Inbox: October 2015

Published

9 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.

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.”