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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

1 year 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

When There’s No Succession Plan, Call Wilkerson

Bob Wesley, owner of Robert C. Wesley Jewelers in Scottsdale, Ariz., was a third-generation jeweler. When it was time to enjoy life on the other side of the counter, he weighed his options. His lease was nearing renewal time and with no succession plan, he decided it was time to call Wilkerson. There was plenty of inventory to sell and at first, says Wesley, he thought he might try to manage a sale himself. But he’s glad he didn’t. “There’s no way I could have done this as well as Wilkerson,” he says. Wilkerson took responsibility for the entire event, with every detail — from advertising to accounting — done, dusted and managed by the Wilkerson team. “It’s the complete package,” he says of the Wilkerson method of helping jewelers to easily go on to the next phase of their lives. “There’s no way any retailer can duplicate what they’ve done.”