INSTORE Readers Share Their Approaches to Remodeling

Some set certain increments for each aspect of the store.

Published

4 weeks ago

April 28, 2025

INSTORE Staff Instore May 2025 Issue

We are always looking at and trying to improve our space, biting off pieces in palatable increments. This year, we’ve installed new window displays at the front of store and will be investing in upgrading some tech (our server/backup and phone systems). — Jennifer H., Bozeman, MT
Be true to yourself. You have to live there every day! Plus make a space for everything and label that spot. — Caitlyn W., Brattleboro, VT
We just did a complete new build and used Gal interiors. We are very happy with the functionality of the space. I recommend using a consultant who is familiar with layout and consumer patterns of shopping. — Amanda L., Steinbach, MB
We are a Cool Store with an artistic concept, which we do not deviate from. But we update by repainting walls in different hues, upgrading lights, and twice a year we create highly unusual displays. — Eve A., Evanston, IL
About 10 years ago, was way overdue. Wish I would have made more individual workspace areas for my staff. — Tom N., Spencer, IA
I rent, but I really go all out with decorating and moving my merchandise around. It helps to sell older merchandise, and people who come in frequently think it’s all new merch. Win-win for everyone! — Susan K., Lewisburg, PA
Five years repaint outside, five to seven years paint inside, new carpet every three to four years. We are resort and do these changes in the down times. — Ellie M., St. Michaels, MD
We’ve been in our current location for about 10 years and haven’t felt the need to update. We have recently discussed changing some paint and changing a desk area for client consultation to a lounge area. We would likely do this design work ourselves! — Lucy C., Overland Park, KS
We try to rearrange the cases in the lobby every year, and the jewelry every month. We do it for security. I also get new lobby chairs and tables every two years. — Sherrie S., Tigard, OR
I’m fortunate because my wife should have been an interior decorator! She has vision and keeps us metamorphosized! — W.J. S., Franklin, VA
My store is completely devoted to custom jewelry. Customers are invited by appointment. There is no decoration. It is a neat, clean, organized studio. Customers marvel at being invited into a working jewelry studio. — J. Mason C., Chapel Hill, NC
As a store located in the Caribbean, we want to reflect the island vibe. While remodeling has been on our to-do list, we find it impossible because it would require closing the store for at least one month. We only have one store, and after 60 years of being at this location, we have become an iconic place for visitors. — Nellie O., Christiansted, St. Croix
Dominoes — once you move or rework one area, it starts a chain reaction! — Loann S., Stillwater, MN
We just remodeled the checkout area, removing a couple of cases to make room for another desk behind it. Now we have a comfortable space for design consultations. Having the space to work one on one is wonderful! — Holly M., Astoria, OR

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Four Decades of Excellence: How Wilkerson Transformed a Jeweler's Retirement into Celebration

After 45 years serving the Milwaukee community, Treiber & Straub Jewelers owner Michael Straub faced a significant life transition. At 75, the veteran jeweler made a personal decision many business owners understand: "I think it's time. I want to enjoy my wife with my grandchildren for the next 10, 15 years." Wilkerson's expertise transformed this major business transition into an extraordinary success. Their comprehensive approach to managing the going-out-of-business sale created unprecedented customer response—with lines forming outside the store and limits on how many shoppers could enter at once due to fire safety regulations. The results exceeded all expectations. "Wilkerson did a phenomenal job," Straub enthuses. "They were there for you through the whole thing, helped you with promoting it, helping you on day-to-day business. I can't speak enough for how well they did." The partnership didn't just facilitate a business closing; it created a celebratory finale to decades of service while allowing Straub to confidently step into his well-earned retirement.