LAST WEEK, INSTORE surveyed 230 Brain Squad members — owners and managers of independent jewelry stores in North America — about how COVID-19 is affecting their businesses, asking them about everything from the Paycheck Protection Plan to Personal Protection Equipment. On a somewhat lighter note, we also asked them, “How did you celebrate the end of your first day back in business?” While some were too exhausted or stressed to do more than head home and fall into bed, others did allow themselves a sigh of relief and a mini-celebration. Here are a few examples:
- We were so exhausted (both physically and mentally) that we didn’t do anything to celebrate that day, but on the first day back that we did great business we did have chocolates and bubbly as a staff during closing! — Jennifer Hornik Johnson, Miller’s Jewelry, Bozeman, MT
- Cake and ice cream. It was my 50th birthday also. — Brian Hurt, Henebrys Jewelers, Roanoke, VA
- Taking the deposit to the bank. — Tim Bodis, Diamond Designs by Bodis, Rice Lake, WI
- Whiskey. — James Adair, Adair Jewelers, Missoula, MT
- Woodford double oak bourbon! — Rick Sanders, Sanders Jewelers, Gainesville, FL
- Before we opened, we had a mimosa toast and bagels! — Karen Fitzpatrick, Harris Jewelers, Rio Rancho, NM
- Went home to my wife and kids, but showered before touching anyone! — Jeremy Auslander, Roxbury Jewelry, Los Angeles
- With a bottle of wine! — David Phelps, John David Jewelers, Durham, NC
- I cooked for everyone! It was just a surreal feeling being back in the store, answering emails and phones like life was normal. Getting used to COVID protocols- the gloves and masks are just too much, but we will follow the guidelines, we uphold community integrity and consideration for our fellow man. — Denise Oros, Linnea Jewelers, La Grange, IL
- When I get home tonight, (May 19), I plan on cooking myself a nice low-calorie meal. It seems all my clothes shrank from two months of not being worn. — James Doggett, Doggett Jewelry, Kingston, NH
- Happy Hour! — Robert G. Kaylor, R Grey Jewelry Gallery, Boise, ID
- With a sigh of relief! — Robin Lies, Burnell’s Creative Gold, Wichita, KS
- I didn’t celebrate, although I did have one person come in and he bought something! — Janne Etz, Contemporary Concepts, Cocoa, FL
- We celebrated with some yummy takeout from a local restaurant. — Morgan Bartel, Susann’s Custom Jewelers, Corpus Christi, TX