Marketing RX: GoldSmith Jewelers

Published

17 years ago

May 26, 2007

[b][h2]Patient History [/h2][/b]
GoldSmith Jewelers in Little Falls, MN, recently ran this repair ad in its local weekly newspaper. While I know it began as a trade shop in 1973 and then expanded into a retail store in the 1980s, I do not know what brand image the store is trying to convey. However, I’m getting a sense …

[b][h2]Diagnosis [/h2][/b]
Tar and Jeff need more than a little wizardry on their layout skills. First tip: Every space does not need to be filled with something. What were you trying to communicate? Was it the offer? If so, perhaps that should have been bold and eye-catching. My eye is going all over the place, but if I had to focus, it would definitely be on the badly Photoshopped picture — not the offer. And why three tag lines? Are you “Simply the Best,” “The Jewelry Repair Experts” or the “Wizards of Ahhh’s”? I suggest sticking with just one.

[b][h2]Remedy [/h2][/b]
I have nothing against cute local ads. Truth be told, Tar and Jeff are endearing. I’m sure if we met, we could be friends. You play to your crowd, and in Little Falls, the cutesy approach may not be terribly off-base. But wouldn’t it be great if they could harness those magical powers and develop a captivating headline, a unique border and a clean layout?

You Wouldn’t Cut Your Own Hair. Why Run Your Own Retirement Sale?

After being in business for over a quarter of a century, Wayne Reid, owner of Wayne Jewelers in Wayne, Pennsylvania, decided it was time for a little “me time.” He says, “I’ve reached a point in my life where it’s time to slow down, enjoy a lot of things outside of the jewelry industry. It just seemed to be the right time.” He chose Wilkerson to handle his retirement sale because of their reputation and results. With financial goals exceeded, Reid says he made the right choice selecting Wilkerson to handle the sale. “They made every effort to push our jewelry to the forefront of the showcases,” he says, lauding Wilkerson for their finesse and expertise. Would he recommend them to other jewelers who want to make room for new merchandise, expand their business or like him, decide to call it a day? Absolutely he says, equating trying to do this kind of sale with cutting your own hair. “The results are going to happen but not as well as if you have a professional like Wilkerson do the job for you.”