Is Online the Enemy? 

Customers are educating themselves online — maybe they buy, but many are disappointed. Eventually it’ll all balance out. Some things will be fine to be bought online, while other things will be best bought in person. Laura Pool, Laura’s Jewelry Designs, St. Robert, MO

After more than 40 years in the business, I still find the jewelry business to be a dynamic, exciting place to be. Thanks to INSTORE for helping me to keep current. Online sales are certainly changing the dynamic when it comes to vendor-retailer relationships. Vendors will begin to realize just how important retailers are once they have to deal with customers and will have to incentivize them if they want to hold onto them. Jon Walp, Long Jewelers, Virginia Beach, VA

It sure isn’t for sissies these days! “Constant reinvention” are the key words, I feel. Kas Jacquot, Kas A Designs, Jefferson City, MO

Worth the Time

In today’s information society, we are constantly bombarded with emails, online and print media. For time’s sake, we have to be selective with what we choose to read. INSTORE magazine continues to provide up-to-date and relevant information for the jewelry trade. For this reason, I take the time to read the publication. Joseph Villarreal, Villarreal Fine Jewelers, Austin, TX

It’s nice to have a publication that truly “gets” our industry. Adam Fried, Hyde Park Jewelers, Denver, CO

Not Getting Any Younger

I attended the Tucson Gem Show and noticed a trend that no one addresses: we’re an aging industry, and the majority of the younger generation isn’t interested in our industry. David Abrams, Grand Jewelers, Rancho Cucamonga, CA

This article originally appeared in the May 2018 edition of INSTORE.     

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