The program, called Knowledge Exchange, was launched on Wednesday 5 August by jewellery retail software provider Swim in partnership with Australia and New Zealand’s largest buying group Nationwide Jewellers.
The free initiative offers a “mentorship” to start-up jewellery store owners who have opened their business within the last 12 months, as well as to young jewellery retailers below the age of 30 in both Australia and New Zealand.
Swim founder Raeleen Kaesehagen said she developed the program as a way to give back to the industry that had taught her so much.
Swim founder Raeleen Kaesehagen said she developed the program as a way to give back to the industry that had taught her so much.
“The program aims to give new businesses and start-ups – and thus, the future of our jewellery industry – the best chance possible to build and grow,” she explained.
Kaesehagen said there were many more barriers to entry now for jewellery retailers compared to in previous years, especially with the onset of increased online and international competition.
“There’s so much you have to learn and there’s a lot more to think about,” she commented. “Having mentors just makes it that much easier for them [young jewellers and start-ups] to get a grasp on what it is to own a retail store, particularly if they've come from a bench jeweller or workshop background and need guidance on how to transition into more of a retail environment.”
How it works
The program is conducted online, with participants gaining electronic access via the Knowledge Exchange Centre (KEC) to a panel of retailers who have already managed a jewellery-related business or who possess considerable industry experience.
Participants, who are able to use the program for the first two years of trading, can pose operational and other general retailing questions to the panellists electronically. Queries and responses can be accessed confidentially at any time through the KEC.
Kaesehagen said Nationwide’s assistance had been key to promoting the initiative within the industry and assembling the volunteer panel, which includes Nationwide director Barry Jackson; Diamond Services International director Sonia Giggins; and Brent Morrison of Petersens Jewellers – one of Nationwide’s inaugural New Zealand members – among other jewellery retailers.
“We often help people looking to start in the industry, and the Knowledge Exchange is a great way to add some structure and resources,” Nationwide managing director Colin Pocklington said.
“We asked several past and present members to participate, and the response from each person was an enthusiastic ‘yes’. It is encouraging to see just how generous our members are with sharing their time and experience.
“Nationwide has been assisting apprentices for six years now, and the Knowledge Exchange program enables us to make a further contribution to the industry.”
In addition to the strong support of Nationwide and the panellists, Kaesehagen said the program had received positive feedback from the wider industry, with a number of applications already received.
She added that she was open to further feedback and comments fr