UK competitive strengths

Competitive strengths
Initiatives during 2007/08
Initiatives planned for 2008/09
Competitive strengths
Store operations and
human resources

The ability of the sales associate to explain the value proposition is essential to most jewellery purchases.

  • Industry-leading training with third party accreditation
  • 78% of store management have passed the Jewellery Education and Training Course 1 accredited by the National Association of Goldsmiths
  • Management trained to support enhanced sales associate development programmes and build general management skills
  • Commission based remuneration programme developed to improve recruitment and retention of top quality staff

Merchandising

Consumer offered superior value and selection

  • Leading supply chain capability in the UK jewellery sector
  • Highly responsive demand-driven merchandise systems
  • Scale to offer exclusive products
  • 24 hour re-supply capability

Marketing

Leading brands in middle market sector

  • Ability to leverage brand perception through scale of marketing spend
  • Leading integrated e-commerce and retail store service within the speciality jewellery sector
  • Marketing database of over 13 million names

Real estate

Well designed stores located in primary locations with high visibility and traffic flows

  • Strict real estate criteria consistently applied over time
  • Revised store format, more suited to selling diamonds and fine jewellery
  • Attractive tenant to landlords