What I’ve Learned: Jay Klos

Published

8 years ago

April 16, 2016

If you are not changing, you are losing ground!

— Jay Klos, Grogan’s, Florence, AL

Retail is in a constant state of change and to keep up you have to stay fresh. We first learned this when our customers began to come in asking if we carried the hottest new trends they saw at other stores and in magazines. Our team began traveling to trade shows and connecting with vendors and jewelers to bring us up to speed. Before that, we had just stuck to what we knew always worked. Now we are always researching our customers’ shopping behaviors, finding new ways of reaching out to them via social media, adopting new inventory-tracking methods, updating the store’s physical aesthetics (lighting, displays and décor), looking at new tools for the showroom and shop … the list is endless. Just when you think you’re on top of it, something new comes along and you have to learn a whole new process. We have learned not to fear change because we see it as an opportunity to embrace.

This article originally appeared in the May 2016 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.”