(PRESS RELEASE) The Edge Retail Academy (ERA), the leading retail jewelry business advising company, announced that Cindi and Dean Rottermond of Rottermond Jewelers have been awarded the second annual William (Wag) Wagner Business Excellence Award.
Rottermond Jewelers, a two-store Michigan chain founded in 1984, is renowned for its unparalleled inventory, top-notch customer care, and expert custom jewelry design.
David Brown, ERA president, commented “Cindi and Dean are very focused on diligently reviewing business metrics and applying best practices to make meaningful improvements to their store’s financial health. In 2019, this focus paid off; Rottermond posted a double digit increase in sales and a 20%+ increase in profits. The jeweler also reduced its aged inventory by 20%.”
Cindi Rottermond was excited to learn about winning the award. “Wag was an important early advisor as well as close friend to us. We are very touched to be honored with an award honoring business excellence that is named for one of our most trusted advisors.”
William (Wag) Wagner Business Excellence Award
The Business Excellence Award is given to jewelers that have achieved the most exceptional business growth in the past 12 months.
This is the second year that Edge Retail Academy has presented the William (Wag) Wagner Business Excellence Award. The award is presented annually. The winner in 2019 was Roman Jewelers.
“The Award has two goals: (1) to acknowledge business excellence from independent retailers and (2) to honor the memory of long serving ERA Business Advisor William (Wag) Wagner, whose service, loyalty and advice went well beyond the expectations of our clients, his work colleagues and our company,” said Mr. Brown. “We honor Wag’s enormous integrity, sense of fair play and friendship.”
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Wag passed away in September, 2018.
Edge Retail Academy presented Cindi and Dean with the award and a check for $1000.
Closing With Confidence: How Bailey's Fine Jewelry Achieved Outstanding Results With Wilkerson
When Trey Bailey, President and CEO of Bailey's Fine Jewelry, decided to close the Crabtree location in Raleigh, North Carolina after 15 years, he knew the decision needed to be handled with intention and professionalism. The goal was clear: exit the location while maintaining financial strength and honoring the store's legacy.
Having worked with Wilkerson successfully in the past, Bailey understood the value of their comprehensive approach. "They understood both the emotional and financial sides of the store closing sale," Trey explains. "Their reputation for professionalism, results and care made it a very easy decision."
The results exceeded expectations. Wilkerson helped Bailey's sell through significant inventory while maintaining the dignity of the closing process. "They don't just run a sale, they help close a chapter in the best way possible," Bailey says, strongly recommending Wilkerson to any jeweler facing a similar transition.
