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2020, You Owe Us Big — And More Of Your Letters From November

Readers share thoughts on what’s happening.

Published

3 years ago

November 30, 2020

INSTORE Staff Instore December 2020 Issue

Big Thoughts on the Big Survey

I always enjoy this story and think it is insightful. It’s fun to see what the different parts of the country are doing and what is popular in different regions. — Robin Lies, Burnells Creative Gold, Wichita, KS
Big Survey was really good — tons of great information in there. Kudos! — Tom R. Nelson, Nelson Jewelry, Spencer, IA

Digital Domination

Digital communication has become normal for clients, bypassing phone calls and store visits. So new hire interviews have an increased focus on communication and keyboard skills. It’s become a requirement! — Debbie Fox, Fox Fine Jewelry, Ventura, CA

COVID Concerns

I think the fear right now is the unknown of what is going to happen. Will we be shut down again, will customers shop in our stores for Christmas, how much inventory do we need? Juggling business with employees who have kids home virtual learning and how to handle their issues. — Beth Guntzviller, Miner’s North Jewelers, Traverse City, MI

Brain Squad Balm

My husband and I worked our town’s polls for the election, and when I finally got to the office on Wednesday, I didn’t see the INSTORE email for the survey. I was afraid I accidently deleted it in my exhaustion. I was sad about it for a couple days, then here it was today! Showed me how much I look forward to this each month. — Jo Goralski, The Jewelry Mechanic, Oconomowoc, WI

You Owe Us, 2020

My hope is we end this year on a high note with strong holiday sales. We deserve it after what 2020 has put us through. — Marc Majors, Sam L. Majors, Midland, TX

Mask Matters

Security with masks now a regular thing — what are people doing to keep their store safe? (We were robbed by a man wearing a mask and a baseball hat and could not get an ID.) — Anne Marie Marker, Rolland’s Jewelers, Libertyville, IL

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.”