Who Took This Survey

The 2020 Big Survey was launched in mid-August and ran for about six weeks. During that time, 875 North American jewelers (all owners or managers) attempted to complete the online form, with most of the questions attracting close to 550 answers. Here, we break down the types of jewelers who answered the questions, their locations, size, and the services they offer.

Published

24 years ago

October 26, 2000

INSTORE Staff Instore November 2020 Issue

67. How many stores do you operate?

1
90%
2
7%
3-5
2.7%
6 or more
0.3%

68. Where is your (main) store located?

In a mall
2%
In a strip mall
23%
On a downtown street
33%
In its own free-standing building
25%
In a lifestyle center
6%
Office building/Business park
5%
Home studio
2%
On the Internet
1.5%
Other (please specify)
2.5%

69. In what state is your (main) store located?

USA map

The 2020 Big Survey attracted responses from jewelers in 48 states and Canada. Florida contributed the most, while West Virginia and Delaware were not represented.

70. Where is your store located by region?

big survey 2020 -store locations by region

71. Which description of your business do you most closely identify with?

big survey 2020 data

72. Check the paid services offered by your store.

jewelry custom design illustration

Custom design
96%
Jewelry repairs
97%
Watch and clock repairs
63%
Engraving
71%
Other repairs (sunglasses, iPad screens, etc)
20%
Appraisals
86%
Consignment
37%
Jewelry rental
5%
Gold and other over-the-counter buying
76%
Jewelry safekeeping
5%
Other
2%

(Others included teaching metalsmithing, ear-piercing, trading gemstones and coins, jewelry restoration and other estate services, and loans on fine jewelry)

73. Which category most helps you stand out from your local competition?

Bridal
23%
Silver
1%
Estate
6%
Watches
3%
Colored gemstones
4%
Fashion jewelry
6%
Custom design
37%
Gold buying/pawn services
2%
Other
1%

74. How would you describe the market where your store is located?

Big urban market
10%
Suburban outskirts of a big urban market
15%
Medium-sized city (250,000-1 million people)
18%
Small city (25,000 to 250,000)
34%
Country town (up to 25,000)
18%
Resort area
4%
Other (please specify)
1%

75. What is the total square footage of your (main) store?

Less than 500 sq feet
4%
500-999 sq feet
18%
1,000-1,499 sq feet
21%
1,500-1,999 sq feet
17%
2,000-2,499 sq feet
9%
2,500-2,999 sq feet
9%
3,000-3,499 sq feet
6%
3,500-3,999 sq feet
3%
4,000-5,000 sq feet
5%
More than 5,000 sq feet
6%
NA
1.5%

76. How long has your business been in operation?

1-5 years
5%
6-10 years
5%
1-20 years
13%
21-30 years
16%
31-40 years
19%
41-50 years
15%
51-100
20%
100-150
5%
More than 150 years
1%

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.”