True Tales: Fire, Fire

Published

8 years ago

November 5, 2015

True Tales: Fire, Fire

We used to burn a candle on our service counter, until the day a customer leaned over to help look for an item that had fallen into the printer, and her hair went up in flames. The poor part-timer that put out the flames will never forget it. Frankly, we have laughed about this for 10 years now. Not so funny that day. — Allison L., Rock Hill, SC

We were working hard one day when someone smelled something burning. As smoke started to fill the store, everyone was rushing around trying to locate the source of the fire, except for one of my sales associates, who was working with a woman on a watch for her husband as an anniversary gift. We called 911 and shortly after the fire crew burst in, all ready to spring into action …. It turned out a light fixture had blown a ballast although it looked like the whole store was on fire. During the whole time, our sales associate selling the watch never left her post, and neither did the customer. The firemen got the light fixture down and there was still quite a bit of smoke for some time. As the firemen were walking out, so was the customer, proudly displaying her Grogan Jewelers bag with her husband’s new watch. The associate told us later that there was no way she was going to let the lady walk. — Jay K., Florence, AL

This article originally appeared in the November 2015 edition of INSTORE.

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.”