WELCOME TO INSTORE’S eighth annual edition of America’s Coolest Stores. It’s also our second year with individual categories for Big Cool (six or more employees) and Small Cool (five or fewer employees).
No matter what kind of store you are today, or what kind of store you aspire to be tomorrow, we’re confident that you’ll find something in every winner’s story to inspire you.
Take our Big Cool winner — London Jewelers of Manhasset, NY. From all outward appearances, this is an ultra-elite store — with in-store boutiques for the most exclusive designers, as well as advertising in high-end magazines like Town & Country and Robb Report. But this is a success story that was anything but easy. You’ll learn how the store was once a weekend away from being sold. Or how, in the 1970s, the then small mom-and-pop store spent two years trying to convince Rolex that London Jewelers was worthy of carrying its line.
Our Small Cool winner — Zoltan David of Austin, TX — has an equally fascinating story. A renowned jewelry designer, David decided to open his own retail front so he could maintain a connection with customers. Instead of doing it in Manhattan or Los Angeles, he did it in Austin, TX. And instead of opening a typical retail front he opened a space that’s actually more art gallery than jewelry store. Little product, lots of space, and tons and tons of wood. It’s a store that, if you go in once, you won’t forget.
Thanks to all 106 stores that competed. And thanks to the judges who shared their valuable time to help us once again uncover the country’s most exciting jewelers.
Wishing you the very best business
David Squires
dsquires@instoremag.com
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Family Legacy, New Chapter: How Wilkerson Turns 89 Years of History Into Future Success
After 89 years of serving the Albany community, Harold Finkle Your Jeweler faced a pivotal decision. For third-generation owner Justin Finkle, the demanding hours of running a small business were taking precious time away from his young family. "After 23 years, I decided this was the time for me," Finkle explains. But closing a business with nearly nine decades of inventory and customer relationships isn't something easily managed alone.
Wilkerson's comprehensive approach transformed this challenging transition into a remarkable success story. Their strategic planning handled everything from advertising and social media to inventory management and staffing — elements that would overwhelm most jewelers attempting to navigate a closing sale independently.
The results speak volumes. "Wilkerson gave us three different tiers of potential goals," Finkle notes. "We've reached that third tier, that highest goal already, and we still have two weeks left of the sale." The partnership didn't just meet financial objectives—it exceeded them ahead of schedule.
