The holiday season is critical to the success of most jewelry retailers. But what about the other 11 months of the year? Are you ready to distinguish your store in 2018?
In this issue, we look at seven “maverick” retailers who have taken unusual steps to set themselves apart not only from their local competitors, but from the traditional approach to jewelry retail. Take Chelsea Mead of Honey Designs Jewelry, who doesn’t just sell engagement rings; she acts as a concierge for the hopeful groom, coaching him on how to propose creatively and providing photography for the big moment as well. Or Nick Miller of Mint Diamonds and Jim Tuttle of Green Lake Jewelry Works, who both offer unique custom design experiences online. Or Dan Kulchinsky and family, who closed up their traditional retail store to offer a private, customizable luxury experience exclusively for VIPs.
Every retailer in our story took a risk in order to drastically differentiate themselves and offer something exciting to potential clients. Yet, each risk taken fit the unique personality, talent and resources of that particular owner.
What risk can you take to set your store up for success in the years to come? We hope you’ll get a few ideas from our story. (And when you do succeed with your new initiative, be sure to let us know so that you can be the next subject of INSTORE coverage!)
Until then, happy holidays and we’ll see you in 2018!
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FIVE SMART TIPS YOU’LL FIND INSIDE THIS EDITION
1. Post photos of your best-selling jewelry pieces on Facebook daily.
2. Hold a beginner-friendly, project-based workshop for clients to build their own jewelry.
3. Place marketing in gyms and health clubs to attract young buyers.
4. At the end of each day, have each staff member write down three things that went well that day.
5. Charge more for laser repairs when it will take longer than a torch or if the customer will receive extra benefits as a result.
Ready to Relocate? Wilkerson Makes Your Move Seamless
When Brockhaus Jewelry decided to leave their longtime West Main Street storefront for a standalone building elsewhere in Norman, Oklahoma, owners John Brockhaus and Brad Shipman faced a familiar challenge: how to efficiently reduce inventory before the big move. Their solution? Partnering with liquidation specialists Wilkerson for a second time.
"We'd already experienced Wilkerson's professionalism during a previous sale," Shipman recalls. "But their approach to our relocation event truly impressed us. They strategically prioritized our existing pieces while tactfully introducing complementary merchandise as inventory levels decreased." The carefully orchestrated sale didn't just meet targets—it shattered them.
Asked if they'd endorse Wilkerson to industry colleagues planning similar transitions—whether relocating, retiring, or refreshing their space—both partners were emphatic in their approval. "The entire process was remarkably straightforward," Shipman notes. "Wilkerson delivered a well-structured program, paired us with a knowledgeable advisor, and managed every detail flawlessly from concept to completion."
