At Gallery System, we’re big advocates for both art and small business, so we were very excited to read a new article in Instore magazine, a trade journal for retail jewelers – “Jewelers Find That Art Draws a Crowd.”
Author Eileen McClelland offers profiles of seven different jewelry stores across the country that are using art displays to help boost their core businesses. Art can “not only attract a crowd, but also add a layer of interest that keeps shoppers lingering and looking longer,” writes McClelland.
The examples range from Fox Fine Jewelry in Ventura, Calif., which has hosted regular bi-monthly shows by local artists for two decades, to Colorado jewelry designer John Atencio, who displays his own paintings (and sells prints) at his six retail locations.
Store owners praise not only the engaging visual environment that’s created by the original artworks, but also the increased traffic that comes from openings, receptions, and supporters of the artists whose work is shown.
Several proprietors said that while the events themselves generally don’t generate extensive sales, they create a long-term benefit by bringing in people who would not be there otherwise, setting the stage for future purchases.
We’ve written in the past about how art displays can help businesses and organizations better connect with their communities, including the landmark library at the California State University – Channel Islands campus. And it all adds up to one simple conclusion: You don’t have to be in the art business to reap the benefits of intriguing displays!