Editor’s Note: Fresh Start

Published

8 years ago

August 30, 2016

Trace Shelton

Find new ways to wow your engagement
and wedding clients in this issue

This article originally appeared in the September 2016 edition of INSTORE.

Welcome to INSTORE’s annual engagement
and wedding issue. This year, it’s all
about new beginnings.

One of the best things about being a jewelry
retailer is sharing in the hope, joy and
commitment of happy couples — because
an engagement ring wraps all of those
beautiful qualities into a tangible and eternal
package of the most precious materials
known to man. And you get to deliver it.

That’s why, each year, we pack this
special issue with the top new products,
success stories, tips and advice in the
engagement and wedding category that we
can find. By doing so, we hope to provide
you with fresh thoughts about what to offer
incoming shoppers and how to approach
the sales presentation. In effect, a new
beginning of your own.

Speaking of new beginnings, this issue
also marks my first as the new editor-in-chief
of INSTORE, and I couldn’t be more
excited about taking the reins (although I
am a bit nervous to follow in the footsteps
of David Squires, the man who invented
INSTORE, and who is still very much with
us as group editorial director).

From my early days as an advertising
professional back in the late 1990s, I’ve
worked with independent jewelry retailers
and have always admired your entrepreneurial
spirit and willingness to try new
ideas. That’s also what drew me to INSTORE
(my first story appeared way back
in the December 2003 issue), and that’s
why I’m super-pumped to be back on the
magazine full-time.

Our goals haven’t changed: We still aim
to deliver the most incisive business advice
in the industry while also telling your
stories, because it’s through those stories
that we can all celebrate what it means to
be a jeweler.

Happy to be on board, and hope you
enjoy the issue!

TRACE SHELTON

ONE QUICK QUESTION

Has the way you
sell wedding jewelry
changed much in the
last 10 years?

36%

Yes, drastically

50%

Yes, somewhat

12%

No, very little

Not at all

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.”