David Squires

America’s Coolest Stores: When Sh*t Happens

When things start to stink, you better act fast.

Published

11 years ago

June 26, 2013

David Squires Instore July 2013 Issue

HERE AT INSTORE Laboratories, we’re currently concocting the epic 12th edition of our America’s Coolest Stores contest. Analyzing our fresh batch of winners, I can’t help but feeling that the state of American jewelry retail is better than it has ever been.

The edition will be hitting mailboxes in August. Can’t wait that long to see our winners? Then come to INSTOREMAG.COM on July 24 for our exclusive online announcement of this year’s honorees, including additional online-only content like videos, expanded photo galleries, and expanded owner interviews. Don’t miss it!

This week, one gross, but funny story from a previous winner — Leo Hamel Fine Jewelry in San Diego, CA (America’s Coolest Stores, 2009) — on the importance of giving above-and-beyond customer service … even when things get a little, uh, sticky.

Says Leo Hamel: “One of our best sales associates (Teri Ramirez) was working with a customer who was looking for a Hearts On Fire engagement ring. They took the ring outside to see how beautiful it looked in natural light. While they were outside, Teri’s customer stepped in a pile of dog poop. Teri came running into the store to get a wad of paper towels and wiped her customer’s shoe clean. Of course, he purchased the ring! Quote from customer: ‘Teri, we’ve been through so much sh*t together now, I have to buy the ring!”

Question: If you went to Leo Hamel Fine Jewelry, wouldn’t you want Teri serving you?

Looking for a Seamless Sale? Call Wilkerson

After almost 60 years in business, Breakiron Jewelers in Erie, Pennsylvania, was closing its doors. And the store’s owner, Linda Breakiron, was ready for it. She had run the store as its sole owner since the beginning of the millennium and was looking forward to a change. Of course, she called Wilkerson. Breakiron talked to other jewelers who had used Wilkerson and was satisfied with their response. “They always had positive feedback,” she recalls. With the sales, marketing and even additional inventory that Wilkerson provided, Breakiron insists she could never have accomplished her going-out-of-business sale without Wilkerson’s help. She’s now ready for the journey ahead, but looking back, she’d be sure to recommend Wilkerson. “They just made the whole process very seamless.”