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Published

15 years ago

July 2, 2008

OVER THE LAST SERVERAL ISSUES, we’ve given you some ideas how to prepare for the big Las Vegas shows.

Now, it’s time to use them. You’ve packed your bags, you’ve set your open-to-buy, and you’ve identified key price points and product types that you need to fill out your mix. At long last, the time has arrived to say ?Viva Las Vegas!?

As at least some of you will be picking up this issue of Instore at the show itself, there’s still time for some last-minute reminders.

* Take your time to buy. Do one circuit of the show in ?just looking? mode. Bring a pen and notepad and take extensive notes on the products that interest you. But just don’t make any impulse purchases that you’ll be sorry about when you meet someone selling something better, and cheaper, on days two, three and four. Stocking your store is far too important to do on impulse. Once you’ve seen everything there is to see, then we’ll give you the green light … buy, buy, buy!

* Get a higher education. Vegas has dozens of great seminars, featuring some of the smartest people in the business. Don’t forget to take advantage of this golden opportunity to learn. Drop in to as many seminars as you can fit in … you’ll get plenty of ideas on how to improve your store, plus the inspiration you need to get it done.

* Make new friends. You’re not just here to do business, you’re here to build relationships. So schmooze. Ask at least one person out for a coffee every day ? other retailers, potential new suppliers, possible mentors and consultants.

* Come visit us! Instore is located at Booth 217 in the foyer area. Drop by our booth to say hello, share your ideas, tell us what we’re doing right and wrong, and let us know how we can make this magazine even more valuable to you. And have your business cards ready: one of our main aims this year is to find lots of new members to add to one of our most magazine’s important resources, our Instore Professional Retailers Panel. See you at the show!

Wishing you the very best business …
David Squires
Executive editor and Associate publisher
(Click here)

When There’s No Succession Plan, Call Wilkerson

Bob Wesley, owner of Robert C. Wesley Jewelers in Scottsdale, Ariz., was a third-generation jeweler. When it was time to enjoy life on the other side of the counter, he weighed his options. His lease was nearing renewal time and with no succession plan, he decided it was time to call Wilkerson. There was plenty of inventory to sell and at first, says Wesley, he thought he might try to manage a sale himself. But he’s glad he didn’t. “There’s no way I could have done this as well as Wilkerson,” he says. Wilkerson took responsibility for the entire event, with every detail — from advertising to accounting — done, dusted and managed by the Wilkerson team. “It’s the complete package,” he says of the Wilkerson method of helping jewelers to easily go on to the next phase of their lives. “There’s no way any retailer can duplicate what they’ve done.”