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Readers Weigh In On CAD, Gold Prices, Effects of the Election and More

Plus a couple had nice things to say about INSTORE.

Published

5 months ago

December 2, 2024

INSTORE Staff Instore December 2024 Issue

Regarding the Big Survey, it’s nice to know where you are in your career and how you add up to the industry as a whole. Thank you for this information! — Kennon Y., Burlington, VT
The Big Survey is a beast … and the end of the year is scary with what is happening economically, politically, and internationally in the world! — Annette K., Stillwater, OK
INSTORE online magazine is my go-to for anything jewelry-industry-related. I am only four years into this industry, and having a resource to keep up on trends, new designers and challenge myself with things like the Gem Quiz all in one place has been so helpful! — Lisa-Marie D., Stockton, CA
Your magazine is tops!! It deals with normal people, not zillionaires at the top of the pyramid of jewelry. I thank you for publishing such an honest, normal publication. — Mark R., Ottawa, ON
People that think the sky will fall if their candidate doesn’t get elected are amusing (and by that, I mean ridiculous). I hope common sense returns to consumers after November 5th. It’s a hard ask, but here’s to hope! — Marc M., Midland, TX
Most election years, business drops before the election, and then after five to 10 days after the election, business returns to normal. This year has been wonky: Business was up. We will see what happens in the next two weeks. It would be nice to see it go gangbusters for the holidays. — Edwin M., Brainerd, MN
Kinda disheartening to see a number of multi-generation stores closing up. I get it. My kids have no interest in the biz, so, my day will come sooner than later. — Stew B., Natick, MA
CAD is a wonderful tool but is too often a crutch for designer wannabes. These limitations show up in ads, contests, and ultimately, in repair traffic. Sorry to shoot down some popular styles, but a disappointed customer confirms that many commercial designs are not sustainable. Replacing lost stones for free is a very poor selling feature. — J. Mason C., Chapel Hill, NC
Gold prices are insane, but it hasn’t stopped spending — maybe slowed it down a bit. Being a designer and making my own line makes it a bit less risky! — Kas J., Jefferson City, MO

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

Family Legacy, New Chapter: How Wilkerson Turns 89 Years of History Into Future Success

After 89 years of serving the Albany community, Harold Finkle Your Jeweler faced a pivotal decision. For third-generation owner Justin Finkle, the demanding hours of running a small business were taking precious time away from his young family. "After 23 years, I decided this was the time for me," Finkle explains. But closing a business with nearly nine decades of inventory and customer relationships isn't something easily managed alone. Wilkerson's comprehensive approach transformed this challenging transition into a remarkable success story. Their strategic planning handled everything from advertising and social media to inventory management and staffing — elements that would overwhelm most jewelers attempting to navigate a closing sale independently. The results speak volumes. "Wilkerson gave us three different tiers of potential goals," Finkle notes. "We've reached that third tier, that highest goal already, and we still have two weeks left of the sale." The partnership didn't just meet financial objectives—it exceeded them ahead of schedule.