Other retailers doing thing right
TODAY’S THE DAY
ROBBINS BROS. teamed up with NBC’s Today Show to help 18 couples get engaged. The event was part of the Today Show’s ?Will You Marry Me?? Valentine’s Day series. Held at Rockefeller Plaza, Today anchors Katie Couric and Matt Lauer were on hand for the event. Following the show, couples from six major US cities returned to their hotel rooms to find a personally signed congratulatory engagement card and a $300 gift certificate from Steve Robbins.
DEMO MISSION
Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of what makes a good cut, but they usually only ever get to see the finished product. Last year, NORTHEASTERN FINE JEWELRY in Schenectady, NY, gave their customers the opportunity to see a work in progress with a live demonstration on the art of cleaving and cutting a diamond ? but not just any old diamond. The demonstration involved work on a Lazare Kaplan International ideal-cut diamond.
RAVEN MAD
Like many retailers, SMYTH JEWELERS realized years ago that being associated with a local sports team is a way to bond with the male customers in their market. So, the Maryland-based jeweler negotiated a contract to sponsor the Baltimore Ravens’ Ring of Honor. The deal between the jeweler and the National Football League franchise is part of a multi-year agreement that designated Smyth as a preferred partner of the Baltimore Ravens.
SPORTS MEDICINE
John McEnroe made an
in-store appearance at LONG’S JEWELERS’ downtown Boston location to show his support for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation USA. Baume & Mercier is also involved with the sports charity. The watchmaker created a limited edition Laureus watch, which is sold at Long’s Jewelers. McEnroe, who was greeted by hundreds of fans, made the appearance to heighten awareness that proceeds from each watch sale are donated to the Foundation. The charity promotes the use of sports as a vehicle for change in communities.
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TAX DEDUCTIBLE
Wixon Jewelers’ annual Watch Expo is the store’s most anticipated sales event, for both customers and the sales team. Customers not only get to see Wixon’s wide selection of watches, but enjoy a tax break as well. The Minnesota-based jeweler picks up the sales tax ? for the two-day annual event only. In addition to relieving customers of the tax burden, Wixon’s also hands out a customer-appreciation gift with each watch purchase.
Four Decades of Excellence: How Wilkerson Transformed a Jeweler's Retirement into Celebration
After 45 years serving the Milwaukee community, Treiber & Straub Jewelers owner Michael Straub faced a significant life transition. At 75, the veteran jeweler made a personal decision many business owners understand: "I think it's time. I want to enjoy my wife with my grandchildren for the next 10, 15 years."
Wilkerson's expertise transformed this major business transition into an extraordinary success. Their comprehensive approach to managing the going-out-of-business sale created unprecedented customer response—with lines forming outside the store and limits on how many shoppers could enter at once due to fire safety regulations.
The results exceeded all expectations. "Wilkerson did a phenomenal job," Straub enthuses. "They were there for you through the whole thing, helped you with promoting it, helping you on day-to-day business. I can't speak enough for how well they did." The partnership didn't just facilitate a business closing; it created a celebratory finale to decades of service while allowing Straub to confidently step into his well-earned retirement.
