David Squires

Want a Cool Store? You Gotta Build It Bit by Bit

It’s the only way to create your own very own cool store.

Published

16 years ago

July 2, 2008

David Squires

HAPPENS EVERY YEAR. Readers see our August “America’s Coolest Stores” issue and peruse the amazing stores ? filled with museum cases, LCD screens, and recessed ceilings. Then they write us: “These stores are too nice. How are we supposed to create such a store without $10 million?”

Here’s our answer: Save up your money, and start with one museum case. Place it in the center of your store, and put the most impressive item in your store inside it. Then sell it. Buy an even more impressive item. Sell that. Do that a couple times, and you’ll have enough to buy a second museum case. Sell the items featured in both of those a few times, and you’ll have money for a third display case and an LCD screen for your front window … and might even start putting away a little money for a new location a few years down the road.

he point is, friends, is that “Cool Stores” don’t happen overnight. But the vision of your dream store is something you can create overnight … and start working towards tomorrow. And that’s what INSTORE is all about.

Hey, it might not be what you want to hear. But what would you rather hear — advice you can use or hoo-hah like “Live for the moment” or “Dance like no one’s watching”. (Have you ever tried to dance like no one’s watching? And we mean without the aid of six or more alcoholic beverages?)

Dream big. And act incrementally, starting with ideas from this month’s big “Holiday Tips” issue. You’ll get there.

Wishing you the very best business …

David Squires
Executive Editor and Associate Publisher

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.”