Seminars

Seminar Information

Larry B. Johnson is an experienced seminar leader. He has spoken on the subject of visual merchandising before thousands of attendees over the last 20 years. He is frequently available to speak before industry groups. If you have an interest in having him at your meeting, contact us at Lbjis@Msn.com.

The following seminar outlines are indicative of the types of topics he has spoken on in the past. All seminars are available in Powerpoint formats. Larry's seminars are not commercially oriented. He does not promote any particular company or its products. His seminars are objective, impartial examinations of the topics without a sales pitch.

References are available upon request

A partial list of groups that have invited us to conduct seminars is included at the end of this page.

"The top 10 list of mistakes jewelers make in the display of jewelry, 2012 edition" (60 minutes lecture + 15 + minutes for questions or 90 min session)

This is the most popular seminar we have ever conducted. It has been completely updated for 2012. In this seminar, the most commonly made mistakes are briefly reviewed. Given the time, about 5 minutes is spent on each of the ten. Photos depicting examples and corrections are shown. Major discussion points include showcase layout, profit return on showcase space, signage, key item displays, floorboards,colors, merchandise counts,use of pricing signage,merchandise groupings, etc. A handout with all the major talking points is given to all attendees. A question and answer period of whatever length usually follows.

New for 2012- How to display to sell the item or product you want most to sell! (45 minutes + 15 min for questions)

Many retailers seem to just put the goods in the case and allow the customer to choose. By implementing correct, purposeful merchandising techniques, effective retailers can greatly influence the pieces that sell. This informative seminar will instruct the jeweler in how to draw special attention to the piece he/she wants most to sell. This seminar will teach you: How to use display to improve selling prices. How to use display to increase perceived value. How to use displays to direct the customer eye. How to make small merchandise assortments appear larger. How to make large assortments easier to shop. Don't put your results at risk through haphazard display techniques.

New for 2012- How to integrate the vendor-provided displays (you often receive with your merchandise) along side your own store brand displays for maximum effectiveness.

In recent years, more vendors are providing free displays to independent retailers. These displays are often heavily branded with special colors, graphics and designs. Using them correctly in your store is crtical to avoid the branded goods from overwhelming the store brand merchandise. This seminar addresses the challenge and provides step by step instructions for making your store brand goods sell on par with the brand. (45 minutes lecture + 15 minutes for questions)

"Seven things you can do today that will make your displays more effective, without spending a lot of money" (45 minutes lecture + 15 minutes for questions)

In this seminar, we review the fast, inexpensive things a retail jeweler can do to improve the effectiveness of the display cases. This is a very practical, do-it-yourself type of seminar with ideas that will show immediate sales impact. The techniques for over-wrapping floorboards are covered. Key-item display designation is also featured. Participants are invited to bring examples of problem areas to be reviewed.

Solutions to the seven most frustrating (and expensive) problems jewelers face in the display of jewelry (45 minutes + Q&A

This seminar addresss common problems like utilizing showcase space to it's best advantage, cleaning displays, display principles, making full cases look organized, redoing displays on a tight or non existent budget.

"Extreme makeover- Store Edition!" (45 minutes lecture + 15 minutes for Q&A)

In this seminar, the criterion for remodeling, or building a new store is reviewed. Topics discussed include budgets, timeframes required, the use of store design consultants, showcase selection, display design and construction. Suggestions are made for how and where to save money. Real estate selection is not covered. A handout covering the major points is included. A question and answer session can follow.

The Basic Principles of Display and How To Put Them To Work In Your Store" (45 minutes + 15 minutes for Q&A)

In this seminar, the fundamental concepts of visual merchandising are reviewed. Layout, balance, major and minor focus are briefly discussed. Emphasis is placed on the use of color and composition. Lighting and proportion are also discussed. Photos show good and bad examples of each point. The seminar ends with a checklist for setting up and evaluating new display ideas.

The most effective display of color (45 minutes + 15 min questions)

Colored stones present a special display challenge. this seminar focuses on the best strategies for colored stone merchandising. Images include the special AGTA display showcase. This seminar was recently presented at the AGTA Conference in Tucson.

"The Effective Jewelry Displays" Workshop (Unspecified time)

Bring your pictures for a open discussion by all participants in a workshop evaluating the good, bad and problematic showcase and window displays of our stores. We'll critique, discuss, suggest, redesign and improve the photos brought by the workshop participants. The seminar leader will begin the discussion with a critique of several standard starter layouts just to get the ball rolling. Seminar size should be limited to 12-20 participants to allow everyone an opportunity to participate.

"You can design you own Seminar" (Unspecified time)

Under most circumstances and with adequate time,, a seminar can be created to match a particular groups requirements. If you do not see a seminar that meets your specific needs, write to us and tell us what you'd like to see. If we can help, we'd love to serve your needs.

Larry Johnson has conducted seminars for the following groups in recent years:

JCK Toronto--JCK Las Vegas--BIG Conference and BootCamp--- SJTA Atlanta Jewelry show---RJO buying Group conference-- IJO buying Group Conferences--MIDAS Dallas show---GIA, Lone Star Region--- Texas Jewelers Assn--- Leading Jewelers Guild----National Pawnbrokers Association National Conference----Jewelers of America Regional conference --Numerous corporate sales meetings