Page 299 - MM2019

Accessories can be more than added sales; they help create customer relationships by providing that something extra to keep them coming back to your store.
Fashion earrings, says Tony Perrin, founder and designer
at Lock&Key, are like throw pillows for your living room. “They are an effortless way to update your wardrobe
without getting a whole new couch.” It helps, Perrin adds, that earrings draw attention to the wearer’s face. Earrings have been gaining a lot of traction recently, Perrin observes, which is good news for buyers and retailers alike.
Take Some Chances
Earrings might be getting a whole lot of air time lately but
that doesn’t mean anything flies. “We have been oversaturated with the simple, modern earrings for seasons and now we
are starting to see trends that go back to the uniqueness
and escapism of the ’80s,” Perrin says. Note to buyers: color, texture and ample doses of fun are key details to look for.
And since the price points are affordable, you can afford
to take a few more risks than you otherwise might.
Bamboo and acrylic styles are hot at Lisi Lerch, while statement
earrings in a variety of materials are swinging the sales for Zenzii. “Oversized pearl hoops have been quite the buzz, and we have
also noticed a huge trend in the tortoise pattern and flowers,” says Suzette Wilson of Zenzii.
For fall, expect the drop earring to be big. Lock&Key, for example, has styles with raw tourmaline and black pearl and labradorite to complement fall colors.
“Know your customer, your brand identity as a store and your budget for market.”
LISI LERCH
Buy by Occasion
Every buyer will find something to appeal to their brand of customers: from matchy-matchy to coin-centric fashion, wires, hoops, dusters, ear crawlers and more, says Tim Philbin of
Tim Philbin Accessories. And that’s the important point when it comes to shopping for earrings: know your customer, your brand identity as a store and your budget for market, advises Lisi Lerch.
Once you know what will sell, shop the occasion, Wilson suggests. “Holidays and sporting events can determine color selection,” she
says. It’s a fine line between carrying the classics in enough of a statement as perennial reliables and mixing those up with the new but creating a balance that works for your store. After all, earrings in fun, new statements can draw customers who want to add to their wardrobe in relatively inexpensive ways. >
AmericasMart.com | 275