Headlines

Diminishing Middle Class Hurting the Big Jewelry Companies

Published

8 years ago

March 3, 2016

INSTORE Staff

“You don’t have to be a rocket scientist” to figure out why, consultant says.

It’s definitely a bear market out there and particularly so for publicly traded jewelry companies like Tiffany, Signet and Blue Nile, all of whom are trading down for the year, as Yahoo Finance writes.

The article cites Howard Davidowitz, chairman of national retail and consulting firm Davidowitz & Associates, who says the big jewelry companies face a threat in the declining purchasing power of the middle class: “You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to see that any company that appeals to the aspirational middle class is in trouble.” He also says that jewelers should focus on closing mall stores and instead shift their attention to online sales and urban stores.

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.”