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Expected Changes, Political Undercurrents and More of Your Letters From December

Plus a criticism for those who take in jewelry they can’t fix.

Published

4 years ago

December 14, 2020

INSTORE Staff Instore January 2021 Issue

Change Is Coming

Major changes coming. Election, vaccines … we are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel (a good thing). — Alex Weil, Martin’s Jewelry, Torrance, CA
With the possibility of Biden being president, better get real healthy financially to weather the coming storm. — James Adair, Adair Jewelers, Missoula, MT
Hang in there. COVID-19, cyber sales, electronic sales, and just doldrums … all will pass in time. — Warren Lakein, Lakein’s Jewelers of Hamilton, Baltimore, MD
The question now is: Where do we go from here? Will business continue to thrive, or will it dry up again? I love that people are buying, having items fixed, and designing, but having been in this business for 30 years, as the customer’s money goes, so does our business. Hope for the best! — Rick Nichols, Nassau Jewelry, Fernandina Beach, FL

Shame in Your Game

There’s no shame in not doing a job that you know nothing about; there is shame if you destroy or damage a customer’s piece that you never should’ve touched. That customer will destroy your reputation any chance they get. — Earl Grenfell, Spellbound Fine Jewelry, Port Washington, NY

Appeal for Unity

Can’t we all just wear a mask — to paraphrase Rodney King. — Robert Borneman, Diamond Jewelers, Centereach, NY

Cheers to All

Here’s to a strong end to a challenging year and a new beginning in 2021! Cheers. — Marc Majors, Sam L. Majors, Midland, TX
We hope all of our fellow jewelers stay safe and do well in business. — Nancy and Pierre Plante, Plante Jewelers, Swansea, MA

Ready to Relocate? Wilkerson Makes Your Move Seamless

When Brockhaus Jewelry decided to leave their longtime West Main Street storefront for a standalone building elsewhere in Norman, Oklahoma, owners John Brockhaus and Brad Shipman faced a familiar challenge: how to efficiently reduce inventory before the big move. Their solution? Partnering with liquidation specialists Wilkerson for a second time. "We'd already experienced Wilkerson's professionalism during a previous sale," Shipman recalls. "But their approach to our relocation event truly impressed us. They strategically prioritized our existing pieces while tactfully introducing complementary merchandise as inventory levels decreased." The carefully orchestrated sale didn't just meet targets—it shattered them. Asked if they'd endorse Wilkerson to industry colleagues planning similar transitions—whether relocating, retiring, or refreshing their space—both partners were emphatic in their approval. "The entire process was remarkably straightforward," Shipman notes. "Wilkerson delivered a well-structured program, paired us with a knowledgeable advisor, and managed every detail flawlessly from concept to completion."