How do you personalize the jewelry buying experience?
People choose to come to Cecil’s for a specific reason, not just to kill time. I want every person who walks through our door to feel that we are truly interested in each and every one of them, regardless of if they make a purchase. Face it, a watch battery doesn’t rock your world like an engagement ring, but the end result should be the same—quality and satisfaction. I want our customers to enjoy their time in the store and I want them to want to come back.
What advice do you give jewelry customers?
Shop where you are most comfortable and at the store where you feel confident in their jewelry selection. Over fifty percent of our business is from referrals. Our female customers are not afraid to send their men into our store because they know we will take excellent care of them. Also, really love what you purchase! If you are not going to wear it, we encourage our customers to bring it back and get something that you will wear and truly enjoy.
What makes something a conversation piece?
A conversation piece can be anything that lends itself to being noticed and talked about, whether good or bad. I like to think that our jewelry at Cecil’s is appealing to men and women alike because of it’s uniqueness without being totally over the top. Our Ivanka Trump line demonstrates this concept perfectly. Her jewelry is gorgeous, well designed and starts at an affordable price point. Needless to say, one of her “out there” designs would most definitely be a conversation piece.
What makes your partnership special?
Considering myself a very small part of a very large and glorious industry, Ivanka and her staff have made our store feel very special by trusting us to represent her collection in Arkansas.
How does the collection stand apart?
Ivanka Trump designs are unique, universally appealing and the prices aren’t ridiculous! I almost passed up viewing the line by letting myself be intimidated by the Trump name. How could I justify showing pieces that cost a small fortune and would only appeal to the “rich.” When I viewed the line, I experienced jewelry to be worn by the everyday woman! Of course we will gladly bring in those one of a kind pieces for our Arkansas millionaires but that’s not my primary focus.
What is the history of your store?
Eight years ago, I was given the opportunity to purchase Cecil’s Fine Jewelry. I have strived to maintain the fine reputation of this thirty-five year old business. As an interior design graduate from Purdue University and a former business owner, I have used my thirty years experience as a designer to enhance my jewelry knowledge and continuing education in the field. What started as a part time job at Cecil’s has developed into a full fledged love affair with the jewelry industry.