Inbox: October 2015

Published

8 years ago

October 11, 2015

INSTORE’s September issue had readers falling in love.

BRIDAL BRAVO!

Love the bridal issue (INSTORE, September). I’m probably going to go through it two or three more times. I want to make sure I get everything. — Linda Griffiths, Hoover’s Jewelers, Kearney, NE

This article originally appeared in the October 2015 edition of INSTORE.

Dogs that Come Back to Bite

I have an issue with your advice regarding “dog” clearance (WorkSmart Daily Tips, Aug. 27). If you have a “dog” in the store why should you foist it on your good customers (or even your bad ones)? “Dogs” should be returned to the vendor, melted down or whatever else is necessary to get rid of them. When you sell it to a customer how do you think that is going to reflect on your store? The customer is going to show it around, and everyone is going to say, “Where in the world did you get that ugly thing?” And then it’s going to be your store that is mentioned. Do you think they will ever go back to the store that sold that to them? You have a “dog” in the store? Get rid of it, but please don’t sell it to a customer if you ever want them back again. — Daniel R. Spirer, Daniel R. Spirer Jewelers, Cambridge, MA

Keep Chugging

The future of the independent jewelry industry seems so dismal and uncertain in all current articles. For someone who is taking over a third-generation, family-run business, it creates an unnecessary anxiety. In my opinion, a business owner should try their hardest to be innovative and provide the best service possible. If they make it through, then great; if not, at least they tried their best! Forget what other people are saying, and keep chugging along. — Jill Hornik, Jae’s Jewelers, Coral Gables, FL

Betting on Boomers

For all the talk about new generations, I think the strongest customer base for the next 20 years will still be the boomers. They have desires, cash and want to buy from a real person who cares. These clients make discretionary purchases as well as buy bridal jewelry, because of divorces, deaths and remarriages. And they like larger stones and better-made jewelry. — Ed Menk, E. L. Menk Jewelers, Brainerd, MN

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

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.”