“However, I do agree that you should hurry when it comes to dating. Even if the Crown Prince isn’t your partner, if a woman already has someone, she can be seen as a mentor or advisor rather than a competitor. Therefore, my suggestion for Letticia, our promotional model, is to aim for finding a romantic partner.”
Lenard expressed his opinion to Letticia with a very serious attitude, maintaining eye contact.
His expression did not change, suggesting his experience dealing with customers at the main store.
‘It’s creepy, though.’
Letticia tried to use polite language while enduring the goosebumps caused by her brother’s formal speech.
“…Thank you for your opinion, deputy manager of the main store. If the Director of the External Cooperation Department approves, I will reflect it in the direction of future social gatherings.”
“We at the External Cooperation Department also agree with that opinion. Letticia, the promotional model, and Kenneth, the secretary, should prioritize finding a romantic partner in the future.”
Seeing Camilla nod, the head of the External Cooperation Department agreed, setting the direction.
The meeting continued for a long time, and finally, near the end, Patrick’s instructions were given to each department.
“Head of the External Cooperation Department, please prepare a report on the current public opinion regarding Letticia by next week. The Head of the Strategy Department should create a report on how to address the expected sales decline. The Head of the Finance Department should submit a report on the impact of Canotia Jewelry’s new product launch on our Sharon Jewelry’s sales.”
“Yes, sir.”
“And Head of Sales Management, please manage well so that the gloomy atmosphere among the employees due to customer departures does not show to the customers. The main store is the face of our Sharon Jewelry.”
“Understood, sir.”
After all the instructions were given, the meeting finally ended, and even the formal conversations among family members ceased.
Once the employees had left and only the family remained, Letticia sighed and stretched, leaning back in her chair.
“Oh, my head… Why did they have to release that now, making things difficult for us?”
When Letticia grumbled, Kenneth consoled her.
“The luxury goods market, like the jewelry industry, has a limited pie. So, everyone is trying hard to get a bigger piece.”
“I know that, but why does it have to be during my debut season? Was my debut that threatening?”
“It’s not just your debut, but it could be perceived as a threat. That’s why they prepared such a project.”
It was Patrick who answered Letticia’s question. Patrick, who hadn’t touched his teacup throughout the meeting, picked it up and took a sip before continuing.
“Our Sharon Jewelry is a latecomer in the jewelry industry with less than 100 years of history. But we have maintained the top position in the industry for the past ten years. What do you think is the decisive reason for that?”
Although surprised by Patrick’s sudden question, the dedicated children of the Sharon family quickly began to voice their opinions.
“Isn’t it the unique and diverse designs? Sharon Jewelry’s designs are more varied compared to others.”
Lenoa, an apprentice designer, mentioned the diversity of jewelry designs.
“I think it’s because we captured the new noble customers first.”
Kenneth, the secretary and analyst, pointed out that they adapted well to the trends.
“Isn’t it the introduction of the latest technology through quick contracts with the Magic Tower and the customized products?”
Marianne, a member of the product planning team, focused on the success of the products themselves.
“I believe it’s the trendsetting of birthstones, storytelling focused on love and romance, and the establishment of the brand image through marketing.”
Lenard, the deputy manager of the main store and the next in line for management, emphasized strategy and brand image.
However, Letticia, who was active in the social circles, had a slightly different perspective from her family members who were directly involved in selling the products.
“Isn’t it because of the buzz in social circles? Like the legendary marriage of our parents or the story of the Empress. After all, it’s the people in social circles who buy the products.”
Living as a daughter of the Sharon family, the stories Letticia heard most frequently from people were about her parents’ marriage or the Empress’s love story.
Even though both stories were over 20 years old, they were still talked about, showing how solid the reputation was.
Patrick smiled at Letticia’s answer.
“Everyone is right, but the answer I wanted this time was given by Letticia. Even if we have diverse designs, expand the spectrum of jewelry to be sold, offer customized products, and lead trends, the crucial factor is creating a buzz.”
The other family members had expressions of reluctance to accept that creating a buzz was more important than management or the product itself. It was understandable since they all took pride in their respective areas.
However, Patrick continued speaking without paying attention to their expressions.
“No matter how excellent our products are, no matter how top-notch our services are, and no matter how well we ride the trends, we cannot succeed if we fail to generate buzz. As Letticia mentioned, our customers are in social circles, and our products will also be used in those social circles.”
“But even if we generate buzz, if the products do not back it up, the customers will leave eventually.”
“Right. If they come because of the rumors but don’t like the designs, no one will buy anything.”
Marianne and Lenoa both countered, but Patrick was resolute.
“If there is no buzz, those customers won’t visit us in the first place. It means we won’t even have the chance to stand at the starting line.”
“……….”
“As Kenneth mentioned, jewelry is a luxury item, and the only people who must buy it are those who attend social events. Jewelry is sold not just because of its intrinsic charm but because of the added value attached to it. That’s why your grandfather worked hard to revive and popularize the ancient tradition of birthstones.”
Patrick, having finished his tea, looked at the children and spoke as if giving advice.
“In our case, the main selling point is that the jewelry is made exclusively for the customer, but some people want to have something that others do not. And right now, competitors targeting those people have succeeded.”
“Additionally, Sharon Jewelry being the number one in the industry for over ten years is also a key sales point. If we fall behind Canotia this time, we will lose one of our significant sales points.”
Aunt Irene, the manager of the main store, seriously supported Patrick. Chief Designer Brian also spoke sternly to his children and nephews and nieces.
“You need to figure out how to ensure that Sharon Jewelry remains number one, whether we should go on the offensive or defensive. Only if you make the right judgments can we entrust the future of Sharon Jewelry to you. Don’t leave all the decisions to us; keep thinking constantly.”
***
The adults of the Sharon family seriously urged the younger generation to discuss solutions among themselves, and no one was insensitive enough to ignore the advice and just play around.
Except for Victoria, who had to leave for overtime work, everyone, including Lenard, the deputy manager of the main store; Marianne from the product planning department; Lenoa, the apprentice designer; Leticia, the promotional model; and Kenneth, the secretary, gathered in Lenard’s study for an emergency meeting.
Of course, there was no guarantee that their solutions would be implemented, but everyone participated willingly, knowing it was a test to see how they would handle the crisis.
“Since we all heard the discussion earlier, there’s no need for explanations. Does anyone have any ideas?”
Everyone’s eyes turned to Lenard when Letticia asked.
Lenard looked at each person seriously and began to speak.
“The buzz that Father mentioned seems to be the key here. To generate buzz among the customers, we either need to compete with the product itself or attract attention in social circles.”
“But if we start developing a new product now, it will be too late. This won’t solve the problem.”
Marianne pointed out the practical aspect, and Lenard agreed.
“You’re right. So, is there anything among the planned products or my designs that can be quickly launched?”
“Quickly launched?”
“Yes. The adults are probably reviewing whether the products planned for the fall season can be released now. We need to come up with ideas in case that doesn’t work out.”
“…There are plenty.”
Lenoa brought a notebook and showed it to Lenard. Lenard opened the notebook and carefully flipped through the pages.
After reading through it, Lenard stopped at one page and asked Lenoa and Marianne.
“Could you explain what this product is?”
“This? This is—”
The three of them started to have a serious discussion about the product, seemingly having found something promising.
“Wait, what about us?”
Letticia waved her hand, and Lenard answered concisely.
