(PRESS RELEASE) After careful consideration of the widespread health risks posed by COVID-19 and the current state of the economy, a href=”https://instoremag.com/tag/ijo/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener” title=”(opens new window)”>IJO< has made the difficult decision to cancel its 2020 Conference scheduled for July 24-28 in Baltimore, MD. According to IJO President & CEO Jeff Roberts, “There were many factors to consider in making this decision. Will the convention center still be a hospital? Will the airlines be up and running on a normal schedule? Will our attendees be ready to gather in large numbers? We put a great deal of thought into this and it’s the first time we’ve ever had to cancel.”
IJO’s priority is the health, safety and well-being of all its members. Roberts added, “We are saddened to cancel this program but feel with the remaining uncertainty, it is the right decision”.
IJO will not be rescheduling in 2020 but will look forward to meeting again in Orlando, FL, February 26-March 2, 2021.
IJO meets twice yearly at luxury properties around the country, which approximately 75% of IJO members attend. For information on IJO retailer membership please call Penny Palmer at 800.624.9252, ext. 104, and for vendor membership Mary Moses Kinney at ext. 103.
Family Legacy, New Chapter: How Wilkerson Turns 89 Years of History Into Future Success
After 89 years of serving the Albany community, Harold Finkle Your Jeweler faced a pivotal decision. For third-generation owner Justin Finkle, the demanding hours of running a small business were taking precious time away from his young family. "After 23 years, I decided this was the time for me," Finkle explains. But closing a business with nearly nine decades of inventory and customer relationships isn't something easily managed alone.
Wilkerson's comprehensive approach transformed this challenging transition into a remarkable success story. Their strategic planning handled everything from advertising and social media to inventory management and staffing — elements that would overwhelm most jewelers attempting to navigate a closing sale independently.
The results speak volumes. "Wilkerson gave us three different tiers of potential goals," Finkle notes. "We've reached that third tier, that highest goal already, and we still have two weeks left of the sale." The partnership didn't just meet financial objectives—it exceeded them ahead of schedule.
