Samuel Ord

Melbourne

Journalist at Jeweller Magazine

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Articles

Ghost stores are an evolving horror story

6 days ago | jewellermagazine.com | Samuel Ord

Have you heard about ‘ghost stores’? Let’s not mince words – they are a scam! They aren't even real stores. While the ‘ghost store’ term used by the mainstream media may sound innocuous, these online retailers are far from harmless. It’s the latest scam targeting Australian consumers and undermining legitimate local businesses.
Lightbox: Controversial lab-created diamond brand shutting down

6 days ago | jewellermagazine.com | Samuel Ord

In a statement, De Beers confirmed it intended to shut down Lightbox and is discussing the sale of assets, including inventory, with potential buyers. CEO Al Cook said the decision reaffirms the company’s commitment to natural diamonds. “As we move towards becoming a standalone company, we continue to optimise our business, reduce costs and build a focused De Beers that is positioned for profitable growth,” Cook said.
Diamond jewellery sales spike for independent retailers

1 week ago | jewellermagazine.com | Samuel Ord

Retail Edge Consultants reported a decline of 0.3 per cent during April on a year-on-year comparison and 3 per cent compared with 2023. This follows a 4.4 per cent decrease in revenue in March, after consecutive increases in February and January. The average retail sale (inventory only) increased by 12 per cent to $284, while unit sales decreased by 10 per cent on a year-on-year comparison. General manager Leon van Megen said the data provides valuable insight into consumer spending patterns.
Challenging the way we view customer loyalty with science

1 week ago | jewellermagazine.com | Samuel Ord

Customer loyalty is an indispensable pillar of success in the fiercely competitive jewellery industry. I’m sure that you’ve been told this hundreds of times and that your experiences within your store have proven it to be true. Loyal customers increase the likelihood of repeat purchases and provide invaluable word-of-mouth marketing opportunities when they leave your store happy and satisfied.
My Bench: James Cliff

1 week ago | jewellermagazine.com | Samuel Ord |David Brown

James CliffRobert Cliff Master JewellersSIGNATURE PIECE:(OCTAROSE) Designed and handmade for a customer, this 18-carat rose gold and white gold piece features a claw-set princess-cut diamond surrounded by Argyle pink diamonds and round brilliant-cut diamonds. FAVOURITE GEMSTONE: Diamond. FAVOURITE METAL: Platinum 950. FAVOURITE TOOL: Laser Welder. BEST NEW TOOL DISCOVERY: Laser Welder. BEST PART OF THE JOB: You are always learning and being creative. WORST PART OF THE JOB: Cleaning your bench.
Retailers call for support after election result

1 week ago | jewellermagazine.com | Samuel Ord

The incumbent Australian Labor Party, led by Anthony Albanese, won re-election in a landslide victory on 3 May, increasing its parliamentary majority. Australian Retail Council (ARC) CEO Chris Rodwell said that with retail businesses employing one in 10 Australians, the industry needs greater support in a range of areas. “Retail performance impacts every Australian, and it’s clear that we need strong economic leadership to support the sector through a challenging climate,” he said.
Digital retail fraud: Concerning trend highlighted in special report

1 week ago | jewellermagazine.com | Samuel Ord

The Guardian recently published a report suggesting that more than 140 ghost stores have been identified, with these businesses falsely marketing themselves as Australian. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is investigating this concerning trend after a spike in complaints.
‘Scam shops’ target Aussie consumers, damage local retailers

1 week ago | jewellermagazine.com | Samuel Ord

The Guardian recently published an investigation into what are described as ‘ghost stores’, bricks-and-mortar retail outlets promoted by online retailers that do not exist. Jeweller describes this practice as ‘scam shops’. These scam shops are elaborate online operations that go to great lengths to create websites promoting supposed family-owned businesses that are, for one reason or another, conducting Closing Down Sales.
Acceptance of lab-created diamond jewellery increases

1 week ago | jewellermagazine.com | Samuel Ord

The Plumb Club, a US-based jewellery trade association, surveyed 2,000 men and women aged 25-60 about their preferences. The study found that 74 per cent of consumers were open to receiving a lab-created diamond engagement ring. Furthermore, 83 per cent said they would accept a piece of lab-created diamond fashion jewellery, and the same amount expressed interest in lab-created colour gemstones.
Conscientious tourist rewarded with diamond discovery

1 week ago | jewellermagazine.com | Samuel Ord

Since 1906, an estimated 75,000 diamonds have been discovered at the park in Arkansas; the latest is a 3.81-carat brown diamond. David DeCook of Stewartville was walking in the park with his family when he noticed what he believed to be a candy bar wrapper and stopped to pick it up. Assistant Park Superintendent Waymon Cox told the Daily Mail that recent rainfall has made it easier for visitors to spot diamonds.