Editor’s Note: Trace Shelton On Putting It All Together

Published

10 years ago

October 16, 2014

Trace Shelton

Last-minute efforts can tip the holiday sales scales.

BY TRACE SHELTON

Your store won’t have the “it factor” this holiday season unless you dot your Is and cross your Ts. By now, your inventory and marketing strategies should be in place, but taking care of all the little things is what will really put your fourth quarter results over the top.

That’s where our lead story comes in. This holiday “how-to” provides last-minute tips and advice on merchandising, events, human resources, digital marketing, display, and even maintaining your personal well-being during the biggest jewelry shopping season of the year. From choosing the right scent to connecting with top customers, from semi-custom gift ideas to social media pointers, this one’s got everything you need to fire on all cylinders over the next couple of months.

If that’s not enough to prepare you for the holidays — and really, can you ever be too prepared? — check out our “Prime Numbers” section on Thanksgiving weekend shopping trends, Shane Decker’s column on making holiday selling fun, “Ask INSTORE” on holiday signage advice, and “New Arrivals” on the ring styles you absolutely have to have in your showcases this December.

But none of these ideas means a thing by itself; you’ve got to put them into action. So take this knowledge and mix well with elbow grease. After all, only you and your team can make “it” happen. And when you do, “it” will begin to look a lot like (a profitable) Christmas!

This article originally appeared in the November 2014 edition of INSTORE.

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.”