What are the prerequisites for joining?
Integrity is probably one of the greatest qualities we look for in a member. We invest too heavily in promoting our independent members under the Showcase umbrella to become complacent. Operating a fine jewellery store with high standards in presentation and service is also a prerequisite. What are the benefits of joining? - No on-going management fees
- Maximum supplier discount given to the retailer
- A world leading customisable e-commerce platform as well as utilising Retail Edge Consultants’ POS systems
- In-house product photography and videos for all digital platforms
- Access to exclusive diamond brands, including certified Argyle white diamonds
- World-class e-learning, complete with videos and certified courses
- Jewellery apps, incorporating social media integration and a focus on driving sales
- Professional and customisable marketing material to suit the retailer
- Yearly returns on trading loans and cash-back for our retailers
- Free internal retailing, diamond and digital experts to assist our retailers in every step of their retail journey
- Plus many more...
Compare the actual benefits of what’s important to you as a retailer when looking for the strength of a group. Our focus is to return benefits and profits to retailers – it’s not a generic corporate structure, so we encourage you to compare those costs and benefits. We also provide exclusive products as well as core ranges. What unique benefits are offered?
JIMACO is a member-owned and operated buying group that exists for Showcase retailers. As previously stated, JIMACO is quite different to other buying groups with all profits going back to members. What have been Showcase’s major achievements in the past two years? - Member management fees were abolished in 2015
- Members received a fully-franked dividend this past financial year
- Members also received a return on their trading loan this past financial year
- World-class member websites were launched in 2015
- Roll-out of diamond brand Passion8
- Partnership with Rio Tinto (Dreamtime)
Has your traditional marketing changed in the past two years?
Traditional media still plays an important role – albeit digital is a growing focus. Our belief is that no one media channel will be effective on its own. It’s about identifying what media types work in a given area and going out with a consistent message across all channels. Recent projects include a campaign that ran across council buses and our Shine magazine that can be customised by selecting from a range of pre-written articles to suit the retailer. How have you improved your B2C online and social media marketing strategy?
The organic growth and engagement of our own social media sites is testament of the focus in this area. Many of our members are also performing strong in this sector. Members can now fully integrate their social media platforms with their websites and their Retail Edge Consultants POS system can also be digitally integrated for use – this will be a game changer. What B2B and internal digital technology have you recently implemented?
In 2015 we delivered innovative e-commerce websites, B2B portal integration and tailored digital marketing services. We know each store has unique attributes, which is why our digital specialists work with members to define their brand identity, digital strategy, creative design, data integration, roll-out and maintenance plan. We also have the Diamond app and the Sale Driver App. What other kind of promotional support do you offer members?
Our marketing team, along with external creative agency partners, is committed to tailoring marketing solutions for members. This is in addition to our core marketing program that caters to major selling periods. Resources available extend to social media, EDMs, billboards, cinema advertising, television commercials, catalogues, radio and newspaper. How do you support local designers/manufacturers?
The Showcase Jewellers Design Awards are a biennial event created to encourage the craftsmanship and creativity of member jewellers. We also continue to sponsor one of the JAA Australasian Jewellery Awards and work closely with local manufacturers to assist members with Passion8 designs. What is the cost of membership?
There’s no start-up membership fee. However, Showcase operates under a shareholder structure, meaning new members are required to make an initial investment – which is refundable. At Showcase you become far more than ‘just a member’. You become a shareholder helping to steer your destiny while sharing in all the benefits. Potential new members have other options that may suit their business, so it’s really adaptable to being a perfect partnership. How have you improved your training and education in the past two years?
We have a massive online retail staff induction facility. The tool is customisable and guides new employees through policies and procedures, courses with video instruction and questionnaires. We have been able to create relevant online courses in collaboration with external certified training bodies |