Don’t Forget Fashion

I think a lot more retailers will be getting out and also many companies closing down. They are all competing for the same bridal customer. Everyone is forgetting about the woman who wants everyday fashion jewelry. — drew cowlt, jewelry design gallery, manalapan, nj

Trend Wanted

We need a new hot category or trend that isn’t too age-related or trendy; just a must-have. Beads are passé, even traditional charm sales seem a bit down. Initials and monograms seem to have run their course. Layering and stacking seem to be in, but layers get snarled and not everyone likes stacking. Business is good so I am not complaining just would like some excitement! — Tory michael, tory’s jewelry, marblehead, ma

Mad World

Question: should retailers support wholesale firms who also sell directly to the public through their website, or is this just the world we live in today? — laura sipe, j.c. sipe, indianapolis, in

Road Warrior Rave

I think we need to appreciate the jewelry salesmen who come to our store more. Besides showing us some beautiful baubles, they always share some good ideas they see from other jewelers. This Christmas season, two salespeople gave me ideas that had a major positive impact on our Christmas sales. So let’s sing their praises. Nowadays, we need every bit of help we can get. — donald killelea, KILLELEA jewelers, midlothian, il

Still Truckin’

Keep up the good work; INSTORE is a valuable tool for the small mom and pop stores. I fear we are a dying breed.  — andrew russakoff, RUSSAKOFF jewelers, skowhegan, me

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This article originally appeared in the February 2017 edition of INSTORE.