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Eileen McClelland

Do This One Simple Thing to Show Hospitality In Your Jewelry Store

Finding those new customers is a simple matter of welcoming them — in their own way.

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OPEN YOUR DOORS wide. That’s what I learned from researching the Big Story this month, about how to “find customers hiding in plain sight.” But I guess I already knew the answer, and you do, too.

All along, I’ve heard from you that your business is all about relationships, about hospitality, about welcoming guests into your store as if it were your home. So, when we asked Brain Squad members how they reach out to new groups of customers, what struck me was the simplicity of it: Open your doors.

Opening up your doors via e-commerce, for example, brings your business to customers already comfortable shopping online. Translating your website and in-store signage into Spanish can open your door to whole segments of your community you may have overlooked. Getting the word out that you do not discriminate against any couple planning a wedding eliminates threshold resistance in the LGBT market.

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Then think about what kind of hospitality you offer. Frustrated that they weren’t set up to host special events easily, Karen and Rob Hollis of K Hollis Jewelers in Batavia, IL, devoted part of their store to a wine bar. It turns out a huge cross-section of their community is interested in wine and also needs a private place to meet. Every week, the Hollises meet people who have never even been to their store before.

Finally, get out into the community and knock on other doors. Join networking groups and take the time to pursue your own interests.

Then, when people you’ve met need jewelry, they’ll think about you, the person they know and trust.

And just like magic, they’ll walk right through your doors.

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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.”

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