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Reader Letters About Redecorating, Trade Shows and More

Some share the secrets of their affordable renos.

Published

3 weeks ago

May 5, 2025

INSTORE Staff Instore May 2025 Issue

[The March article “Sizzle on a Shoestring”] spurred us on to do a small makeover of the showroom. Added more art, took down clutter, and changed up the room to make it look more open. — Shannon P., Altus, OK
My staff was so excited about the article, they ordered new rugs for the studio and took the old “put it in the closet” closet in the little shop and turned it into a gem lab! The walls are painted with chalkboard paint so the gemologist can jot down notes as she is studying stones, plus the black walls give her a really dark room when she has to use UV or other light to test gemstones. If I would have asked, there would have been less excitement. Reading about it in INSTORE was a real motivator. — Jo G., Oconomowoc, WI
Fresh greens in vases around the store! We go to Trader Joe’s for these! Long-lasting, low maintenance and super reasonable spruce-up for spring! — Christina B., Glastonbury, CT
We feel that change is important to keep everything spruced up, and that keeps a budget at a minimum. Just moving things around makes it all look fresh and different and keeps customers looking! — Annette K., Stillwater, OK
A few years back, we decided to change out the lights in our ceiling cans for new LED from Lighting4diamonds. The look of our whole showroom changed. Clients said it felt cleaner and bigger and brighter. We have made the change in all three of our locations now. Always freshen up paint on high traffic areas. — Josh P., Wilmington, NC
We removed our old dark gray carpet and installed vinyl flooring with a wood look last summer. It really brightened up and modernized the look of our store. — Jill H., Coral Gables, FL
Always look forward to the trade shows and the upcoming seminars. Being more selective on what we buy, which vendors, and how we want to project our image to our customers. Looking forward to more custom orders with more unusual colored stones. Never a dull moment in this industry and have to keep ahead of the curve! — Susan E., El Paso, TX
Recently moved to a much smaller space. Got rid of eight showcases. Only one left. Working by appointment. Didn’t know how this would work, but so far it has been good. Selling very different items than before. Engagement ring styles are changing drastically. Time to scrap old jewelry. — Atalie F., Chicago, IL

ERRATUM: In our March issue, the Sophia By Design phone number listed in New Arrivals was incorrect. The correct number is (215) 629-0260. We apologize for the error.

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.