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On Successful Sale Events and More of Your Letters from August

One reader is looking for good ways to clear out her inventory dawgs.

Published

6 years ago

August 9, 2019

INSTORE Staff Instore August 2019 Issue

On “Best Day Ever”

We enjoyed reading “Best Day Ever.” We used to think that day was ahead of us rather than behind us. With recent things going on, that sadly may not be the case. We hope we are wrong in those future tidings. — Alex Weil, Martin’s Jewelry, Torrance, CA

It was a good article. The jewelry industry is old and beat up. The article hopefully gives life to those who are ready to throw in the towel. — Christopher Sarich, Noah Gabriel & Co. Jewelers, Wexford, PA

Loving Decker

We love your magazine! July was a good edition. We would like to see more articles by Shane Decker! — Sarah Vatter, Thomas Michaels Designers, Camden, ME

Kickstart My Dawg

With mid-year inventory reviews in the rearview mirror and serious thought going into dumping the underperforming dawgs, I was curious as to the best options other stores have successfully tried? One we recently were batting around was a Facebook auction for those “lazy items.” Who doesn’t love a sale and then frenzied bidding until the buzzer rings? We also considered if the item sold for more than its original retail value (hey, it could happen!), then we could donate the excess. Our customers could choose from the store’s favorite charities. All transactions would be done in the store to avoid those less scrupulous types. Has anyone tried this? Tips, suggestions or cautions? — Denise Oros, Linnea Jewelers, La Grange, IL

Time to Adjust

Online jewelry sales have hurt the brick-and-mortar establishments, but it’s time to move on and adjust to market changes. Nothing can replace quality personal service, and the Internet does not offer face-to-face interaction with a live human being with knowledge and a kind demeanor. — Joe Caron, Caron’s Jewelry, Bristol, RI

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.