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INSTORE Readers Look Forward to Holidays

These were your letters from November.

Published

2 years ago

December 2, 2021

INSTORE Staff Instore December 2021 Issue

It’s so enjoyable to read the Big Survey. I especially like to pay attention to what is happening in bridal, which is a big department for many of us. It’s nice to see what other jewelers are experiencing. It’s encouraging to see that many jewelers are seeing growth, even through the pandemic! — Daniela Balzano, Water Street Jewelers, Guilford, CT
Record months for 16 straight months! Looking for December this year to double last year, and I think it will go on for a few more months next year before a slowdown. Then it will slow down until the 2022 elections. After that, who knows … life will go on, and we will make lemonade out of lemons! — Alan Perry, Perry’s Emporium, Wilmington, NC
Whoever said traditional advertising was dead and social is the new way isn’t doing it right. I’m running a schedule of TV commercials this year on the major networks during college football games on Saturdays. I’ve had way more engagement from these TV ads than I ever have running on Facebook or Instagram. Put that in your pipe and smoke it. — Marc Majors, Sam L. Majors, Midland, TX
Our Christmas season started in September. Lots of early shoppers. Very consistent with last year. Good traffic this year and people are still buying. My wife and I ask for sales, and we have been getting them. Not too shabby. — Rick Nichols, Nassau Jewelry, Fernandina Beach, FL
Looking forward to the holidays like never before! Stock has been selling like crazy, so not quite sure what will be left by the time the holiday shoppers show up. October is usually a quiet month, but in the first two weeks we did as much business as any November, our second-best month of the year! — Jo Goralski, The Jewelry Mechanic, Oconomowoc, WI
This is the first time in 40 years that the supply chain has impacted my business. It is forcing us to be creative and that is a positive! Lots of materials to use and redesign. — Susan Eisen, Susan Eisen Fine Jewelry & Watches, El Paso, TX
We are swamped with work, it’s very busy. Customers we haven’t seen in 20 years are returning to celebrate anniversaries! But no particular emphasis on holidays, Christmas or Hanukkah … surprising! — Eve J. Alfille, Eve J. Alfille Gallery and Studio, Evanston, IL
With supply side issues, rising prices, and commodity costs, it might be a good opportunity to hold the line on prices and not discount so much at retail. That current dynamic gives us a good talking point to explain the firm and fair prices to customers. They will understand. — Alex Weil, Martin’s Jewelry, Torrance, CA

Share your thoughts with INSTORE. Email us 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.”