America's Coolest Stores

America’s Coolest Stores Winners 2016: Stamp of Approval

Published

8 years ago

July 17, 2016

INSTORE Staff Instore August 2016 Issue

America’s Coolest Stores Winners 2016: Stamp of Approval

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

BETTERIDGE
MARSHALL PIERCE & COMPANYTHACKER JEWELRYTHE DIAMOND CENTERSTEPHEN SILVER FINE JEWELRY

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

DESIGNING JEWELERS
DIANNA RAE JEWELRYEVANS JEWELERSONYX II FINE JEWELERSREVOLUTION JEWELRY WORKS

CONTEST METHODOLOGY: Our 15th annual contest featured two divisions: Big Cool for stores with six or more full-time employees; and Small Cool for stores with five or fewer. From 85 entries, 10 finalists per division were selected by INSTORE’s editors. Separate panels of industry-expert judges chose the top three stores in each division. Five Honorable Mention stores were chosen from each of the division’s finalists and will be featured in upcoming issues. Judges viewed the entries on a specially created website and rated stores in six categories: story, exterior appearance, interior appearance, advertising and marketing, online presence and overall individuality. Total scores were calculated weighting the categories according to importance: story 50 percent, exterior 75 percent, interior 100 percent, advertising 50 percent, online 25 percent and individuality 100 percent. Judges with personal or professional ties to a store were asked to recuse themselves from voting on those stores. Many thanks to our terrific judges and to all those who entered!

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”