Taxes, Tucson Prep, and a Goldsmith Hunt: Jewelers Share Their January To-Do Lists

JANUARY IN THE JEWELRY BUSINESS exists in two states: “Finally, I can breathe” and “Oh no, everything’s on fire.” Some of you will reorganize your entire store. Others will hunt for a goldsmith like it’s a quest for the Holy Grail. A few brave souls will confront taxes. Here’s what’s on the list of some of INSTORE’s Brain Squad members at the start of this new year.

• “I have to urgently find a replacement for my head goldsmith who is retiring after 30 years! Not easy as he is trained in my esoteric ways!” — Eve A., Evanston, IL
• “Get ready for Tucson by clearing old stock. And then there’s the bloody taxes.” — Laura P., St. Robert, MO

“Top of my list: organization. The store is great. My office is a disaster. It is always the last on my list. Organize and stay organized. It is at the top of my list. Plan on starting now and hope to have it up and ready by the first week in January 2026.” — Jan C., Muscle Shoals, AL

• “January is all about reviewing the past year, strategizing for the upcoming year, and taking some time off to recharge. We actually get super busy with restyling in the winter – especially wedding rings.” — Beth C., Dublin, OH
• “Bite the bullet and reprice gold before we have our annual sale.” — Loann S., Stillwater, MN
• “Building a new larger store in store #2 and working on plans to build a new flagship store #1.” — Alan P., Wilmington, NC
• “Vacation in January and then hit it hard on Feb. 1st!” — Joe C., Bristol, RI
• “We always rearrange the store, change all the showcases, clean, refresh, and begin to plan for Valentine’s Day, and the coming of spring.” — Annette K., Stillwater, OK

“The most important January to-do is to jump-start our long-term projects that naturally pause during November and December to ensure momentum is not lost.” — Jeff M., Knoxville, TN

• “For the month of January to chill out after the holiday. In January, pay all the bills from December. Also, stock up for Valentine’s Day.” — Barry F., Bardonia, NY
• “Continue to focus on ways to target our marketing to our demographic and find new ways to continue to reach out to the young couples.” — Joe T., Lubbock, TX
• “The top of my to-do list for 2026 is to rest and organize my space!” — Angela C., Atascadero, CA
 

What’s the Brain Squad?

If you’re the owner or top manager of a U.S. jewelry store, you’re invited to join the INSTORE Brain Squad. By taking one five-minute quiz a month, you can get a free t-shirt, be featured prominently in this magazine, and make your voice heard on key issues affecting the jewelry industry. Good deal, right? Sign up here.