WHAT A YEAR 2025 has been. Economic uncertainty, rising gold prices, the continued influence of lab-grown diamonds and a slew of tariffs have made it a tricky year for jewelry retailers to navigate.
All of these factors and their impact on independent jewelers are measured in this year’s Big Survey, our 19th annual edition of the most extensive data-gathering exercise covering jewelry retail. In addition to reading about how each of these dynamics has affected your peers, you will also learn how your fellow retailers have embraced innovative ideas to drive business success.
Often, challenging circumstances can lead to the most impressive solutions (hey, it’s a cliché for a reason!).
Advertisement
At the INSTORE Jewelry Show in September, we got to see firsthand how many of you are heading into the holiday season with sound plans and impressive strategies. The buzz around the show was palpable as attendees didn’t just come to browse — they were buying. And lots of you took advantage of our Social Media Content Studio to produce expert-guided videos and photos for your holiday posts and promotions, not to mention our extensive education program focused on holiday success.
Black Friday is just around the corner. As always, we’ll have weekly updates tracking sales for our Brain Squad. If you’re not a part of it, sign up at instoremag.com/brainsquad; the more of you who give us feedback, the more accurate our information will be and the more you can benefit.
Trace Shelton
Editor-in-Chief, INSTORE
[email protected]
Five Smart Tips You’ll Find in This Issue
- Ease workload on your shop and boost foot traffic in January by promoting cheaper repairs after Christmas. Manager’s To-Do, p. 26
- During the holiday selling season, give staff members the chance to take 10-minute walks to clear their heads. Manager’s To-Do, p. 26
- Create a collection of upcycled jewelry in your store from scrap metals and orphaned gemstones. Best of the Best, p. 58
- Protect your store from costly product recalls by establishing strong vendor agreements that clearly define liability for defects. Real Deal, p. 60
- Create a “legacy wall” to tell the history of your business. Cool Stores, p. 64
Closing With Confidence: How Bailey's Fine Jewelry Achieved Outstanding Results With Wilkerson
When Trey Bailey, President and CEO of Bailey's Fine Jewelry, decided to close the Crabtree location in Raleigh, North Carolina after 15 years, he knew the decision needed to be handled with intention and professionalism. The goal was clear: exit the location while maintaining financial strength and honoring the store's legacy.
Having worked with Wilkerson successfully in the past, Bailey understood the value of their comprehensive approach. "They understood both the emotional and financial sides of the store closing sale," Trey explains. "Their reputation for professionalism, results and care made it a very easy decision."
The results exceeded expectations. Wilkerson helped Bailey's sell through significant inventory while maintaining the dignity of the closing process. "They don't just run a sale, they help close a chapter in the best way possible," Bailey says, strongly recommending Wilkerson to any jeweler facing a similar transition.
