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Reader Letters About the Vegas Shows, Requests for Stories and More

Plus one reader is not happy with vendors selling direct to consumers online.

Published

3 years ago

July 7, 2022

INSTORE Staff Instore July 2022 Issue

Every retailer knows when it comes close to the time for the Las Vegas shows that their email gets blown up by vendors wanting to schedule appointments. That’s the nature of the beast. But I had one stand out to me. They sent me an email saying they are this high-quality brand with unique pieces that could help separate my business from others. Well, I went to their website and the first thing you see is “Free shipping and returns.” Then a pop-up comes up saying sign up for the mailing list to receive exclusive offers. And of course, they sell online and promote that heavily. So how is that supposed to make me feel like your brand is exclusive and unique and will separate my store from others when you are clearly out to sell to anyone and everyone? If you are exclusive and have a unique product, then you are not available to everyone. — Marc Majors, Sam L. Majors, Midland, TX
I would love to see a story about jewelry companies that went from unbranded products to branded product. What was the process like, how did they get their first brand, what does it take to keep the brand? Brands have become much more selective in the last 10 years, so I would love to hear recent stories. — Christopher Sarich, Noah Gabriel & Co. Jewelers, Wexford, PA
So many amazing things happening around our industry. Many jewelers like staying informed and looking carefully into the spyglass. The Plumb Club Pavilion with an innovative leap into the modern jeweler’s world will be fascinating. The industry grouping of our dynamic, amazing colleagues who are constant sources of knowledge and inspiration is a growth opportunity for the professional jeweler and their team. — Denise Oros, Linnea Jewelers, La Grange, IL
I am skipping the Vegas show and sending two of my managers for the first time. This has really helped with engaging my team. — Jim Cash, Diamond Center, Fayetteville, AR
One time I heard about a company sending a customer a cheese pizza as an apology after handling a customer complaint. I have never done this but have been tempted 🙂 — Christina Baribault-Ortiz, Baribault Jewelers, Glastonbury, CT
Your magazine always makes my day. Love everything in it. Thanks! — Tommy Thobe, The Village Gem, Perry Hall, MD
I think an article about the form 8300 from the IRS and how it is to be addressed when a customer pays cash over $10,000 in a single purchase or over a period of a year. Most jewelers don’t even know about it! — J. Dennis Petimezas, Watchmakers Diamonds & Jewelry, Johnstown, PA
Tell me the party isn’t over?! Still flying high with great sales!! — Eileen Eichhorn, Eichhorn Jewelry, Decatur, IN

Share your thoughts with INSTORE. Email us at editor@instoremag.com

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.