Tough economies reward tough jewelers.
How is the current economic turmoil affecting America’s jewelers so far? One of the best barometers is INSTORE’S Brain Squad. Almost every month for seven years, we’ve asked the Brain Squad how their business that month compared to the same month in the previous year.
In September and October 2007, 66 and 72 percent of jewelers reported that business was the same or better than the same months of the previous year. This year, roughly 50 percent of jewelers did. (For a more complete report, see page 25.)
Certainly, these were our worst figures ever. But is it cataclysmic? The 50 percent of the country’s jewelers who are still stable or growing probably wouldn’t say so.
Think of difficult times this way: They are the times when your business, by performing at its very best, has the chance to separate itself from rivals who don’t. So dig in and work hard. A golden opportunity has arrived.
P.S. Interested in THE INSTORE SHOW? Our debut trade show is now only five months away, and event plans are rapidly coming together. It’s nerve-wracking, but we’re excited about the chance to create a smarter jewelry show for American jewelry retailers. Visit theinstoreshow.com for a full exhibitor list (which includes a high number of INSTORE readers’ favorite manufacturers) as well as the complete schedule of our innovative, hands-on educational program. Online retailer registration is now available, as well as discount reservations for hotel rooms and air travel. Check it out today and reserve your spot as soon as you can.
Wishing you the very best business …
David Squires
Associate Publisher
dsquires@instoremag.com