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Gentle Robbery Story Was a Help to Jewelers … and More Reader Letters for June

If just one robbery victim makes the decision to find normal again, the story did its job.

Published

9 years ago

March 18, 2015

INSTORE Staff Instore June 2015 Issue

Helping To Heal

A hearty thank you to Eileen McClelland for her gentle unearthing of difficult moments in her article, “Robbery And Recovery” (INSTORE, May). It makes me proud to know others will identify with those of us who were willing to share our stories and to choose to seek professional help and heal. If just one robbery victim makes the decision to find normal again, then the team at INSTORE went beyond just being a magazine and has become an agent of change. — Denise Oros, Linnea Jewelers, La Grange, IL

What to Do with Millennials?

Boy, there is quite a discussion going on in the industry as to the demise of millennials as a customer group. The only opportunity that I can think of which might resonate with this group is synthetic diamonds. Another opportunity in bridal would be the new couples in the LBGT community. That group might be more welcoming to our product than the millennial crowd. — Alex Weil, Martin’s Jewelry, Manhattan Beach, CA

Why anyone still thinks they can sell to a millennial client is beyond my understanding. That isn’t how it works anymore. The moment you cross the line from expert to information parrot — or worse, to condescending old salesperson — you lose. — Deric Metzger, DeMer Jewelry, Carlsbad, CA

Love your daily tips — a lot — but could not disagree more with the “Play recognizable music” (i.e. Phil Collins over Bjork) suggestion (April 24 WorkSmart Tip). Tired, old music makes your store seem just that — tired and old. Fresh and interesting music contributes to a vibrant environment and often sparks conversation with customers. “What’s this you’re playing? I really like it!” So many retailers are concerned about attracting “millennials.” Well, playing Phil Collins (without hipster irony) is not the answer! — Marthe Le Van, Mora, Asheville, NC

I wish crummy, garish costume jewelry would disappear. I am all for trendy stuff and good design, but I am not sure many, especially the young, grasp the difference. It goes along with so much that is throwaway today — a cheap statement piece to go with a cheap wear-once outfit. The problem, for us, is it still cuts into disposable income. — Tory Michel, Tory’s Jewelry, Marblehead, MA

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.”