Press Releases

IJO Holds Annual Buyers’ Review

It took place Nov. 14-16.

Published

3 years ago

November 21, 2021

Press Releases

2021 Buyers Review Kari Johnson Smith, Champaign Jewelers, Champaign,IL James Wolf, James Wolf Jewelers, Mason,OH Barbara Binkley, Cooper and Binkley Jlrs.,Brighton, MI David Walton, Hudson Valley Goldsmith, New Paltz, NY

(PRESS RELEASE) The Independent Jewelers Organization (IJO) held its annual Buyers’ Review November 14-16 at their world headquarters in Southport, CT, after having to cancel the previous year for the first time in its history, due to the Covid Pandemic. IJO invites several retail members to sit on the Review Board to evaluate potential new vendor members who have applied for IJO membership.

“We don’t buy product — our members do — so we always leave these decisions up to them,” says IJO Director of Member Services Penny Palmer. “We invite members from various parts of the country doing a range of annual volume, to provide a good representation of the overall membership.”

On the 2021 Board were Kari Smith from Champaign Jewelers in Champaign, IL, Barbara Binkley from Cooper & Binkley Jewelers in Brighton, MI, David Walton from Hudson Valley Goldsmith in New Paltz, NY and Jim Wolf from James Wolf Jewelers in Mason, OH. All expenses were covered by IJO.

“The Board spent two days examining the lines of more than a dozen companies and accepted only those that demonstrated the craftsmanship and quality to meet their rigorous standards,” stated Jeff Roberts, IJO’s President & CEO. “I am confident the membership will be excited about their choices and we’re grateful for their qualified input. These new lines will further strengthen our Buying Group as well as offer new opportunities for the retail membership.”

According to Board participant Jim Wolf, “This has been both an honor and a privilege to have been chosen for this significant task, which is essential to the overall success of the membership. Because of the strength of this first-class organization, hundreds of vendors try to get on board each year, and it was exciting to be part of the decision making.”

Kari Smith added, “It was quite an interesting process working with three other retail members to determine who “gets in” and who doesn’t. It was also quite an awesome responsibility. It was a pleasure to serve in a role that helps make IJO even stronger.”

IJO will welcome 11 new vendor members at their next conference March 12-15 in San Antonio, TX. For information on membership in IJO contact Penny Palmer at 800-624-9252 or penny@ijo.com.

Four Decades of Excellence: How Wilkerson Transformed a Jeweler's Retirement into Celebration

After 45 years serving the Milwaukee community, Treiber & Straub Jewelers owner Michael Straub faced a significant life transition. At 75, the veteran jeweler made a personal decision many business owners understand: "I think it's time. I want to enjoy my wife with my grandchildren for the next 10, 15 years." Wilkerson's expertise transformed this major business transition into an extraordinary success. Their comprehensive approach to managing the going-out-of-business sale created unprecedented customer response—with lines forming outside the store and limits on how many shoppers could enter at once due to fire safety regulations. The results exceeded all expectations. "Wilkerson did a phenomenal job," Straub enthuses. "They were there for you through the whole thing, helped you with promoting it, helping you on day-to-day business. I can't speak enough for how well they did." The partnership didn't just facilitate a business closing; it created a celebratory finale to decades of service while allowing Straub to confidently step into his well-earned retirement.