DiGem Jewellers Buying Group

A major membership benefit is the ability to meet with other DiGem owners on a regular basis throughout the year to discuss trends, promotions, market conditions, new product and general day to day challenges. The main advantage of the meetings is the opportunity to talk with fellow jewellers about the daily operations of our own stores, as well as theirs, in a relaxed non competitive atmosphere, the ideas and advantages gained are invaluable to members.

History of Digem Jewellers

The Gem West Buying Group was originally formed in 1971, when eight retail jewellers joined together to establish Gemalta Jewellers Ltd. Their main purpose was to obtain the advantages of chain store discounts, while retaining independence over their own business.

In 1979 to better reflect the group's purpose, and take advantage of certain tax laws favoring co-operatives, the group formed Gemalta Co-operative Ltd.

In 1999, the name was changed to DiGem (a division of Gemalta Co-operative Ltd) and the focus changed from regional to national in scope.

Today there are more than 55 DiGem stores in Canada. (All independent jewellers who realize that there is strength in numbers) and the group is actively looking to expand even further in the coming years. Their framework of getting together to discuss business and pricing strategies continues today, with the focus on obtaining the highest quality goods at the best possible price.

The DiGem Mission Statement is:

  1. to provide Digem owners with ability to secure better price advantages and cultivate better business relationships with suppliers;
  2. to provide Digem owners with business education through programs and seminars;
  3. to provide Digem owners with opportunities to invest in their own larger corporate company;
  4. to provide Digem owners with the tools to enhance and train staff to create better working relationships;
  5. to provide liaison to vendors and all DiGem owners alike
DiGem Membership Benefits

What DiGem Can Do for You

Today's jewellery market is very different from that of 10 to 15 years ago. Why? Because today's consumer are smarter shoppers, more price and quality conscious, and more knowledgeable.

Jewellery stores offer a very high level of service with lower turnover than most other retail outlets. Therefore, they require a larger margin or profit in order to remain profitable and must buy at the lowest possible price in order to remain competitive. DiGem can help you achieve that goal.

Membership in DiGem provides independent jewellers with the opportunity to obtain volume pricing that allows you to remain competitive with national chains and still maintain your independence. Buying groups are becoming common in most retail trades. These groups have learned, over years that in order compete effectively and consistently with major retailers, they must belong to an organization that enables them to pool their purchasing power.

DiGem is unique in that it is the only Jewellery Buying Group that focuses on saving you money every day, and offering your store the marketing advantages of the large corporate competitors. DiGem provides the competitive edge for independent retail jewellers and offers many benefits to its member/owners.

  1. The DiGem Diamond Ring Guarantee and insurance policy includes: One-year loss and theft; six years of craftsmanship inspection; and a trade-up plan.
  2. The DiGem Mentor Program is one of the newest benefits and offers storeowners the opportunity to arrange a seminar at their store, to review such topics as: store layout, counters, displays, and lighting; signage, POS, and general advertising; merchandising; all about diamonds; sales techniques; and staff motivating techniques.
  3. A major benefit is the ability to meet with other DiGem owners on a regular basis throughout the year to discuss trends, promotions, market conditions, new product and general day to day challenges. The main advantage of the meetings is the opportunity to talk with fellow jewellers about the daily operations of our own stores, as well as theirs, in a relaxed non competitive atmosphere, the ideas and advantages gained are invaluable to members. Mostly it is owners helping owners.
  4. Digem owners also have the ability to participate on individual committees, assist fellow jewellers and enjoy educational speakers who keep members on the cutting edge of our industry. Approved suppliers display their product at annual meetings and share their knowledge about new products and what's working and not working today.
  5. DiGem has a list of preferred suppliers, with others waiting for the opportunity to become one of our major suppliers.
  6. DiGem member/owners have access to the DiGem Website. 

DiGem Financial Benefits

DiGem offers its members pricing that allows them to remain competitive with national operations. Discounts from suppliers are many and varied. The DiGem group maintains contracts with 53 approved suppliers and are constantly reviewing these contracts to ensure the highest possible discounts for DiGem member/storeowners.

DiGem is not a franchise operation - each member/storeowner is responsible for, their respective stores. Owners control their own purchasing. However, after being in the group for a short while, new members find, they will buy more products from DiGem and the endorsed suppliers—where quality and prices are best!

Membership and annual fees are based on a break-even figure. DiGem returns all excess funds to its member storeowners. Every time you, the owner sells a DiGem or net priced item, that extra profit goes straight to your bottom line.

Financial Strength

DiGem has no long-term debt. Because of DiGem's equity rollover fund, we have never had to re-negotiate our financial position with our suppliers. This strong financial position allows us to gain all available advantages. Bulk-buys also enable us to offer great savings to storeowners.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The DiGem focus and direction is decided by the Board of Directors. Each Board Member is an active retail jeweller elected from the General Membership. This process ensures that decisions made on behalf of the co-operative are always in the best interests of the retail jeweller. Each Board Member is selected for a three-year term, and may stand for more than one term.

ADVERTISING AND SALES PROMOTION

Print Advertising

  • For the convenience of DiGem Members, ad mats, professional photos of jewelry, and colour separations are available in a variety of sizes, for use in newspapers and magazines.

In-Store Signage Packages

  • P.O.S. for fast-moving products 
  • Generic signage for special occasions

E-Commerce

  • Internet Sales - Through the Internet, consumers can now shop the world, surfing site-to-site in minutes. DiGem’s Web site will serve as an gateway for showcasing a sampling of fine jewelry available in the DiGem Member stores. Consumers can shop in person from the Member store nearest them—or by phone. The DiGem site will work for your store, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS

  • Business Planning
  • Marketing Concepts
  • Advertising Strategy
  • Publicity
    		•
  • Promotions
  • Mentor Program
  • Inventory Management
  • Internet Marketing
    		•
  • Staff Education in Product Knowledge
  • Selling Skills
  • Working Relationships within the Store
    		•

    COMPARE NOTES

    • Attend the Annual DiGem General Meeting and Summer Show in August, meet and share with your fellow Members. Regional DiGem meetings are also held, presently in conjunction with the June JCK show in Las Vegas.
    • Exchange ideas and information without concerns you might be talking to your competition.
    • Share problems and challenges about each others’ businesses.
    • Learn and share recent solutions that have worked successfully.
    • Discuss business and pricing strategies with other jewelry store owners.

    Summary of Benefits

  • Group purchasing power
  • Wealth of group expertise in the retail jewelry business.
  • Exclusive DiGem Extended Warranty on diamond products.
  • Comprehensive inventory management systems that emphasize fast-moving inventory controls.
  • Bulk buying for special events.
  • Special diamond orders.
  • Contract rates with Canada Post for substantial Canada-wide savings.
  • Discounts off preferred suppliers' invoices.
  • Annual volume rebate cheque, based on previous year's purchases. (In many cases, rebate exceeds the Membership fee.)
  • Electronic marketing through our Web site: www.digemjewelers.com 
    		•

    Jewelry Store Owners interested in the benefits of DiGem Membership.
    Phone 1-800-881-7784
     or
    Fill out the form below. Connie Kitagawa- DiGem's CFO will arrange to deliver an information package.
    Store Owner's Name:
    Company Name:
    Email Address:
    Telephone Number
    Fax Number:
    Street Address:
    City: Province Postal Code
    Questions and Comments:


    DiGem Jewelers - More than Diamonds
    DiGem, a division of Gemalta Co-operative Ltd., G7, 5550 - 45th Street, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada, T4N 1L1
    Phone 403-346-2380, 1-800-881-7784. Fax 403-347-8680, 1-800-261-6512