Inbox: March 2016

Published

8 years ago

March 28, 2016

Leecy Madison of Leecy Madison Original Jewelry passes time reading INSTORE while waiting for her ride to the airport at the Viscount Hotel in Tucson after the show.. Have a pic of yourself reading INSTORE or wearing a Brain Squad or Jewelry Geek T-shirt? Send it to us at editor@smartworkmedia.com.

Willing to Try Something

Really enjoyed the “Build a Better Salesperson” article (February INSTORE). I have learned most of the ideas work very well, but am always willing to try something new to better our store and each person.
— Jim Alati, Simmons Fine Jewelry, Boise, ID

This article originally appeared in the March 2016 edition of INSTORE.

Who Needs a Large Inventory?

Seems that there is a lot of confusion about the diamond market. No one seems to know what direction we are going in. The magazines and vendors seem to recommend the bridal business but customers just don’t seem to have the money to spend on a good quality 1-carat diamond. Our older clients are the ones with the money and they want quality! So why should we as jewelers have a lot of dollars tied up in expensive inventory!
— Teddie Gause, Gause and Son Jewelers, Ocala, FL

The Viability
of Diamonds

With recent discussions about lab-grown diamonds, the Rapaport Group taking on DeBeers over pricing, lab certificate issues, etc. I find it interesting (and amazing, actually) that many people are wondering if there is a viable alternative to diamonds. Some, it seems, are actively looking into it with the hope that there is. Some are even taking a good-riddance attitude if it happens. Wow, just wow!
— Alex Weil, Martin’s Jewelry, Manhattan Beach, CA

Knockoffs a Scourge

Knockoffs. Replicas. Counterfeits. These are the scourge of our industry. The theft of a designer’s work serves not only to dilute the impact of original designs (making them less valuable emotionally) but to also train consumers to believe that no matter what they want, it can be had elsewhere for cheap. When the conversation stops being about originality, exclusivity, and story — it’s all about price. It is not sustainable and harms the industry long term. We all sell jewelry and each experience should be special yet instead we are allowing ourselves to turn into the Amazon.com of the truly precious, fighting over table scraps of consumer confidence and loyalty. Shame on those who don’t see the problem. You are what’s wrong with us and you are why consumers complain about price.
— Deric Metzger, DeMer Jewelry, Carlsbad, CA

Send your letter to INSTORE’s editors at editor@instoremag.com.

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”