Now introducing … Instore’s ?Big Survey’
WELCOME, READERS, to our inaugural ?Big Survey? edition ? a brand-new annual feature that we expect to be a valuable addition to INSTORE’S editorial lineup.
It’s been one of our most ambitious (and most complicated) initiatives ever, and we’re very proud of the results ? the collective insights of more than 550 of your fellow jewelers. (Thanks, every one of you!) You’ll learn what inventory categories perform most strongly, what marketing methods work best, how different team members are paid, and even how many jewelers have guns in their stores. We think you’ll find the results, in many, many cases, eye-opening.
How can you use all of the data we’re bringing you in the ?Big Survey?? Well, one way not to use it is to look at an answer and feel comfortable that your store places in the middle of the pack in that area. Instead, look at the very top performers ? the upper 10 to 20 percent ? and emulate their behaviors. That’s the way to get to the top of your field, and you’ll find many ideas for business-building actions here.
Do remember, however, that this is something of a beta version and not all the kinks have been worked out yet. Next year, we’re looking at switching up the questions as well as getting more precise answers on some of the ones we feel we didn’t quite hit.
In the meantime, we hope you read carefully, benefit thoroughly and enjoy greatly the aggregated wisdom of this feature, the biggest-ever survey of American jewelers.
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Wishing you the very best business …
David Squires
Executive Editor and Associate Publisher
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Ready to Relocate? Wilkerson Makes Your Move Seamless
When Brockhaus Jewelry decided to leave their longtime West Main Street storefront for a standalone building elsewhere in Norman, Oklahoma, owners John Brockhaus and Brad Shipman faced a familiar challenge: how to efficiently reduce inventory before the big move. Their solution? Partnering with liquidation specialists Wilkerson for a second time.
"We'd already experienced Wilkerson's professionalism during a previous sale," Shipman recalls. "But their approach to our relocation event truly impressed us. They strategically prioritized our existing pieces while tactfully introducing complementary merchandise as inventory levels decreased." The carefully orchestrated sale didn't just meet targets—it shattered them.
Asked if they'd endorse Wilkerson to industry colleagues planning similar transitions—whether relocating, retiring, or refreshing their space—both partners were emphatic in their approval. "The entire process was remarkably straightforward," Shipman notes. "Wilkerson delivered a well-structured program, paired us with a knowledgeable advisor, and managed every detail flawlessly from concept to completion."
