Headlines

These Are the Lessons That Jewelers Learned in 2017

Published

7 years ago

December 21, 2017

INSTORE Staff

Jewelers continue to grow and adapt.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned about the jewelry business this year?

We took to social media — including our own platforms and the popular Jewelers Helping Jewelers Facebook group — to find out.

Here’s what jewelers had to say.

Nothing makes or breaks a store like the attitude of an owner! Bad attitude = deflated employees and lackluster customers. Great attitude = motivated team and excited clients! (Yes, “employees” versus “team” and “customers” versus “clients” was intentional.) — Jennifer Farnes, Revolution Jewelry Works, Colorado Spring, CO
QUALITY still sells best for us. Always rely on what works best for your market. Continue to adapt as needed and always stay positive. — Jody Bond, Just Gold Jewelers, Stuart, FL
That sometimes it’s OK to know your limits with certain customers. If I am having no luck, I will find the best sales associate to assist them. — Luisa Valeria Smith, Cornerstone Fine Jewelry, Springfield, MO
Niche and unique goods set you apart! — Julie Terwilliger, Wexford Jewelers, Cadillac, MI
Change is inevitable in this business, and one must be ready to adapt in order to suceed!
— Teri Vogan, Vogan Gold & Silver Works, Colorado Springs, CO
Some of the best deals you’ll ever make are the ones you pass on. — Richard Sherwood, Sherwoods, Sarasota, FL
That JHJ is a great group of professional colleagues who’s passions for this industry are sincere! — Greg Sorley, McSorley’s Fine Jewelry, Canfield, OH
Sometimes you have to say no to a repair job. — Jessica Ioerger, Lucky Hunter Jewelry Design, Eureka, IL
I can never predict my year by what is trending, and after 23 years, that’s a fact for my business. — Alison Shiboski, Shiboski Fine Jewelry Design, Eugene, OR
Sometimes it is necessary to take a risk on a large item to test your market. — Billy Smith, Cornerstone Fine Jewelry, Springfield, MO
That one better be ready for change, and be open to learning new skills. — Chris Simpson, London, England
“I learned it’s best to stand up for yourself even if it means you lose an account or two (trade shop). It makes room for a better client to come take their place!” — David Wilkinson Design, Cleveland, OH

This story is an INSTORE Online extra.

click to Comment(Comment)

Up Next

Big Tickets Save Christmas

Don't Miss

SNL Lampoons Pandora

Four Decades of Excellence: How Wilkerson Transformed a Jeweler's Retirement into Celebration

After 45 years serving the Milwaukee community, Treiber & Straub Jewelers owner Michael Straub faced a significant life transition. At 75, the veteran jeweler made a personal decision many business owners understand: "I think it's time. I want to enjoy my wife with my grandchildren for the next 10, 15 years." Wilkerson's expertise transformed this major business transition into an extraordinary success. Their comprehensive approach to managing the going-out-of-business sale created unprecedented customer response—with lines forming outside the store and limits on how many shoppers could enter at once due to fire safety regulations. The results exceeded all expectations. "Wilkerson did a phenomenal job," Straub enthuses. "They were there for you through the whole thing, helped you with promoting it, helping you on day-to-day business. I can't speak enough for how well they did." The partnership didn't just facilitate a business closing; it created a celebratory finale to decades of service while allowing Straub to confidently step into his well-earned retirement.