Big Sales, Fun Tales
“Whoppers” (July INSTORE) was quite possibly one of the funniest reads of this year. It’s always fascinating to read the stories of other jewelers. This industry ain’t for sissies! — Morgan Bartel, Susann’s Custom Jewelers, Corpus Christi, TX
Keeping It Real
I love the answers to the Real Deal situations! I have learned more about contentious performance issues, business ethics and personnel interactions that could impact my bottom line from the Real Deal articles than any book. Thanks to every contributing opinionated reader and to Kate Peterson for helping define good business practices! — Denise Oros, Linnea Jewelers, La Grange, IL
The M Word
The Internet and our young customers are trying to eliminate retail store front jewelers. — John E. Thompson, Shabree Jewelers, Sheboygan, WI
Enough Social Media, Already
We feel like the industry and shows are pushing social media and online marketing more than is helpful to the smaller, customer-service-oriented jewelry store. Individual craftsmen and independent jewelers are getting de-emphasized. I believe if we want to continue in this competitive market and economy, we need to go back to good customer service and original designs. — Carol Drake, Touch of Silver Gold & Old, Nashville, IN
Burying the Ill Will
The competitive nature of our industry is probably hurting us. It’s hard to get together and work things out when you have jealousy, elitism and bad-mouthing going on for so many years. And it’s made even worse when the only way to get out of a mess is to work together when there are hard feelings left. — Alex Weil, Martin’s Jewelry, Manhattan Beach, CA
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.
