David Squires

Closing Time

Remember… there is life after jewelry retail.

Published

16 years ago

July 2, 2008

David Squires

THIS MONTH’S LEAD STORY may leave some of you scratching your heads.

A magazine for jewelry store owners running a big feature which tells them how to get out of the business?

Like everyone in the industry, we want the jewelry business as a whole to continue to grow and prosper. (Who needs high-end multimedia components? Let’s trounce those luxury car dealerships!) But most of all, we’re here to support you ? every single individual amongst the 22,000+ storeowners who receive this magazine each month.

And we know that there are storeowners out there who are struggling, who are unhappy, and who might be thinking ?Is this really the right business for me?

Maybe you’re facing long hours, small profits, and an ever-strengthening competition. Or maybe you’re simply … let’s whisper the word so nobody else can hear us … bored.

Of course, there are many things you can do to turn it around. And, in these pages each month, we present many ideas you can use to boost your happiness, your effectiveness, and your chance of survival.

But you know what? If all that still doesn’t work, then maybe it really is time to get out. And the goal of this month’s lead stry is to reassure you that it really will be okay — that there is life after jewelry retail. The stories in this month’s lead are vivid proof of that.

Wishing you the very best business …

David Squires

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.”