Episode 33: Our 1st retailer, Sam Messiha from gem Bijou

Bob's ex-employer drops by to sit in the hot seat. In all seriousness, we had a great conversation with one of Canada's leading watch retailers. We've spoken with media personalities, collectors, brand representatives, brand owners, and designers, but never with a retailer before. It was about time we had someone on the other side of the watch counter. You'll really enjoy this conversation.

Gem Bijou website: https://gembijou.com/

Sam's watch: https://monochrome-watches.com/tudor-black-bay-black-bezel-red-triangle-79220n-exclusive-review-live-photos-specs-price/

Brent's right wrist: https://www.rzewatches.com/collections/utd/products/utd-8000-gr

Brent's left wrist: https://www.omegawatches.com/fr-ca/watch-omega-seamaster-diver-300m-co-axial-master-chronometer-42-mm-21030422001010

Marc's watch: https://sherpawatches.com/ultradive-moon_and_sun/

Bob's watch: https://www.casio.com/ca-en/watches/gshock/product.DW-5600BCE-1/

Our Discord Community: https://discord.gg/3pfhUFPYFD

00:14 – Introduction 01:04 – Wrist Checks 05:41 – Sam’s all-time favorite employee 11:16 – How it all began 13:45 – Carrying the watches collectors want 15:45 – How Sam’s heritage shaped his perspective 17:21 – Sam’s destiny in the watch/jewelry business 19:27 – Going the extra mile, events, shows, etc. 20:56 – Travels in the watch business 22:47 – Gem Bijou’s competitive advantage 26:32 – Building relationships with brands 28:52 – Gem Bijou’s newest brand, Montblanc 30:59 – Cool customer stories 38:00 – What are people buying right now? 41:42 – Keeping the right products in stock 44:31 – Balancing bloops & beeps vs. brick & mortar 45:53 – Online marketing and social media 48:04 – How Sean came into the picture (the retail version of Marc) 50:30 – New brands Sam is working with 53:31 – Dream brand to bring into Gem Bijou (apart from Isotope) 57:32 – Proudest decision or pivot that helped his business 59:57 – Gem Bijou pre-owned watches 1:02:07 – All about Sam’s 1959 Omega Speedmaster 1:04:43 – Advice for new retailers 1:08:12 – What would Sam be doing instead of retailing 1:08:52 – How Sam measures success 1:12:52 – How Sam deals with PIA customers like Marc 1:15:49 – Thank yous and goodbyes 1:16:55 – T2C OUT!