Brain Squad

How Were January Sales? 21 Jewelers Report In

INSTORE readers share their thoughts on 2020 so far.

Published

4 years ago

February 11, 2020

Trace Shelton

WE ASKED OUR Brain Squad survey group how 2020 sales have been so far. For the most part, it seems jewelry retailers are happy with how the year has begun, though some are afraid of how the current coronavirus epidemic and the upcoming elections could affect business. (We’d love to hear how your store is doing! Join our Brain Squad monthly survey group at instoremag.com/brainsquad and get a cool new T-shirt for your trouble.)

We have been surprisingly busy, not just with Valentine’s, but with repairs, custom work, appraisals, busy busy busy! The true sign that you know, AND you are doing, is having a customer that can never be pleased leave not only happy, but wanting more, singing your praises, and sending their friends in! — Kelli R., Salina, KS
I am optimistic for the upcoming year. The elections have me a little worried, but not too much. — Tommy T., Perry Hall, MD
January was quiet, but February is off to a great start! Hope it continues! — Laurie C., Hyde Park, NY
The rise in gold price has not affected gold sales as we thought it might. The lower prices on lab-grown diamonds have taught us that it is much easier to deal with prices going lower than going higher. — Alex W., Torrance, CA
January was not good. — John H., Madison, WI
2020 is off to a great start. I think it will be a good one. — Robert K., Boise, ID
January has 2020 off to a good start for us. — Donnie B., Gainesville, FL
Looks fine. The pandemic will be an interesting phenomenon to observe, however. — Mark N., Highland Park, IL
We had a great January!! Hoping that February treats us well toooooo!! — Mary Jo C., Rutland, VT
2020 off to a good start … cautiously optimistic for the year. — Rob D., Minneapolis, MN
January was awesome — no idea why but bridal was hot along with loose. So far, February is starting off about the same. — Tom N., Spencer, IA
Slow start, last week of January picked up nicely. — Lisa M., Fort Worth, TX
So far November, December, and January have been up months. — Bruce B., Lyndhurst, OH
Surprisingly well. Attitudes aren’t that good, but the pocketbook is better than in years past. — Karen S., Centralia, IL
Looking good so far! — John A., Bala Cynwyd, PA
2020 has been better than expected so far, outside of all the tragedies of illness and loss of life. We are optimistic in trying to constantly reinvent our business, and rely on INSTORE to keep us informed and updated on what is happening in our industry. — Annette K., Stillwater, OK
Crazy busy January, but the gods were kind to us here in Wisconsin. The weather has been lovely, and folks have been out and about all month. — Jo G., Oconomowoc, WI
So far, 2020 is shaping up to be a very good year, thanks at least in part to President Trump’s great economy and low unemployment rate. — James S., Lowell, IN
January has been hectic, but outstanding. People are getting the remounts done that they have been putting off for years. I expect a prosperous year. — Rick N., Fernandina Beach, FL
Off to a great start! Keep the ball rolling! — Shannon P., Altus, OK
So far so good! — Stacey H., Lincolnwood, IL

When There’s No Succession Plan, Call Wilkerson

Bob Wesley, owner of Robert C. Wesley Jewelers in Scottsdale, Ariz., was a third-generation jeweler. When it was time to enjoy life on the other side of the counter, he weighed his options. His lease was nearing renewal time and with no succession plan, he decided it was time to call Wilkerson. There was plenty of inventory to sell and at first, says Wesley, he thought he might try to manage a sale himself. But he’s glad he didn’t. “There’s no way I could have done this as well as Wilkerson,” he says. Wilkerson took responsibility for the entire event, with every detail — from advertising to accounting — done, dusted and managed by the Wilkerson team. “It’s the complete package,” he says of the Wilkerson method of helping jewelers to easily go on to the next phase of their lives. “There’s no way any retailer can duplicate what they’ve done.”