(LAS VEGAS) – The Edge Retail Academy has introduced a new program designed to help jewelry retailers improve the strength and profitability of their inventory through one-on-one assistance from industry merchandising and inventory leader, Sally Furrer. Christened “Health Insurance for Your Inventory,” the program offers assistance to jewelry retailers on a per project basis, with no long-term contract required. For stores burdened with aging inventory, or requiring a transfusion of new brands or assortments, Furrer will determine the scope of the project on a case-per-case basis and provide a quote for improving the overall health of the client’s inventory and merchandising activities. The Edge says results are guaranteed.
“The Edge Retail Academy is fortunate to have one of the industry’s leading specialists in inventory and merchandising on its team,” says David Brown, founder of The Edge Retail Academy. “Sally Furrer has decades of high-level experience, including tenures as VP of Merchandising for Robbins Bros. and owner of her own successful consulting service specializing in merchandising, product development, supply management and more. With the introduction of our program, ‘Health Insurance for Your Inventory,’ jewelers can now hire her to make a ‘house call,’ so to speak; take the pulse of their inventory; and prescribe steps to make it more robust.”
Cost is based on the size of the project and the amount of time required. It could be as simple as three hours a week over three months including two on-site visits. Retail jewelers are given the parameters and fees up front, and sign up for that project only, with no need to commit to the Academy’s mentoring program.
Sally Furrer is a Merchandise Specialist and Business Mentor for the Edge Retail Academy. Her experience in jewelry retail began in her family’s Montreal, Canada jewelry stores. Over the years, she has served as a sales associate for the jewelry chain Bucherer in Switzerland; worked in Europe’s SSEF gemological lab; and been employed at Cartier. Earning GIA degrees in Jewelry Design and Gemology, Furrer eventually relocated to the U.S. where she worked as a colored stone wholesaler, and then for Robbins Bros., the World’s Biggest Engagement Ring Store, where she became Vice President of Merchandising. Following her 22-year tenure at Robbins, she accepted a position as Vice President of The Shane Company, a $300 million national retailer; then in 2007, founded her own consulting service, working extensively with jewelry companies in the retail, wholesale and non-profit sectors. Backed by decades of experience and numerous trips to tradeshows and buying expeditions in Bangkok, Hong Kong, Basel, Tel Aviv, Antwerp and New York, Sally Furrer is a skilled mentor in the areas of merchandising, product development, team building, diamond buying and supply chain management.
“You go to a doctor for general complaints,” Brown states. “But for specific problems, you rely on a specialist. When it comes to inventory and merchandising, Sally Furrer is that specialist.”
Co-founded by David Brown, a former jewelry store owner, and 20-year consultant, trainer and public speaker for the jewelry industry, The Edge Retail Academy offers industry-specific seminars and mentoring services to help improve profitability for jewelers worldwide. For more information contact Becka Johnson Kibby at 877-910-3343 or Becka@edgeretailacademy.com.
