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Readers Weigh In on Recession Talk, Humor in Business, and Summer Planning

Some say business continues to boom.

Published

2 years ago

August 24, 2022

INSTORE Staff Instore September 2022 Issue

On “Funny Business”

I tell the dumbest jokes humanly possible. My customers can’t help but laugh. I don’t want an uptight store. Rick Nichols, Nassau Jewelry, Fernandina Beach, FL
Humor is part of how our culture here at Rasmussen Diamonds works. On a daily basis, we use Yammer to communicate with each other about who is up next and when we go to lunch, but it often turns into a GIF battle, and we laugh a lot at one another. This humor often overflows into our interactions with our guests, and it keeps the sales floor pleasant, fun, and inviting. — Katrina Sustachek, Rasmussen Diamonds, Racine, WI

Real Pick-Me-Up

Howdy, I just love reading your Real Deal articles in INSTORE Magazine. Today’s been a rough Monday, but reading Kate’s column is always such a pick-me-up; it gets my brain working. Really cool stuff I share with my bosses and co-workers. Artwork is good, too. Thank you for your hard work! — January Gaul, Elite Fine Jewelers, Tempe, AZ

Pleasant Reminder

Our annual half-priced summer sale has gone well. We take David Geller’s advice and try to get rid of non-selling items. Always a reminder I buy too much! — Christine Matlack, E.G. Landis Jewelers, Boyertown, PA

About That Recession

Gemstone shortages and their attendant price increases are making us blue. Precipitous declines in lab diamond prices continue to shock. And don’t get us started on those gold prices … — Gretchen Schaffner, Eytan’s Designs, Sherman Oaks, CA
There is a lot of fear about inflation and recession, but if we react with fear, we may not be ready with the right inventory this fall. People make money off of recessions, and they are the same people who buy high-end jewelry. Keep strong margins and carry those higher-end price points or else you may be leaving something on the table. — Kyle Bullock, Bullock’s Jewelry, Roswell, NM
Amazing that amid recession talk, our business is very good! Even though the stock market has lost, men are buying big-ticket items! A hedge against inflation, perhaps? — Eve J. Alfille, Eve J. Alfille Gallery & Studio, Evanston, IL

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

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.”