You want people to work in your store because they love jewelry, says David Squires.
[dropcap cap=I]t’s the time of year when our work gets crazy. That’s an understatement. Basically, for a few months a year, our jobs becomes a series of percussion grenades going off around us. Smart Show show guide. Boom! Basel. Grokkkk! Giant May issue. Ker-blam! America’s Coolest Stores finalist voting. Poweeee! Smart Jewelry Show. Blammo! Giant June issue. Kronggggg![/dropcap]
Finally, at long last, we’re beginning to emerge … with dazed eyes, ringing ears and numerous involuntary tics. And all our editors and other talented editorial wizards will welcome some well-earned rest after Las Vegas.
Probably the most satisfying highlight for me was seeing the growth of INSTORE’s Smart Jewelry Show in its second year.
I spent most of the show at the INSTORE booth in the center of the show floor. And had a great time meeting many of you and telling you where the food stands were. Or where you could leave your Treasure Hunt entry. To all of you who came, thanks for being there. We loved having you and can’t wait to see you next year.
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Overall, I’m proud of the show, which I think has become a true national-level event. In addition to the strongest education program in the industry, we had one of the best vendor lineups anywhere.
Now the Smart Show is a realistic choice for the many jewelers who hate Las Vegas. (Not to mention a great occasional option for jewelers who don’t feel like going to Vegas every year and want to try someplace different.)
Wishing you the very best in business!
dsquires@instoremag.com
[span class=note]This story is from the June 2010 edition of INSTORE[/span]
Four Decades of Excellence: How Wilkerson Transformed a Jeweler's Retirement into Celebration
After 45 years serving the Milwaukee community, Treiber & Straub Jewelers owner Michael Straub faced a significant life transition. At 75, the veteran jeweler made a personal decision many business owners understand: "I think it's time. I want to enjoy my wife with my grandchildren for the next 10, 15 years."
Wilkerson's expertise transformed this major business transition into an extraordinary success. Their comprehensive approach to managing the going-out-of-business sale created unprecedented customer response—with lines forming outside the store and limits on how many shoppers could enter at once due to fire safety regulations.
The results exceeded all expectations. "Wilkerson did a phenomenal job," Straub enthuses. "They were there for you through the whole thing, helped you with promoting it, helping you on day-to-day business. I can't speak enough for how well they did." The partnership didn't just facilitate a business closing; it created a celebratory finale to decades of service while allowing Straub to confidently step into his well-earned retirement.
