition top independent jewelry retailers including Dunkin’s Diamonds, Mitchell’s, Jewels by Viggi, Madison Jewelers, Peter Lindeman, Zingale and many others also attended.

About JCK events:
The JCK Invitational is produced by JCK, the leading producer of trade events in the fine jewelry industry. The JCK Events are designed to serve the worldwide jewelry industry by offering the most comprehensive and complete buying and selling opportunities on a business-to-business basis. In addition to The JCK Invitational, other upcoming JCK Events include LUXURY by JCK to be held at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino from Tuesday, May 29 - Thursday, May 31, 2007; The JCK Show – Las Vegas to be held at the Sands Expo Convention Center/The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino and the Las Vegas Convention Center, Friday, June 1 through Tuesday, June 5, 2007; Swiss Watch by JCK to be held at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino from Friday, June 1 through Tuesday, June 5, 2007; and JCK New Delhi to be held July 7-10, 2007 at the Pragati Maidan Exhibition Centre in New Delhi, India. For registration and exhibit information please visit us at www.jckgroup.com or simply call 1-800-257-3626.

Source: JCK

www.jckgroup.com

Contact: [email protected]
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