Readers Weigh In On the Pandemic, Current Business, Designers Selling Online and More

On “Lessons From The Pandemic”

• The pandemic proved to me that customers will approach by phone first to learn how to cooperate. This wonderful step made it possible to leave storefront space and relocate to office space. Appointment-only is much easier to manage. — J. Mason Cutchin, J. Mason Custom Jeweler, Chapel Hill, NC
• Cannot wait to move away from any word or thoughts of that very dark period of time! Although there was much to be learned, there is also life to be lived and celebrate the special moments in life with jewelry! — Annette Kinzie, Leonard Jewelry, Stillwater, OK
• My store is a mixture of scared mask-wearing folks and unafraid non-mask-wearing folks. It’s usually broken down along political party lines. Funny how science is now political. Nevertheless, we are always nonpolitical, but we let our customers speak their minds in friendly banter. When it gets heated, we may, as we have always done, say be nice or go away. Forward, folks! — Rick Nichols, Nassau Jewelry, Fernandina Beach, FL

Instore Bulletin Love

• I really enjoy INSTORE Magazine. I especially enjoy the daily emails with links to all the latest articles. I share them frequently with our fellow Treasure Traders in our Facebook marketing group. INSTORE generally has the most important and latest breaking news for the jewelry industry before most other sources we follow. Thanks for the awesome job you do; your publication is very educating and helpful for our staff as well. — Medford Chason, Treasure Hut, North Charleston, SC

Business Abounds

• When can we expect a slowdown? I’m waiting to exhale. Never worked this hard this long in my 56 years in the jewelry business! — Eileen Eichhorn, Eichhorn Jewelry, Decatur, IN
• With all the negativity out there, I have been busier than I thought I would ever be at this time and place. What a great industry I’ve had the pleasure of being a part of for almost 50 years. God bless America! — Frank Salinardi, Linardi’s Jewelers, Plantation, FL

Designer Competition

• I’ve seen more and more stories/articles lately written by people who are finally realizing that we as retailers are competing with our designers we represent. Where have you been for the past 10 years?!?! I know they feel like they need to do what they need to do to survive and move their own goods, but it’s gone a little too far. I think there’s going to have to be a compromise before retailers start to rebel and things get really messy. — Marc Majors, Sam L. Majors, Midland, TX

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