These Customers Are Guilty of Moving Violations

Published

8 years ago

February 23, 2017

INSTORE Staff

We just closed a location we’ve had for 40-plus years to relocate to a brand new store. We had to shut down operations for five days. It took each day to load the safes, cases, inventory and all the decades of “collecting.” We had customers who literally stepped over the moving trucks’ loading inclines, walked past the “Closed” signage, and entered the chaos of our showroom floor. At this point, they couldn’t understand why we were not able to 1) replace watch batteries; 2) repair bent prongs; 3) appraise items bought elsewhere; 4) order watch crystals. It was difficult to nicely explain that the instruments and tools we needed were probably in that large truck that they just maneuvered around to enter. We maintained our good manners to acknowledge and engage these dear customers, but perhaps we should have had a parking lot attendant to run interference. Lessons learned: Some folks just don’t use common sense. — Wendy Smith, Jimmy Smith Jewelers, Decatur, AL

Ready to Relocate? Wilkerson Makes Your Move Seamless

When Brockhaus Jewelry decided to leave their longtime West Main Street storefront for a standalone building elsewhere in Norman, Oklahoma, owners John Brockhaus and Brad Shipman faced a familiar challenge: how to efficiently reduce inventory before the big move. Their solution? Partnering with liquidation specialists Wilkerson for a second time. "We'd already experienced Wilkerson's professionalism during a previous sale," Shipman recalls. "But their approach to our relocation event truly impressed us. They strategically prioritized our existing pieces while tactfully introducing complementary merchandise as inventory levels decreased." The carefully orchestrated sale didn't just meet targets—it shattered them. Asked if they'd endorse Wilkerson to industry colleagues planning similar transitions—whether relocating, retiring, or refreshing their space—both partners were emphatic in their approval. "The entire process was remarkably straightforward," Shipman notes. "Wilkerson delivered a well-structured program, paired us with a knowledgeable advisor, and managed every detail flawlessly from concept to completion."