The Architect Approach: How Malakan Elevates Custom Design

At Sissy’s Log Cabin, Malakan helps their team turn customer dreams into reality.

When customers visit any of Sissy’s Log Cabin’s seven locations across Arkansas and Tennessee, they quickly learn that custom jewelry isn’t just an option — it’s central to the store’s approach.

“Sales associates are trained from the beginning on the process of working with Malakan,” says William Jones IV, president of Sissy’s Log Cabin. “They literally get to act like their own custom designer, from CAD designs to estimates to everything.”

This partnership has been crucial as custom design demand has surged over the past decade. Jones notes that before 2009, only about 20% of mountings were altered or custom. Today, that figure has flipped to roughly 80%. “When Pinterest came on board, you started seeing a lot more people walking in with pictures of jewelry they like,” Jones explains. “That’s where custom really shone.”

The “Sissy’s Experience” hinges on sales associates forming genuine connections with customers. Rather than overwhelming clients with technical details, Jones trains his team to be “architects” of the design process. “Our job as professionals is to ask questions about their personality and show them merchandise to identify qualities they want,” says Jones. “You need a partner with artistic vision who can take key points of what the customer wants and create a CAD design that brings it to life. That’s why Malakan is so great.”

While Sissy’s maintains in-house custom capabilities at three locations, Malakan handles many projects based on what makes financial sense for both customer and company. “What Malakan does with CAD files and quick turnarounds helps you close sales so much faster,” Jones adds.

Founded in 1938 by Nazar Malakan, the company has grown to include more than 190 CAD designers producing over 600 custom pieces daily. Malakan offers retailers consistent sales teams, 24-hour CAD design turnaround and no minimum order requirements.

The partnership has supported Sissy’s Log Cabin’s impressive expansion. The company recently opened its seventh store in Fort Smith and plans to unveil an eighth location in October.

For more information on partnering with Malakan for custom design, contact the company directly.

 

E: info@malakandiamond.com

P: (559) 431-1500 • (800) 953-9357

W: malakan.com

 

Visit Malakan at the JCK Show, Booth 19111.

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