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‘Whoppers’ Was the Perfect Meal for One INSTORE Reader

Article proves that “this industry ain’t for sissies!”

Published

9 years ago

August 7, 2015

INSTORE Staff Instore August 2015 Issue

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

You Wouldn’t Cut Your Own Hair. Why Run Your Own Retirement Sale?

After being in business for over a quarter of a century, Wayne Reid, owner of Wayne Jewelers in Wayne, Pennsylvania, decided it was time for a little “me time.” He says, “I’ve reached a point in my life where it’s time to slow down, enjoy a lot of things outside of the jewelry industry. It just seemed to be the right time.” He chose Wilkerson to handle his retirement sale because of their reputation and results. With financial goals exceeded, Reid says he made the right choice selecting Wilkerson to handle the sale. “They made every effort to push our jewelry to the forefront of the showcases,” he says, lauding Wilkerson for their finesse and expertise. Would he recommend them to other jewelers who want to make room for new merchandise, expand their business or like him, decide to call it a day? Absolutely he says, equating trying to do this kind of sale with cutting your own hair. “The results are going to happen but not as well as if you have a professional like Wilkerson do the job for you.”