Editor's Note

If You Haven’t Already Registered for The INSTORE Show, Here’s Why You Should Do It Right Now

The best vendors and unmatched learning opportunities await.

Published

10 months ago

July 5, 2023

Trace Shelton Instore July 2023 Issue

I’M MORE EXCITED than ever for The INSTORE Show in August. I’ve heard from many of you that you will be there, and I can’t wait to catch up. More importantly, I believe you’ll leave the show with a wealth of new knowledge, new friends and an assortment of beautiful jewelry to put in your showcases for 4th Quarter.

First and foremost, The INSTORE Show is a buying show. We’ve built the show to make it easy for you to shop: At just over 200 booths, it won’t be difficult to navigate, and no single booth is larger than 10 feet by 20 feet. More importantly, we’ve filled those booths with the top manufacturers, wholesalers and service providers in the industry — many of whom you see mentioned often in our “Hot Sellers” section.

But the INSTORE label also means the best educational program you’ll experience anywhere in the industry. Managing editor Eileen McClelland and I have made it our personal mission to bring you the most relevant business tips and advice. In fact, we started with the topics and then went out to find the best speakers for those subjects, most of whom are retail store owners who have shown success in those areas.

We have several new features for this show, as well as old favorites like The Bench Pressure Challenge and the Play It Cool Party. Learn all about it in The INSTORE Show Guide inside this very issue! We hope to see you in Rosemont next month!

Now Introducing The INSTORE Show, Coming to the Chicago Area in 2023!

Trace Shelton

Editor-in-Chief, INSTORE
trace@smartworkmedia.com

Five Smart Tips You’ll Find in This Issue

Launch a “wow project” to add something special to each step of your sales process, from greeting to checkout. (Manager’s To-Do, p. 26)
Write down all the tasks that need attending to, then prioritize them, and finally spend an hour each week going over them to see your progress. (The Big Story, p. 34)
Make ring-sizer coasters with your logo to place in local bars. (Tip Sheet, p. 48)
Set up automated alerts to notify you when inventory levels reach a certain threshold. (Megan Crabtree, p. 56)
When clients say they’re “just looking,” use the pique technique to engage them with something mildly interesting so they’ll connect with you. (Ask INSTORE, p. 61)

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.”