(ROCHESTER, N.Y.) – RDI Diamonds hosted its annual Spring Diamond Buying Experience April 7th and 8th. Jewelers from across the country gathered at RDI’s global headquarters in Rochester, NY for a 24-hour experience of education, buying opportunities and fun.
Fun at RDI’s Spring Buying Experience: (l-r) Andrew Rickard, RDI VP Operations; Elesa Dillon, Southern and Mid-America Jewelry News VP of Sales; Michael Indelicato, RDI CEO; and Samantha Lape, RDI Marketing Director.
Deb Casker of Van Scoy Jewelers, Pennsylvania, enjoying her personal buying experience.
Michael Indelicato, CEO of RDI Diamonds, challenged himself to design an event that is not only convenient for jewelers to attend, but contains as much value in 24 hours as possible. “While attending shows all across the country we discovered that jewelers everywhere are facing more issues than just inventory,” he said. “Jewelers are confronting challenges with internet competition, keeping up with ever evolving social media, hiring, retaining employees and so much more.”
Andrew Rickard, VP of Operations at RDI, delivered an energetic session on the current state of diamond grading and how to use it to make more sales. The presentation touched on best practices, challenges facing retail stores, and strategies to compete with large on line diamond dealers
Larry Johnson, Larry Johnson Consulting, led a presentation and roundtable discussion. The author of “The Complete Guide to Effective Jewelry Display”, Johnson delivered a powerful presentation on the science of visual merchandising, as well as tips jewelers can use to improve their sales and profits by implementing his proven principles.
Sunday evening attendees were treated to dinner, drinks and entertainment. Additionally, party goers practiced their hand at casino games prior to heading to Las Vegas for the upcoming Jewelry Week.
Bob Ware of Ware Jewelers, Florida, examining the goods.Bob Ware, of Ware Jewelers in Bradenton, Florida commented: “I enjoyed Andrew’s presentation immensely and learned so much. The knowledge gained about online competitive advantages will help my store grow. RDI does a great job of hosting retailers, what I learned in 24 hours I can take home and use immediately. It was a great event!”
The next event will be held in October 27-28, 2019 at RDI’s Rochester headquarters. Visit www.rdidiamonds.com/vip-experience for more information or call 800-874-8768 or 585-225-3390.
Attendees had a blast playing casino games.
About RDI Diamonds, Inc.
RDI Diamonds, Inc. was founded in Rochester, NY in 1992. The company, a leading provider of loose diamonds and finished diamond jewelry, employs over 80 people in its Rochester facility. For more information visit www.rdidiamonds.com.
