Big Survey

Jewelers Leave a Single-Sentence Instruction for Employees

The Big Survey asked what they would say to employees if they left for a year.

Published

3 years ago

October 13, 2022

INSTORE Staff

THIS YEAR’S BIG SURVEY asked respondents, “If you had to take a year away from your store and could only leave a one-sentence instruction for your employees, what would it be?” The answers ranged from wise to direct to humorous. And quite a few said their instruction would be “Call me!”, which seemed a bit like cheating to us. Here is a selection of other responses.

“Do what you love and it will never be work.”
“Treat every customer like you would want your mother to be treated.”
“Please don’t let the store burn down.”
“Remember to make customers, not sales.”
“Don’t forget to feed my frogs.”
“You all know what you’re doing, keep doing it.”
“May God help you.”
“Kick ass and it will be reflected in your paychecks.”
“Put your phones down!”
“Make sure the customer is happier when they leave the store than when they came in.”
“Open up, sell, lock up and repeat.”
“Do the right thing, say what you’ll do, and do what you say.”
“Please don’t let my children starve.”
“Behave yourselves but have fun, too.”
“Don’t f— around.”
“You only get one chance to make a good impression.”
“I trust you.”
“Don’t call me.”

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.