Q: How can organisations create a culture of innovation?

Change is inevitable and bracing for it is crucial. The leadership should be committed to laying the foundation for innovation.

It does not occur as a project or task – 70 percent of cultural change comes from leadership decisions, guidance and modelled behaviour; the remaining 30 percent is driven by training and engagement programmes.

Moreover, it isn’t organisations that change but individuals. Employees should be provided the capacity to think and freedom to fail. This is vital for our sector.

We must create space for innovation. Besides physical space, access to technology and state-of-the-art facilities is critical. Vogue has been a pioneer in introducing technology and standards.

Build credibility throughout the process. And lastly, win customer confidence.

Q: In what manner is innovation reflected in your sector – particularly amid COVID-19?

The jewellery sector is among the worst hit due to the pandemic. Postponed weddings and celebrations, and store closures have brought about a decline in discretionary consumer spending, crippling nonessential purchasing – thereby pushing the sector’s boundaries of resilience.

Purchasing jewellery through traditional stores and in-person shopping experiences is a universal phenomenon despite growing online purchase habits. Being able to view the physical item and experiencing the choices available are major drivers for a majority of purchases to occur in physical stores.

Prior to COVID-19, we took initiatives to digitise a major component of operations and created online purchasing facilities without much visibility due to the nature of consumer purchase behaviour.

When lockdown restrictions were eased, we were quick to bring our online store facility to the limelight and introduce lightweight wedding jewellery that was more affordable.

We also focussed on gift items and minimalistic jewellery that strongly associate with the cultural traditions of Sri Lanka.

It’s been a successful operation while helping ease people’s anxiety both virtually and by taking items to their doorstep. In particular, it has helped those overseas seeking lasting gifts of value for loved ones in Sri Lanka.

To show our gratitude to the essential workforce, we introduced an exclusive price for front line sectors.