Welcome
Welcome to The Weekly Carat, your go-to source for updates, insider news, and inspiring stories that keep our company moving forward together. Each week you can expect a fresh mix of important announcements, engaging features, and valuable insights designed to keep you informed and connected. The Weekly Carat is all about gathering nonurgent information in one convenient format so you can easily find what you need without cluttering your inbox. Some weeks will be packed with exciting content while others may be lighter, but every edition is created to help you stay in the loop and share the moments that make our workplace special.
Inside the Vault
The company had a very strong first half, posting significant increases over last year in both sales and bottom-line profits. While there is not much to report currently about the Salem project, everything is on track from a timeline perspective. I look forward to reporting out more updates as they come! Our company continues to work diligently on our two-year strategic plan which you can find on the blue box. We have been able to involve key subject matter experts, commitees, and individuals on many of these initiatives. This has helped us get new perspectives and ideas on many of our strategies. I encourage you all to take some time and review what is being worked on.
Joe Corey Day’s Jewelers President
Salem Sales Consultant: https://talent.paylocity.com/Talent/Jobs/Details/3394494
Salem Office Manager: https://talent.paylocity.com/Talent/Jobs/Details/3283578
Salem Service Consultant: https://talent.paylocity.com/Talent/Jobs/Details/3275438
Salem Store Manager: https://talent.paylocity.com/Talent/Jobs/Details/3166897
Manchester Sales Consultant: https://talent.paylocity.com/Talent/Jobs/Details/3341058
HEM Business Analyst: https://talent.paylocity.com/Talent/Jobs/Details/3333441
Topsham Service Consultant: https://talent.paylocity.com/Talent/Jobs/Details/3317391
Topsham Sales Consultant: https://talent.paylocity.com/Talent/Jobs/Details/3317367
Waterville Assistant Manager: https://talent.paylocity.com/Talent/Jobs/Details/3269211
Unplugged What They Love About Day’s
In this audio clip, you’ll hear Leo, Michael, and Kevin as they share what they love most about being part of the Day’s team.
LEO, MICHAEL, AND KEVIN V1.MP4
The HR Cut
Celebrating Our People
We want to take a moment to lift each of you up and say THANK YOU. The latest employee engagement results are in, and they are outstanding. This level of engagement doesn’t happen by chance. It’s the result of the care, integrity, and ownership you bring to work every single day. Employee engagement is more than a number to us it’s the heartbeat of our culture and a reflection of the kind of place we ’ ve built together.
As an employee-owned company, we are proud to say that the sense of commitment and connection across our teams is something truly special. HR is honored to serve as a strategic partner in this work, but the credit belongs to you. Your feedback, participation, and everyday leadership continue to shape Day’s into an extraordinary place to grow a career.
Because of the exceptional engagement results you ’ ve helped us achieve; McLean & Company has invited us to contribute to a case study on what drives successful engagement in the workplace. They want to know what makes our culture work and the answer is simple: it’s YOU.
In the spirit of continuous growth, we’re also excited to share that we’re piloting a new Leadership Fellowship program as part of Day’s University. This program is designed to invest in leadership development and create clear pathways for growth across our company. Lis Hebert will be auditing the Fellowship track during this pilot phase to offer her insight and help ensure it’s meaningful, relevant, and ready for launch. We’ll keep you posted as the program evolves.
Lauryl & Kara’s Gems of the Week
Holiday Party Update:
Let the Magic Begin: 2025 Holiday Party Planning is Underway!
Get ready to unmask an unforgettable night! The 2025 Annual Holiday Party is in the works, and this year’s theme is a Masquerade Ball, a glamorous evening of mystery, music, and celebration.
We’re thrilled to announce that the high-energy live band “Hello Newman” has been booked to keep the dance floor rocking all night long. And by popular demand, the Maine to Boston Photo Booth will be making its grand return, ready to capture your most dazzling, dramatic, or just plain silly masked moments.
Start planning your outfit and mask keep an eye out for more details soon. It’s going to be a night to remember!
Reminder: All Employment Verifications Must Go To HR
To ensure timely and accurate processing, all employment verification requests must be directed to Lauryl. We've had several recent delays due to incomplete or misdirected information. This can impact time-sensitive matters like home loans, so please help us keep the process smooth and efficient by routing all requests to Lauryl. Thank you for your cooperation!
Bright Ideas -Day’s University
Bright Ideas is a special section in The Weekly Carat where we share fresh tips, helpful resources, and creative ways to grow your knowledge and skills. This space highlights learning opportunities, quick lessons, and inspiring ideas that help everyone shine a little brighter at work and beyond. It’s all about encouraging curiosity, sharing insights, and supporting your professional development in fun and practical ways.
This week’s feature is “The Power of Meaning”
There is a cultural belief that happiness is the greatest goal we can pursue, while obtaining meaning in life takes years of spiritual study and practice and therefore remains out of grasp for most. However, Emily Esfahani Smith’s research reveals that meaning is not as unobtainable as we imagine and that it has a more profound and lasting effect than happiness alone. By applying Emily’s four pillars, you can experience meaning in your everyday life. In this video you will:
·Learn from the lessons of positive psychology and Viktor Frankl.
·Understand how creating meaning offers benefits beyond happiness alone.
·Discover four pillars that will help you pursue your own personal meaning in life.
Click below for The Power of Meaning:
To note: this link will take you to Paylocity. Once there, you will log in and you will automatically be directed to the course. This course is 16 minutes long.
The Power of Meaning
The Brilliant Plan: Retirement Resources
Welcome to The Brilliant Plan, your go-to space for all things retirement and ownership. This section is dedicated to helping you understand the benefits that are uniquely yours through our 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
Whether you're just getting started or want to make sure you're on track, this resource will help you feel confident about your future. Click the link below to explore how these plans work, how to make the most of them, and why employee ownership is one of the most brilliant benefits we offer.
Learn All About Our 401K Benefits Here
ESOP Q&A
The
Mahoney Report
I would like to remind everyone of some quotes that remind us of our commitment for the next half of the year.
A good beginning is half of the success. The choices we have today will determine the future we have tomorrow.
We are so proud that Nikia and Joe were chosen to be panelists on industry talks. (Please see Nika on the showcase stage-Storytelling for Retail.)
Damon John was the keynote speaker, his SHARK acronym for business was inspiring. This seminar will be downloaded and posted on the BB when we receive the information from JCK.
S- Set Goals: Establish clear, achievable objectives to guide your efforts.
H-Do your Homework: Thoroughly research and understand your field, competition, and target audience.
A- Amor (Love): Find passion and love for what you do, as this will drive your dedication and persistence.
R- Remember: You are the Brand. Recognize that you are your own best representation and cultivate a strong personal brand.
K- Keep Swimming: Persevere through challenges and setbacks, just as a shark constantly moves forward.
Marketing
We were honored to be invited as the exclusive jewelry partner for the launch shoot and celebration of The Yellow Field, a breathtaking new wedding venue by renowned designer Erin Flett in Gorham, Maine. This prestigious collaboration is a testament to the strength of the Day’s brand and the trust we ’ ve earned among the region’s most influential creatives. Our Creative Director, Brian Chick, captured the magic on video film, while our Social Media Coordinator, Larkin, documented the day with iPhone B-roll for our social channels. Surrounded by a talented lineup of local vendors and visionaries, the event became a vibrant celebration of community and creativity. The Yellow Field is poised to become a storied destination for weddings and life’s most cherished moments, and we’re confident this is just the beginning of an inspiring partnership with Erin Flett.
We’re thrilled to announce that Day’s Jewelers will be featured in an upcoming Maine Life wedding segment, airing Saturday, August 9 at 7:00pm, Sunday, August 10 at 10:30am, and Saturday, August 16 at 8:00am. Maine Life is one of the state’s most beloved lifestyle programs, known for celebrating the people, places, and businesses that make Maine so special. Being included in this highly regarded series is a true honor and a meaningful way to showcase the role we play in helping cou moments. The segment will continue to re excited to give you a behind-the-scenes
Please join us in welcoming Madison Parent, our newest marketing intern! Heading into her senior year at the University of New Hampshire, Madison is studying marketing and brings a strong passion for creativity and connection. Based in Massachusetts, she will be supporting content creation for our upcoming Salem grand opening and helping to develop influencer and community engagement initiatives throughout New Hampshire. We’re excited to have her on the team this summer!
Merchandise Spotlight
3700 Carats of Maine Tourmaline purchased 6 years ago.
A little over 6 years ago, Kathy Corey and I went to Rumford, ME to the home of Tim Swan of Au Jewelers to purchase the lot of Maine Tourmaline that we are still working from today. Brian Chick came with us and captured some of the conversation we had with Tim.
Parts of the video play in your stores, but below is the link to the full video with audio.
Please Welcome to the Merchandising Team!
Kristy Richard has moved from the Inventory Specialist role to the Assistant Buyer role.
Courtney Ryder has returned to Day’s as an Inventory Specialist. Courtney was previously at the Bangor Store.
Summertime Projects
The summer months tend to be a slower time for business. The merchandising team uses the summer months to start to position for the holiday season. Buyers will be working on sending out new markdowns on older items to make way for new product. We will also be doing more stock balancing, and recalling product for vendor returns as we purchase new product for the holiday season. Please reach out to me if you are having challenges completing any balancing or returns we are sending out! We are here to help! Also, a gentle reminder that if you are interested in making any changes in your store to where product is merchandised to reach out to the buyers and myself!
Training
If you are interested in product, brand or any type of merchandising or inventory related training, please reach out to Julie, Heather, Amy or Lindsay!
JCK Feature
By Amy Corey
Attending the Luxury and JCK Shows in Las Vegas this year was both exciting and true to form sparkly. My focus this year was meeting with our top vendors to thoughtfully curate new collections for the upcoming holiday season and the launch of our new Salem store
Trends were clear across the show floor: yellow gold continues its strong comeback, bezels are making a bold statement, and fancy-shaped diamonds are showing up in both fashion and bridal categories. These design directions align beautifully with what our customers are asking for and what’s already proving successful in our showcases.
A standout category for us remains flex bracelets. The trend is not only continuing but evolving, with vendors offering more intricate designs, fresh textures, and elevated styling that keeps the look modern and luxurious.
A trend I noticed at many vendors is to offer lab grown diamond jewelry in a gold filled/ vermeil alternative to bring the price down of fun fashion
Credit Loupe
“Great news because you matter most, we ’ ve made your selling experience even better! Starting now, any new purchases that are made on Days charge will clearly show the monthly payment amount right on your receipt. That means no more guessing, no more math just total transparency and peace of mind. It’s all part of our commitment to making things easier, smoother, and tailored just for you. Why does this matter? Because financing isn’t just easier for you, it’s also better for business.
When customers can see exactly what they’ll pay each month, they’re more confident, more comfortable, and more likely to say yes to bigger purchases. It’s a win-win!”
Off The Clock Photo Segment
This section of The Weekly Carat is all about you beyond the showroom floor. It is where we share the moments that make us smile, laugh, and feel proud of who we are when we are not at work. From family snapshots to photos of your pets, your weekend adventures, your gardens, your hobbies, or your hidden talents. This is the place to let your personality shine. We want to see what makes you, you. Send us your favorite photos that capture your world outside of Day’s and help us fill this space with the heart and creativity that make our Day’s family so special.
Eric Arnold [Nashua] and his picture-perfect family!
Chris Moser [IT] and his beautiful children!
- All smiles and look at those Littles!
Dan Paradis [IT]
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Michael Jacques [IT]
Team Fun
Amber Pritchard Sales Consultant [Augusta], In her element!
Store Spotlights - South Portland
by Leo
June was full of activity, collaboration, and a few surprises at South Portland.
On June 5, Leo took a trip to Las Vegas where he explored a wide range of vendors, both familiar and new. He attended several informative talks, squeezed in a little square dancing for fun, and had a productive meeting with our partners at Stuller.
Back at the store, we had a special visit from the Girl Scouts who worked alongside Angelina and Al to create personalized pendants. It was a memorable experience for everyone involved.
On June 12, Spencer returned from his trip to Ireland and came bearing gifts. The team enjoyed the sweet treats he brought back from overseas.
June 13 brought us the Assistant Manager’s Meeting. Kristin had a great time connecting with others, especially during the collaborative session focused on enhancing the mystery shopper program. She’s taking the lead in bringing back role playing and reinforcing documentation practices in Paylocity. Since the meeting was held in the beautifully renovated Manchester location, Kristin also made the most of her time by visiting the Nashua store.
Store Spotlights - South Portland
Continued
June 23 tested our resilience when the air conditioner gave out. Thankfully, AAA Energy responded quickly and got us back up and running just in time to beat the record-breaking 100-degree heat. We’re grateful for the speedy service, even if we’re a little nervous to see the final bill.
On June 24, our Service Department delivered exceptional care for a very special piece. A customer brought in a multi-generational bracelet that needed repairs. The team worked together to find the right solution, and he left very happy.
On June 27, the Goldsmiths joined our store meeting to share their expertise. They offered valuable education and tips to help the team improve accuracy and confidence when taking in repairs.
We’ll finish out the month on June 29 with our South Portland Summer Party. We also had a broken steamer, death threats and a police response, our roof leaked, and Spencer had a recent dinner date!
Polls and Quizzes
Pick your workday theme song. Go to the following link to participate in the poll. Results to follow in next week‘s edition
Pick Your Workday Theme Song
Supporting Wellness
To help everyone stay healthy and energized, we will be randomly drawing employee names to win wellness-related gifts throughout the year. These prizes are all about supporting you in moving your body, eating well, and bringing more mindfulness into your daily routine. It’s our way of encouraging healthy habits and showing our appreciation for all that you do.
And the winners are ....
Creating Calm to-go kit – Craig Adamson – Waterville (13 oz ceramic mug & chamomile comfort tea, tea tip card)
Four legs forward to-go kit – Randy Rackley – HEM
(purple dog leash and collar set and the “pick it up pet bag dispenser. tips for walking dog card)
Eco-friendly Lunch to go-kit -Paul Baker – Manchester and Cheryl Worcester – Bangor (lunch kit, featuring washable, insulated 7L cooler bag, bamboo bento box and reusable cutlery set in a travel case. Reducing food waste tip card)
Home sustainability to-go kit – Mark Poulin – Topsham
(set of wool dryer balls, reusable food storage pouch, eco-friendly sponge and beeswax paper in a recycled cotton drawstring bag)
Out of the Woods Journal to-go kit – Mollie Bracero-Comer - Auburn (recycled seed paper journal and market mini tote, journaling tip card)
Safe and Sound to-go kit – Ashley Keane – Nashua (key-chain whistle, siren and tactical pen, self-defense tip card)
Veg out to-go kit – Michael Skinner – South Portland and Sean Greene - Augusta (folding BPA-free steam-in container, bamboo vegetable scrub brush, vegetable peeler with a produce storage bag- veggie tip card)