Read Me!

Published

17 years ago

July 2, 2008

Don’t be intimidated. this issue is sweet …

LAST MONTH, 232 pages. This month, 224. By a good margin, the two biggest editions in our history. But instead of a stretched-out, fattened version of one of our typical issues ? — no, never! ?– we’ve got some of our coolest features of the year. Highlights:

It’s our annual Las Vegas shopping issue ? and this time around, trend watcher/forecaster Paul Holewa consults industry experts, top retailers (and possibly even a few astrologists) to give you the definitive take on what will be hot this holiday season.

Not one but two terrific supplements (both requiring lo-o-o-ng journeys) ? an enlightening visit to the jewelry manufacturers of Mumbai, India, by senior editor Ralf Kircher and then Josh Wimmer’s magical mystery-shopping tour around America in InDiamonds. Both are must-reads!

More of the ups and downs of Mark and Monika Clodius as they competely overhaul their Rockford, IL, store in ?Re-Thinking the Store.? If you’re thinking of renovating your store, have ever renovated your store, or just need confirmation of your vow to never, ever, renovate your store, it’s a fascinating series. We’re waiting for HBO to contact us about the cable-TV rights.

Speaking of redone stores, we’ve got a super-cool one in this month’s ?Cool Stores? ? Holly Wesche Conn’s Wesche Jewelers in Viera, FL. Holly’s been talking about the project of creating her new stand-alone store for the last couple years, and now we all can see why she was so excited. Wow!

There’s a lot more great stuff, but I’m out of space. So, block out a little time, sit back and enjoy this monster!

Wishing you the very best business …

David Squires
Executive Editor and Associate Publisher
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Four Decades of Excellence: How Wilkerson Transformed a Jeweler's Retirement into Celebration

After 45 years serving the Milwaukee community, Treiber & Straub Jewelers owner Michael Straub faced a significant life transition. At 75, the veteran jeweler made a personal decision many business owners understand: "I think it's time. I want to enjoy my wife with my grandchildren for the next 10, 15 years." Wilkerson's expertise transformed this major business transition into an extraordinary success. Their comprehensive approach to managing the going-out-of-business sale created unprecedented customer response—with lines forming outside the store and limits on how many shoppers could enter at once due to fire safety regulations. The results exceeded all expectations. "Wilkerson did a phenomenal job," Straub enthuses. "They were there for you through the whole thing, helped you with promoting it, helping you on day-to-day business. I can't speak enough for how well they did." The partnership didn't just facilitate a business closing; it created a celebratory finale to decades of service while allowing Straub to confidently step into his well-earned retirement.