Leslie McGwire: Why is Interior Design Important for Improved Sales?

Leslie McGwire: Why is Interior Design Important for Improved Sales?

The Centurion [news.centurionjewelry.com] Improved sales per square foot: Jewelry interior designers are specialized in improving the new store’s image and functionality to help increase the flow and physical footprint. The objective is to enhance the store’s...

Occasions Fine Jewelry: Dedert Luxury

Occasions Fine Jewelry: Dedert Luxury

INSTORE Jewelry Magazine [instoremag.com]  Occasions Fine Jewelry was founded by Michael’s dad, Mike Fleck, who began his business with a thrift store roll top desk, a card table and two secondhand cases in the back of a pharmacy owned by his uncle. You wouldn’t be...

Let’s Talk: Holiday Designing for Your Jewelry Store

Let’s Talk: Holiday Designing for Your Jewelry Store

The Centurion [news.centurionjewelry.com] The holiday season is quickly approaching, it is now time. To capture your customers’ attention with new and beautiful holidays decorating and designs in your showroom. The store interior should reflect the spirit of, and...

Let’s Talk: When to Remodel Your Store

Let’s Talk: When to Remodel Your Store

The Centurion [news.centurionjewelry.com] Cost is always a major issue for many businesses when undergoing renovations. In fact, for many jewelers, cost tops the priority list for any store renovation. The top five most important store redesign considerations in order...

The Future of Retail Design is Side by Side Selling September 2023

The Future of Retail Design is Side by Side Selling September 2023

The Centurion [news.centurionjewelry.com] Remember at the end of the day, jewelry stores are competing with an online digital world. As a jewelry owner, you must make your store more about the customer experience, and the customer relationship, and uniqueness for the...

2023-24 ANNUAL JEWELRY STORE DESIGN GUIDE Debuts

2023-24 ANNUAL JEWELRY STORE DESIGN GUIDE Debuts

The Centurion [news.centurionjewelry.com] The Centurion is proud to announce the debut of its SECOND ANNUAL JEWELRY STORE DESIGN GUIDE, with wonderful articles by our store design columnist and interior designer, Leslie McGwire. This year’s guide covers these...

Private Spaces Put Engagement Ring Shoppers at Ease

Private Spaces Put Engagement Ring Shoppers at Ease

INSTORE Jewelry Magazine [instoremag.com]  WHETHER ENGAGEMENT RING shoppers know exactly what they want, have no earthly idea, or want to begin a complex custom-design process, a comfortable environment can put them at ease when they show up at your door and cross...

New Tips for Successfully Mixing Metals in Your Showroom

New Tips for Successfully Mixing Metals in Your Showroom

The Centurion [news.centurionjewelry.com] It is not always necessary to do a full-blown renovation to give your showroom a brand-new look. One of the easiest ways is by updating your fixtures. If you have not shown any interest in your showroom in more than five...

Let’s Talk: How Important Bathroom Design is for your Jewelry Store

Let’s Talk: How Important Bathroom Design is for your Jewelry Store

The Centurion [news.centurionjewelry.com] In terms of interior design, the restroom should be an integral part of the whole jewelry store. A stylish, well-decorated bathroom can make a big statement to clients and employees. So, when I am designing or remodeling a...

Let’s Talk About the Best White Paint for Your Jewelry Store Wall

Let’s Talk About the Best White Paint for Your Jewelry Store Wall

The Centurion [news.centurionjewelry.com] No other color causes as much confusion for people as white. It seems like it should be the easiest but once you grab a few paint chips you start to realize just how complicated it can be. The simple explanation is in the...

Interior Design: The Importance of Store Lighting

Interior Design: The Importance of Store Lighting

The Centurion [news.centurionjewelry.com] Lighting makes all the difference to the store’s success, but too often, jewelry retailers forget its importance. Not only is lighting critical in setting the mood of your store and showcasing your merchandise, but it also...

Lighting is Essential to a Successful Jewelry Store

Lighting is Essential to a Successful Jewelry Store

The Plumb Club [plumbclub.com]Great lighting is crucial for a successful jewelry store. In this podcast, Leslie McGwire helps listeners understand the goal of lighting and how the proper intensity of light impacts the merchandise and customer perception. She gives...

The Jewelry Store Threshold Area

The Jewelry Store Threshold Area

The Centurion [news.centurionjewelry.com] The threshold area, also known as the “decompression zone,” is the very first space that customers step into when they enter your jewelry store. It typically consists of the first five to 15 feet worth of space, depending on...

Leslie McGwire: Color Trends for 2023

Leslie McGwire: Color Trends for 2023

The Centurion [news.centurionjewelry.com] Color affects us in profound ways. Our brains are designed to respond to color. Color sets the mood of a store’s expression. It also can allow you to make mental associations. This fact ties into the interior design...

Let’s Talk Lounge Areas in Jewelry Stores

Let’s Talk Lounge Areas in Jewelry Stores

The Centurion [news.centurionjewelry.com] Customers will never forget the waiting areas in your jewelry store. Make sure the chairs or sofas are very comfortable. The seating area is a place where your customers can relax and feel at home. So, it’s only natural that...

The Importance of a Logo In Jewelry Stores Centurion

The Importance of a Logo In Jewelry Stores Centurion

The Centurion [news.centurionjewelry.com] No single jewelry logo design works for everyone. Your business is uniquely yours, and your logo should reflect that image. I would like to share what is important in the look of your logo. First: Make it your own! A proper...

The Importance of Space Planning and Flooring

The Importance of Space Planning and Flooring

The Centurion [news.centurionjewelry.com] To help my clients understand this idea of space planning and flooring, I ask them to close their eyes and imagine walking into their store and asking themselves “What does the image say about this business?” I ask them to...

Some of the Elements in Jewelry Interior Design

Some of the Elements in Jewelry Interior Design

The Centurion [news.centurionjewelry.com] Specifically, the first impressions and sensory cues a customer will receive at a store’s entrance, causing them to think, “There’s something here for me.” One of my favorite topics to talk about to my clients is the...

Leslie McGwire: Is Gray Paint Going Out of Style?

Leslie McGwire: Is Gray Paint Going Out of Style?

The Centurion [news.centurionjewelry.com] According to color experts, the feeling is that cool toned, flat mid grays are out, and the softer warmer gray colors are in for retail or jewelry stores. The neutral color can go with most any other color paint you chose for...

Leslie McGwire: Jewelry Store Remodeling Ideas

Leslie McGwire: Jewelry Store Remodeling Ideas

The Centurion [news.centurionjewelry.com] The great news is there are more independent jewelry stores enlarging their space than closing them, meaning it is as important as ever to make a good impression with your exterior and interior designs. Often when I do design...

Leslie McGwire: Summer 2022 Interior Design Trends

Leslie McGwire: Summer 2022 Interior Design Trends

The Centurion [news.centurionjewelry.com] Recently, many of my clients have asked me about summer trends to incorporate into their store. This summer, trends I am seeing are natural materials and shades of green. Many clients are wanting to use more natural materials...

Leslie McGwire: Benefits of Drop Ceilings in Jewelry Store Design

Leslie McGwire: Benefits of Drop Ceilings in Jewelry Store Design

The Centurion [news.centurionjewelry.com] Traditionally, drop ceilings have been a standard design element in high end jewelry stores. It has always provided a creative look to the overall space. Here are a few new design concepts to think about while remodeling or...

The Plumb Club Pavilion at 2022 JCK Las Vegas Show

The Plumb Club Pavilion at 2022 JCK Las Vegas Show

The Plumb Club [plumbclub.com] The Plumb Club at JCK Las Vegas has brought together a group of companies with the newest ideas and products geared to helping retailers with daily business and sales. Leslie McGwire & Associates: Turn-key retail interior design...

Newest Retail Innovations at The Plumb Club Pavilion JCK Las Vegas

Newest Retail Innovations at The Plumb Club Pavilion JCK Las Vegas

INSTORE Jewelry Magazine [instoremag.com]The Plumb Club Pavilion at JCK Las Vegas has brought together a group of companies offering the newest ideas and products geared toward helping jewelry retailers with daily business and growing sales. Exhibits will include:...

Leslie McGwire: Some Principles of Jewelry Store Design

Leslie McGwire: Some Principles of Jewelry Store Design

The Centurion [news.centurionjewelry.com]Defining your space is all about your brands and images, how it gets people into your store, and what they do once they are there. This is the big picture: what are you selling, and who are you selling to? There needs to be a...

Drapery is for More Than Just Windows

Drapery is for More Than Just Windows

The Centurion [news.centurionjewelry.com]When designing a jewelry store, I am often asked about using drapery in other parts of the store in addition to around the windows. Draperies can create an exquisite backdrop for interior walls and comprise a design element...

Guiding Light: Artistic Impressions Meets Illumination

Guiding Light: Artistic Impressions Meets Illumination

INSTORE Jewelry Magazine [instoremag.com]Interior Designer Leslie McGwire, for example, throws most rules out the window when it comes to choosing the style of chandelier that packs a visual punch. She might suggest a traditional crystal chandelier in a modern space...

The Essential Guide to Jewelry Store Layouts

The Essential Guide to Jewelry Store Layouts

The Centurion [news.centurionjewelry.com]As an interior designer working with jewelry store owners that are ready to plan the redesign or remodel their stores, the goal is to give the best experience to your customers while they shop. The way customers interact with...

Let’s Talk Jewelry Store Design—Focus on Art and Accessories

Let’s Talk Jewelry Store Design—Focus on Art and Accessories

The Centurion [news.centurionjewelry.com]When remodeling or starting a new building construction, clients often ask me about the use of accessories and decorations to impress their customers. I believe that a jewelry store without accessories is a showroom that lacks...

Let’s Talk About Using Commercial Wallpaper in Your Store

Let’s Talk About Using Commercial Wallpaper in Your Store

The Centurion [news.centurionjewelry.com]When starting a design project, clients often ask about what designs to add to their walls. I suggest that commercial wallpaper significantly enhances the store image. Commercial wallpaper is durable, water-resistant, and...

The Importance of Jewelry Store Mirrors

The Importance of Jewelry Store Mirrors

The Centurion [news.centurionjewelry.com]Today more than ever, jewelry stores need to excel in visual jewelry merchandising. Using mirrors in the showroom can be an effective and low cost tool to create a visual experience for your customers. Mirrors not only enhance...

The Advantages of Side-by-Side Jewelry Cases

The Advantages of Side-by-Side Jewelry Cases

The Centurion [news.centurionjewelry.com]When I start new interior design projects many of my clients ask what jewelry cases give a selling advantage and save space. This is a big decision for jewelry store owners, and I often recommend side-by-side jewelry case...

13 Jewelry Stores (are inspirational) That Will Inspire You

13 Jewelry Stores (are inspirational) That Will Inspire You

INSTORE Jewelry Magazine [instoremag.com] M. ROBINSON JEWELERS in Bee Cave, TX, could easily double as a European chateau if called upon to take on that role in a fairy tale, with its large slate roof, a tower and two chimneys. Owned by Sherazad “Sunny” Lokhandwala,...

Giving ’Em Goosebumps

Giving ’Em Goosebumps

INSTORE Jewelry Magazine [instoremag.com] Zorells’ Old Hollywood motif is designed to emphasize romance. One challenge was sourcing chandeliers with the right look and fit; McGwire ordered many crystal strands and the general contractor assembled them on site. “Our...

Let’s Talk Jewelry Store Design: Vaulted Ceilings

Let’s Talk Jewelry Store Design: Vaulted Ceilings

The Centurion [news.centurionjewelry.com]Jewelry retail is all about the customer experience. When designing a new store, owners often ask about different types of ceilings they should design or remodel. A particularly interesting and effective approach that’s...

Anatomy of a Successful ‘Remodel’ Occasions Fine Jewelry

Anatomy of a Successful ‘Remodel’ Occasions Fine Jewelry

The Centurion [news.centurionjewelry.com]An in-depth and insightful discussion about the recently completed remodel of Occasions Fine Jewelry, Midland, TX, featuring Occasions CEO Michael Fleck and store designer Leslie McGwire, Leslie McGwire & Associates Design...

Let’s Talk Jewelry Store Design: Drywall Drop Ceilings

Let’s Talk Jewelry Store Design: Drywall Drop Ceilings

The Centurion [news.centurionjewelry.com]When remodeling or starting a new building construction, clients often ask me about the use of a unique ceiling to impress the customers. My response is that drywall drop ceilings are more expensive than a basic 2” x 2” tile...

Let’s Talk Retail Store Design: Why LED Lightboxes Add Value

Let’s Talk Retail Store Design: Why LED Lightboxes Add Value

The Centurion [news.centurionjewelry.com]When working with clients from planning “Concept to Completion” or remodeling of their stores, they often ask me: "why should we use backlit lightboxes in our spaces?"  My response is that lightboxes add an inviting dimension...

The Skinny on Showcases

The Skinny on Showcases

INSTORE Jewelry Magazine [instoremag.com]This strategy is also a good use of space, says interior designer Leslie McGwire, because this type of case can be placed just 2 feet from a wall, while a traditional case setup requires 6 feet behind it. Another consideration...

Let’s Talk About Jewelry Store Design: Choosing Your Cases

Let’s Talk About Jewelry Store Design: Choosing Your Cases

The Centurion [news.centurionjewelry.com]During the interior design process my clients ask me, “What are the characteristics of a well-made jewelry case?” Also, many clients ask me if they should keep their existing cases when they are remodeling the space. My advice...

The Biggest Money Making Decisions of Jewelry Store Design

The Biggest Money Making Decisions of Jewelry Store Design

The Centurion Jewelry ShowGrand Sonoran Ballroom, Socially Distanced set-up. EDUCATION TODAY runs from 9:00 am-10:00 am and features: "The Biggest Money Making Decisions of Jewelry Store Design" with Leslie McGwire, Leslie McGwire & Assoc. Interior Design (above,...

Let’s Talk Jewelry Store Design: 5 Quick Waiting Area Ideas

Let’s Talk Jewelry Store Design: 5 Quick Waiting Area Ideas

The Centurion [news.centurionjewelry.com]My clients always ask me during the initial consultation: “What is the importance of the waiting area for my jewelry store?"  My advice is that creating this space needs to make the customer feel relaxed, comfortable, and...

Let’s Talk Jewelry Store Design: The Importance of Your Signage

Let’s Talk Jewelry Store Design: The Importance of Your Signage

The Centurion [news.centurionjewelry.com]Many of my clients ask me, “What should my signage strategy be for our new or remodeled space?” I really love writing about this subject because I have read and studied Paco Underhill for years. One of his great books that you...

Hot Commodity: Fireplaces Add Visual Warmth to any Style of Store

Hot Commodity: Fireplaces Add Visual Warmth to any Style of Store

INSTORE Jewelry Magazine [instoremag.com]Author: Eileen McCelland Few features can give a jewelry store a homier feel more quickly than a fireplace, especially in the winter. Interior Designer Leslie McGwire, ASID Allied says that while fireplaces are usually thought...

Let’s Talk Jewelry Design: The Importance of Ceiling Design

Let’s Talk Jewelry Design: The Importance of Ceiling Design

The Centurion [news.centurionjewelry.com] My favorite design is the drywall ceiling. For example, for Crocker’s Fine Jewelry in Texarkana, Texas I dropped the ceiling in different areas of the space, which helped the client highlight the focal points below. I also...

MI Jeweler Completes Two Major Renovations During Pandemic

MI Jeweler Completes Two Major Renovations During Pandemic

Southern Jewelry News [southernjewelrynews.com]Leslie McGwire & Associates created more customer oriented showrooms that allow for a better overall experience with our clients,” says Matt. “We were also able to gain more showroom linear feet of jewelry cases and...

Let’s Talk Retail Lighting Design

Let’s Talk Retail Lighting Design

The Centurion [news.centurionjewelry.com] The main goal in designing a lighting plan for a jewelry store is to keep the clients eyes looking at the jewelry cases and not at a busy ceiling. For example, a busy ceiling has many track lights that get mounted in different...

Let’s Talk Retail Design: Choosing Your Store’s Colors

Let’s Talk Retail Design: Choosing Your Store’s Colors

Centurion Jewelry News [news.centurionjewelry.com]To convey a simple idea of meaning and differentiation requires you select a color that properly fits your strategic positioning. Selecting a color (and color scheme) for your brand must represent the client's...

Jewelry Store Bench Area

Jewelry Store Bench Area

INSTORE Jewelry Magazine [instoremag.com]Jewelry shops seen from the showrooms give clients a more interactive feeling in the store.   See Full Article https://instoremag.com/jewelry-store-shop-areas/?oly_enc_id=6244A5888912E5P?slide=4...

Very Best Jewelry Seating Areas

Very Best Jewelry Seating Areas

INSTORE Jewelry Magazine [instoremag.com] FIT FOR A MOVIE STAR. Hollywood glam is the theme at Zorells Jewelry in Bismarck, ND, designed by Leslie McGwire & Associates, which debuted in 2019.  See Full Article  

COVID-19 Healthy Designs

COVID-19 Healthy Designs

i + D Magazine July/August Addition 2020 CLICK HERE to see Leslie's comments on pages 35-39, just press the arrow to review.   Begin at the Beginning "Always important—but now more than ever—is the first impression clients get upon entering a salon," says Leslie...

COVID-19 Interior Design Solutions

COVID-19 Interior Design Solutions

In order to keep your business open and more profitable during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, we will have to redefine the retail experience. My name is Leslie McGwire, ASID Allied specializing as a COVID-19 interior designer. I am the president of Leslie McGwire...

COVID-19 Directional Signage

COVID-19 Directional Signage

This is a great example of signage seen in this picture from Park Place Jewelry store in Ocean City, Maryland. This directional signage shows how clients entering the store will feel most comfortable shopping at the store. As valued clients enter the store, it's...

Leslie Talks: Retail Interior Design to Improve Business Sales

Leslie Talks: Retail Interior Design to Improve Business Sales

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression,” is a saying that you have likely heard many times. However, in these extraordinary times, an especially important concept when it comes to the interior design of a retail store is essential. Every time a...

Impressive Jewelry Store Fireplaces to Up Your Imagination

Impressive Jewelry Store Fireplaces to Up Your Imagination

INSTORE Jewelry Magazine [instoremag.com] Directly off the sales floor at WILLIAMS JEWELERS in Englewood, CO, a customer lounge, also known as a man-cave, boasts a separate, complementary environment with a bar, local beers on tap, a fireplace and a TV. The man-cave...

COVID 19 Social Distancing Barriers

COVID 19 Social Distancing Barriers

With over 35 years of experience in business development, interior design, equipment, furniture sales and marketing services for hospitality environments as well as retail space, salons, resorts, spa and jewelry-based businesses I am always looking for suitable...

Leslie Talks: How Color Can Help You Make More Sales

Leslie Talks: How Color Can Help You Make More Sales

Build brand recognition with color.  According to studies, colors can boost brand recognition by 80 percent. Finding a way to work your logo colors into your interior design will help customers associate those colors with your store. A good example is the robin’s-egg...

Leslie Talks: The Next Journey

Leslie Talks: The Next Journey

Hello!   I am excited to start connecting with you more each week here in my blog. I have been doing interior designing for over 35 years and loving every minute of it. Prior to this post, I have written many articles for national interior design magazines. Now I'm...

Flying High

Flying High

INSTORE Jewelry Magazine [instoremag.com] Welling Company & Jewelers Former airplane hangar provides home for Welling & Co.’s 100-year-old jewelry business..   See Full Article  

SMALL COOL: Welling Company & Jewelers

SMALL COOL: Welling Company & Jewelers

INSTORE Jewelry Magazine [instoremag.com] Small Cool Honorable Mention: Welling Company & Jewelers: Small Cool: Interior & Exterior Design, Honorable Mention Father and son owners Bill and Daniel Welling built a modern, industrial-style jewelry store on a...

Design Concepts for Bathrooms

Design Concepts for Bathrooms

INSTORE Jewelry Magazine [instoremag.com]   Upgrades All Around At Kelley Jewelers in Weatherford, OK, designer Leslie McGwire of Leslie McGwire & Associates chose a white brick that went from floor to ceiling on the wall behind the sink and toilet. The sidewalls...

Second Home

Second Home

American Salon Magazine [americansalondigital.com] See Full Article 

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