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Video: Jewelers Frustrated by Massachusetts Reopening Plan

Curbside pick-up and delivery can begin on May 25.

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Published

4 years ago

May 20, 2020

INSTORE Staff

Some jewelers and other retailers in Massachusetts are frustrated with the state’s reopening plan after weeks of being closed due to COVID-19.

Phase 1 of the plan,, announced by Gov. Charlie Baker on Monday, allows them to start curbside pick-up and delivery on May 25, Boston 25 News reports.

In-store shopping will be allowe in Phase 2 of the four-phase plan. But the beginning date of that phase has not been announced.

“I was dumbfounded, absolutely dumbfounded. I heard the dates, and I said, ‘Curbside on the 25th? This is absurd. Our customers are wanting to come in now,'” Debbie Deeb, owner of DesCar Jewelers in Waltham, told the news outlet.

Deeb said it’s especially frustrating because some big-box retailers, which have been open all along because they’re considered essential, sell jewelry.

Jon Hurst, president of the Retailers Association of Massachusetts,, was quoted saying that while curbside service is important, it’s “something that we’ve had from day one for our restaurant members.”

“It’s something that New York, Connecticut and New Hampshire have had all along for retail,” he added.

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You Wouldn’t Cut Your Own Hair. Why Run Your Own Retirement Sale?

After being in business for over a quarter of a century, Wayne Reid, owner of Wayne Jewelers in Wayne, Pennsylvania, decided it was time for a little “me time.” He says, “I’ve reached a point in my life where it’s time to slow down, enjoy a lot of things outside of the jewelry industry. It just seemed to be the right time.” He chose Wilkerson to handle his retirement sale because of their reputation and results. With financial goals exceeded, Reid says he made the right choice selecting Wilkerson to handle the sale. “They made every effort to push our jewelry to the forefront of the showcases,” he says, lauding Wilkerson for their finesse and expertise. Would he recommend them to other jewelers who want to make room for new merchandise, expand their business or like him, decide to call it a day? Absolutely he says, equating trying to do this kind of sale with cutting your own hair. “The results are going to happen but not as well as if you have a professional like Wilkerson do the job for you.”