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Readers Share Their Thoughts on Trade Show Season

Most are excited to travel again.

Published

3 years ago

June 21, 2021

INSTORE Staff Instore July 2021 Issue

I’d love to attend the RJO show in Ohio … but I am not ready to fly yet. — Donnie Blanton, Brittany’s Fine Jewelry, Gainesville, FL
I am looking forward to in-person trade shows. I dipped my toe in the water at the Atlanta Jewelry Show earlier this year and felt confident in the safety measures they had in place. Vegas jewelry week is coming up quickly, and it will be a welcomed change to connect in person with everyone, even with continued social distancing and safety protocols. — Jessica Rossomme, Mucklow’s Fine Jewelry, Peachtree City, GA
Just finished the CBG Show in Vegas yesterday, and it was great. Good to see everybody and get back to some sort of normalcy. — Joe Thacker, Thacker Jewelry, Lubbock, TX
It’s nice to see that we here in the states are finally getting a handle on COVID and starting to open up things. But since our industry is international in many ways, and with many countries not doing anywhere as well as we are with Covid, I think we may see effects of supply issues. It can be additionally frustrating to have demand but have difficulty in supplying that demand. — Alex Weil, Martin’s Jewelry, Torrance, CA
I am very excited about in-person trade shows, though I will limit the number for this year. I’m looking forward to attending many more in 2022. I think people are very surprised that things have opened back up so quickly. I’ve had major suppliers question their being in attendance for Vegas because of the inability to fill orders for the season so late in the year. — Jon Walp, Long Jewelers, Virginia Beach, VA
Went to Centurion and loved being back with vendors, new product, new brands, old friends, making new friends, and having time to enjoy! — Susan Eisen, Susan Eisen Fine Jewelry & Watches, El Paso, TX
Excited to go to the RJO Show in July. INSTORE is hands down the most helpful magazine in the industry, no close competitors. — Dan Levinson, Ellis Jewelers, Concord, NC
We attended the RJO/AJS show and it was great. Seeing other people in the same field and sharing stories and business practices give us new ideas and help us brainstorm. The shows are like family reunions. — Naomi Vargas, Mehaffey’s Jewelry, Haines City, FL
I’m excited about and eager for my first JCK trip! I’ve worked in jewelry for 2.5 years now and can’t wait to continue to learn about the industry and experience the magic of this show. Our bridal work is continuing to pick up and our focus is on nontraditional engagement. We’ve worked with sapphires, emeralds, and even moonstone recently. Non-traditional is in! — Bethany Swoveland, Design House Jewelry Studio, Waco, TX
Can’t wait for the RJO Show in Cincinnati in July. Going to Vegas but not excited about it in August. Bridal and loose diamonds have been absolutely crazy — I don’t really expect it to slow myself, but who knows …? — Tom R. Nelson, Nelson Jewelry, Spencer, IA

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”