Advertiser Spotlight

ADVERTISER SPOTLIGHT JOHN MAYS JEWELERS

with KEVIN MAYS,

Certified Gemologist Appraiser

5622 Rogers Avenue Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.452.2140 johnmaysjewelers.com

When founded: Opened 1999 Number of employees: John Mays III, Kathryn Mays, Kevin Mays, John Mays IV

ABOUT JOHN MAYS JEWELERS

We specialize in finished jewelry, watches, jewelry repair, watch repair, custom design, and appraisals. Our store has three Gemologists, a Certified Gemologist Appraiser, two Graduate Jewelers, and we are an Accredited Gem Lab from the American Gem Society.

IN A CROWDED MARKETPLACE, WHAT SETS JOHN MAYS JEWELERS APART? Our store is very unique and different from others. From the stunning jewelry in our cases, to the wallpaper on our walls, to the incredible landscaping outside, we hand select everything. We aren’t just selling you jewelry or repairing your grandmother’s ring. We want you to have a genuine experience from the moment you pull up and hear the music and see the flowers outside. When you leave we want you to feel the passion we have for jewelry.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CHANGE TO YOUR BUSINESS OVER THE YEARS? Digital marketing and the evolution of social media and e-commerce. The days of traditional marketing still have a place, especially in our market, but everything is now available at the touch of a button or swipe of an app, so you have to stay current. Over the last few years, and especially given what we have planned for the future, we are making significant changes to evolve and adapt to the new and ever-changing market. Our industry is still unique in that our clients always want to come in and make that personal connection, touch and view various pieces of jewelry. Still, the information you can provide and send to clients instantly is impressive and invaluable.

WHAT ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS HAS REMAINED THE SAME OVER THE YEARS, AND WHY IS THAT SUCH AN IMPORTANT FOUNDATION TO YOUR COMPANY? We are a family that genuinely loves jewelry. In our industry, we laugh and call ourselves gem geeks, but it’s true. When you love what you do, it’s not work. Walking into our store is like walking into our home, and that’s how we want it to be. You should have a passion for what you do and it’s visible from the moment you walk into our store. HOW HAVE YOU ADJUSTED TO COVID-19 PROTOCOLS? We have had to adjust a few things around the store to stay safe during the pandemic. We are cleaning the cases and door after every client and wearing a mask, a must to shop in-store. We also offer private appointments and viewings should any customer want a more intimate, safe shopping experience where they can have the store to themselves or their family.

WHAT ADVANTAGES DOES FORT SMITH PRESENT FOR YOUR COMPANY? Fort Smith is a smaller, family-oriented community, and that is another reason we love it here. I cannot tell you how many times when I was growing up, my family would be at dinner, and a client would hand my dad a watch or a ring to fix, and now all these years later, this is still happening when my son and I go out to eat. We love being a part of this community and the friendships and trust that we have within it. All of our family grew up in Fort Smith and attended the same schools, Darby and Northside. Watching our clients' families grow over the years is something that makes our business so personal. It’s these close relationships we have created that has made us who we are as a business today.

IF YOU HAD TO SUMMARIZE THE PHILOSOPHY OR CULTURE AT JOHN MAYS JEWELERS? Our parents have always told us, “You can’t be everything to everyone, stick to what you know and be honest.” It doesn’t only apply to business but all aspects of your life. We take a very hands-on approach to every customer who walks through the door. Whether it is a watch battery or a custom-designed ring for a 50th Anniversary, we want you to know how important you are to us and how much we value your business and your trust. HOW HAS TECHNOLOGY IMPACTED YOUR OPERATIONS? Technology has impacted all our lives and I think this last year, we saw the broad impact of how it has affected so many industries around the world during the pandemic. I have worked the last few years to bring our digital footprint up to speed online and in-store with new technology and features. This past year we completely updated our website and began a multiphase project to advance our e-commerce and website to adjust to changes in the marketplace quickly. We have experienced a considerable uptick in traffic and web-based sales due to this new strategy.

WHAT DO YOU SEE IN THE FUTURE FOR JOHN MAYS JEWELRY? This year we will be rolling out the next phases of our website and e-commerce, and hopefully, having a few of our in-store events, which we love to host, and our clients love to attend. We can’t wait to see everyone together again! I am very excited for all of the projects we’ve been working on come to fruition and for our customers to be able to take advantage of the new features!

HOW DOES JOHN MAYS INVEST IN THE COMMUNITY? Giving back to our community and the schools is something we take great pride in. Whether it is something for a silent auction, for a school event, or a large event like the Mercy Gala, which we have been honored to be a part of for over twenty years, we like to keep our donations local and in our community. If you’ve ever had a daughter who was Homecoming Queen or Band Queen in our area in the last twenty years, then that crown came from John Mays Jewelers. We continually sponsor events to benefit the Children’s Emergency Shelter, Bost, Girls Club, Humane Society, WATA, and countless other school and community events.