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How Jewelry Retailers Can Avoid a Power Outage

It’s possible to avoid this and even reduce the risk of the dreaded burst frozen pipe that can destroy inventory, walls and fixtures by being proactive.

Published

28 seconds ago

November 25, 2025

Clement Feng Instore December 2025 Issue

How Jewelry Retailers Can Avoid a Power Outage

PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO

IT’S HARD TO show and sell glittering gems when they are displayed in the dark.

It’s hard to keep security systems functioning when there’s no power. Quite simply, power outages create disruptions with the potential of unrecoverable losses that no store can afford. Yet it is possible to avoid this and even reduce the risk of the dreaded burst frozen pipe that can destroy inventory, walls and fixtures by being proactive.

Permanent Standby Generators

These aren’t the noisy and bulky generators of yesteryear. Today they are built with a sleek profile and quieter operation. Other need-to-knows:

Location: Installation is best at the back of the building, and the generator must be set on a concrete slab at least five feet away from windows, doors and fresh air intakes.

Connection: The most convenient fuel source for standby generators is natural gas. However, they can also operate on liquid propane or diesel fuel.

Automation: Generators are connected to the electrical panel by an automatic transfer switch (ATS), which monitors the utility line and recognizes when power is lost. The generator will immediately start and, when the utility power comes back on, it will automatically switch off.

Power distribution: The size of the generator will determine how much power it can deliver. Sizes range from a small 13kWh unit to a larger 26kWh model. The elements of the store you designate to keep functioning are pre-programmed for instant backup power.

Monitoring: While off and in a holding pattern until next time, the generator will conduct an automatic weekly self-test so it’s always ready to kick in.

Battery Backup Systems

For jewelry stores located in a mall or a strip center, these are a great solution because of their size and convenient placement. Here’s more:

Location: Batteries can be installed inside in an equipment or mechanical room or outside attached to an exterior wall.

Connection: Batteries can be used to collect and store power from solar panels, the grid or a generator.

Automation: Batteries require an inverter with an integrated ATS. Once a grid outage is detected, the ATS draws power from the backup battery system.

Power distribution: A professional installer will analyze your power requirements to determine how many batteries are required. Some small locations may only need three batteries, while larger operations may require as many as 18.

Monitoring: The batteries and the amount of power they have available can be monitored through an easy-to-use app.

If your business is in an area that experiences prolonged outages, a generator is typically best. If your vicinity has outages that are shorter in duration, a battery system may be the ideal solution. In either case, both systems are discreet, efficient and long-lasting, which means jewelry stores can stay open and operate with confidence at all times.

Exceeding Every Expectation: How Wilkerson Helped d’Original Jewelers Achieve an Outstanding Retirement Sale

When David Rees decided to retire after 34 years of serving Bellevue, Washington’s Eastside, he and his wife knew their exit from d’Original Jewelers needed to honor their decades-long commitment to customers while meeting their financial goals. Since opening in 1990, David had built a reputation as one of the area’s most trusted names for diamonds, custom jewelry, and repairs. Understanding that a successful retirement sale requires more than just discounting merchandise, David chose Wilkerson to manage his transition. What impressed him most was their attention to detail, particularly in accounting and sales projections. The results far exceeded his expectations — the sale significantly outperformed projections, delivering exceptional financial results that surpassed his retirement goals. “They were always there for support. If we needed anything, they were able to accomplish that,” David shares. For jewelers contemplating retirement, David’s experience demonstrates Wilkerson’s proven ability to deliver outstanding results while providing comprehensive support throughout the entire process. His recommendation? “100% yes.”