In episode 513 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Jim Corso, director of real estate at James Avery Artisan Jewelry, a Texas-based vertically integrated, family-owned company offering finely crafted jewelry designs for men and women. Listen in as Corso provides an overview of the jewelry brand and his role (0:55), the catalyst for rethinking the store experience (2:15), and how its new store concept reflects an evolution of the brand while honoring its heritage in the Texas Hill Country (4:40). Corso shares that James Avery will apply this design to both new and existing stores going forward (8:30), as well as how the brand is empowering sales associates to personalize shoppers' experiences (11:45).
In addition, Corso discusses the high-touch moments that are critical in the jewelry category and how James Avery is meeting evolving consumer behavior trends in-store (14:20). He discusses the brand's national store expansion beyond Texas (16:00) and how its digital and physical businesses complement each other (17:40). Lastly, Corso shares his advice for other legacy retailers and brands looking to modernize without losing what makes them special (18:00).
Jim Corso serves as senior director of real estate at James Avery Artisan Jewelry, where he supports the family-owned company’s thoughtful retail growth and long-term store development strategy. In this role, he oversees market evaluation, site selection, lease negotiations, portfolio management, strategic partnerships, store design and the architectural team that helps bring James Avery store environments to life. His work helps strengthen the brand’s retail footprint while aligning each location with the company's long-term business objectives.
Jim brings more than 20 years of experience in real estate including site selection, negotiations, acquisitions and land management. Before joining James Avery, he served as a landman with Lewis Energy Group, where he managed complex lease negotiations, contract analysis, title due diligence, permitting, access agreements and relationships with landowners, mineral owners, operators and vendors. Earlier in his career, Jim was assistant vice president at Clarke & Wyndham, Inc., where he supported site selection, tenant representation, investment sales and leasing, land and ranch sales, market analysis and project feasibility for national credit tenants and end users.
With a background spanning retail real estate, land development and stakeholder coordination, Jim brings a practical, relationship-driven approach to James Avery’s expansion. His work supports the brand’s commitment to creating welcoming store environments where guests can discover finely crafted jewelry designed to celebrate life’s special moments. Jim earned an undergraduate degree in Architecture and a master’s degree in Land and Property Development from Texas A&M University.
