Editor's Note

Attention, Please!

How to tune out the noise and focus on what’s best about our digital world.

Published

3 years ago

January 6, 2021

Eileen McClelland Instore January 2021 Issue

WHAT DISTRACTS YOU in the always-on virtual world we inhabit?

I follow a lot of brilliantly talented jewelry designers and retailers on social media and I click on every photo they post. While this activity is arguably relevant to my role in INSTORE, it’s also easy to get sucked into a rabbit hole as I assemble my fantasy jewelry wish list, which in no way reflects my in-real-life budget and is of a length best described as approaching infinity.

It’s not limited to jewelry. Advertisers are throwing virtual shoes my way, along with handbags, carry-on luggage and dog attire. They know me so well.

Neighborhood news renders me rapt. On the Next Door app, my New Orleans neighbors report property crime (“Catalytic converter stolen! Someone cut my catalytic converter right off!”), lost cats (“Has anyone seen Floyd?”) loud noises. (“Did you hear that? It shook my house!”) .

If you’re distracted, too, whether by sourdough bread recipes, cat videos or circuitous political debate, you’ll benefit from our Big Story this month: Chris Burslem’s thoroughly researched and thoughtfully written article on paying attention to what’s important. The real trouble, I learned, is that in the modern world, we have defined too many things as worthy of having the power to distract us. Defining your work — or staying aware of what genuinely deserves your attention — is the most crucial work you’ll do.

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.”