Editor's Note

Can We Just Talk About Jewelry For A Change?

INSTORE editor-in-chief previews the June issue and Online Jewelry Week.

Published

4 years ago

June 30, 2020

Trace Shelton Instore July 2020 Issue

LET’S FACE IT: The last three-plus months have been downright depressing. We all know what’s been happening. Remember when your biggest concern was what to do about lab-grown diamonds? The problems we’re facing today make that one look like a walk in the park.

At INSTORE, we’ve raced to cover the news, record webinars, and provide advice for handling the coronavirus, the economy and the riots/looting in as many ways as we could think of, both digitally and in print. We’ve put on a week-long trade event called Online Jewelry Week to connect jewelry suppliers, service providers and organizations with retailers in the absence of the Vegas shows. (If you watched it, let us know how you liked it … and when you’d like to see us do it again.)

Like you, we’ve been scrambling to figure out the best way forward. But right now, we just need a few minutes of “down time” and a laugh — and I imagine you do, too.

That’s why, in this issue, we bring you the biggest collection of jaw-dropping, head-shaking, side-splitting, stomach-churning stories ever assembled from the front lines of jewelry retail: Ultimate True Tales. If you can get through these hilarious accounts — all provided anonymously by you, our readers — without a chuckle, or more likely, a guffaw, then you might need to check your humor meter.

A quick break and a laugh can do wonders for one’s outlook. We hope you enjoy these “true tales”!

Can We Just Talk About Jewelry For A Change?

Trace Shelton

Editor-in-Chief, INSTORE
trace@smartworkmedia.com

Five Smart Tips You’ll Find in This Issue

Create a visual board and urge everyone to pin a Post-it note of an upbeat interaction they had with another team member each week. (Manager’s To-Do, p. 28)
Cultivate a collection of photography for future use in your social channels. (Manager’s To-Do, p. 28)
Teach all sales associates to act as “servant sellers” to bring needed tools or items, polish jewelry or bring a beverage into other presentations. (Shane Decker, p. 48)
Set up a “dog cooling station” outside your store in summer months (a baby pool with water). (Tip Sheet, p. 44)
Host a virtual showcase with your top clients for favorite new jewelry arrivals or top seasonal picks. (Kathleen Cutler, p. 53)

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.”