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Numbers Article Made Everything Clear …. and More April Reader Letters

Even if you feel like you’re living a dream, an occasional glimpse of reality can help.

Published

9 years ago

March 18, 2015

INSTORE Staff Instore April 2015 Issue

That’s Our Number

Last month’s lead article (Numerology, INSTORE, March 2015) was great! It put into perspective our numbers and allowed us to make comparisons with industry trends. While we feel like we are living a dream every day with how great business is, it’s refreshing to know our business really is doing amazingly well! — Jennifer Farnes, Revolution Jewelry Works, Colorado Springs, CO

Farewell to a Category

After selling class rings for over 45 years (upwards of 200 per year), last year we sold six. Walmart sells the same ring from the same parent company for less than half the price. Now we have the display in the drawer. Sad. — Mark Robinette, Robinette Jewelers, Seneca Falls, NY

Beware of Berkshire’s Growing Power

Berkshire Hathaway (aka Warren Buffett’s group) now owns a controlling interest or just outright owns more jewelry-related businesses than many people would believe (more than 20 by my count and everything from retailers to manufacturers to findings suppliers). Some of these companies have changed the way we do business, and the way we are able to buy product. And the way they do business (limiting product availability, aggressive pricing, etc) is not friendly to mom-and-pop stores. Further, Berkshire Hathaway has become a very prominent player in the “diamond world” with people related to the company taking up positions on industry boards and institutions. I think the jewelry industry needs help. — John Anthony, Jr., John Anthony Jewelers, Bala-Cynwyd, PA

A Good Read

I enjoyed the commentary, Semi-precious — Says Who? (The Business, February 2015) — we welcome that new approach here at our store! — Scott Kelly, Jems Jewels & Gold, North Wales, PA

Cover Shots

Some of your cover photos look overworked. More “natural looking” models are hot right now. — Paolo Salamone, paolo, A Modern Jeweler, Cincinnati, OH

I think your Brain Squad members should be featured on the covers! — MJ Chanski, Hannoush Jewelers, Rutland, VT

Wilkerson Testimonials

Wilkerson: “They Feel Like Family”

Newton’s Jewelers in Fort Smith, Ark., was a true institution. But after being at the helm for most of his life, owner (and descendent of the original founder) Kelly Newton decided it was time to retire. He chose Wilkerson to handle the sale. “I’ve known the owners of Wilkerson for a long, long time. I felt at home with them,” he says. The final retirement sale was just a “blast” and the Wilkerson sales team made it so very simple and straightforward, says Newton. Would he recommend Wilkerson to others? Absolutely. “They’ve done incredible work,” says Newton. “They feel like family.”