Editor’s Note: Start Me Up!

Published

19 years ago

March 2, 2005

LET’S GO BACK TO THE VERY BEGINNING…

IN LIFE, we all start the same way ? bald, nude and crying.

And you know what, it’s pretty much the same way when we start off in retail. (Of course, we’re talking metaphorically here.) But the fact is, every one of us is once again an infant when we open our first business. Every choice seems a terrifying puzzle. What locations to choose? How much inventory to carry? Should we advertise? And every new experience is a shock. First customer. First sale. First complaint. First return. First cash crunch.

Little by little, we gain our feet. And with increasing frequency, we start to think, ?You know what, I can really do this!? And then even that thought stops coming, because it’s no longer a point of surprise ? it’s a given. It’s an important stage of development, but also one that’s bittersweet. Because, face it, we will all miss the drama inherent in the beginning of all things.

This month, we’re going to give you that feeling again. In our lead story, called ?Beginnings?, five different retailers share the stories of their starts. All faced challenges, all dealt with fears and doubts, and all came out on the other side as solid, profitable ? and in some cases even wildly successful ? businesses. It’s a story we think you’ll enjoy for the lessons our retailers have to share ? not to mention the vicarious opportunity to start your business all over again. Enjoy the tales!

Wishing you the very best business …
David Squires
Executive Editor And Associate Publisher
(Click here)

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.”