Editor's Note

It’s Time to Put the “Response” in Responsible

Human rights and the environment should be important to all of us.

Published

2 years ago

March 23, 2022

Trace Shelton Instore April 2022 Issue

WHEN THE MOVIE The Blood Diamond was released in 2006, it was the culmination of a wave of news and pop culture references to “conflict diamonds.” I remember many across our industry scrambling during that time to neutralize the image of diamonds as a commodity steeped in violence.

In the years since, several organizations have sprung up to raise awareness about the mining conditions and refining processes of fine metals and gemstones of all stripes. The jewelry industry — a large, lumbering colossus comprised of stakeholders with a variety of interests — has slowly begun to make progress in the areas of sustainability and responsible trading.

While some jewelry retailers report that their customers are concerned about the origins of their jewelry, the majority still say that it’s just not a major priority for their clients. Certainly, that may shift as younger consumers, supposedly more concerned about our environment and human rights, begin throwing their buying weight around. But regardless of consumer pressure, the bottom line is that being more responsible in our mining, refining and trading practices is simply the right thing to do.

Our lead story this issue, “Jewelry’s Responsible Future,” provides a report card of sorts for how we’re doing as in industry in terms of materials sourcing, the environment and human rights. Upon reading it, we hope you and your team spend some time with the question: What can we do to help?

It’s Time to Put the “Response” in Responsible

Trace Shelton

Editor-in-Chief, INSTORE
trace@smartworkmedia.com

Five Smart Tips You’ll Find in This Issue

With staff, create a list of the top 10 customer objections and develop responses for each one. (Manager’s To-Do, p. 28)
Use social media and in-store signage to communicate the good your store and the jewelry industry are doing for human rights and the environment. (The Big Story, p. 36)
Turn games like HORSE and blackjack into sales contests for your team. (Jimmy DeGroot, p. 58)
Use “day of the week” stickers to help manage your jewelers’ workload. (David Geller, p. 64)
Hold online auctions starting at 20 percent above cost to liquidate old inventory. (Ask INSTORE, p. 66)

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.”