Trace Shelton

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Donate to These Organizations to Help Those Affected by Southern California Wildfires, Says WJA

Jan 10, 2025 | instoremag.com | Trace Shelton

(PRESS RELEASE) The wildfires raging across Southern California have left five dead so far, scorches more than 45 square miles and put roughly 179,000 people under evacuation orders, according to CBS News. More than 1,300 structures have burned and more than 60,000 are under threat as major portions of the fires have still not been contained. As a result, the Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) is urging the jewelry industry to come together to support those affected.
If You Want to Learn What to Do About High Gold Prices, Read Our January Issue

Jan 6, 2025 | instoremag.com | Trace Shelton

Share Tweet HEY, HAVE YOU heard about this thing with gold prices? They’re, like, really high! I jest, of course, but in all seriousness, jewelers can’t stop talking about the skyrocketing price of gold and how it’s affecting their businesses. Interestingly, many say that it hasn’t affected consumers — people still want gold and they’re willing to pay for it. Nevertheless, retailers and wholesalers must perform a delicate dance to navigate pricing, margins and perceived value. We called on...
Watch Repairs Top List of "Bad Profit Centers" for Jewelry Retailers

Oct 16, 2024 | instoremag.com | Trace Shelton

Do you have any "bad profit" categories or services? By far and away, the most common answer here was watch repairs, particularly if they have to be sent out of the store for repair. One respondent shared that they earn about 15% margin on such repairs. Some said they had given up on the watch business completely. One said that they tried to give up watch repairs, but that customers became angry so they brought back the service.
Jewelers Think "Bold Gold" Will Be the Next Big Jewelry Trend

Oct 16, 2024 | instoremag.com | Trace Shelton

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.
First Times Are Worth Remembering and Being Proud Of

Sep 18, 2024 | instoremag.com | Trace Shelton

Do YOU REMEMBER THE first time you did something difficult in your business? Maybe it was selling that first big diamond. Maybe it was sitting with a vendor and trying to figure out what to buy. Or maybe it was opening your retail doors in the first place. As proud as we may be of these seminal moments, I think we're all glad once we've accomplished them and put them behind us!I remember my first jewelry trade show: JCK 2005.
Idaho Transplants Open Store That Showcases Antique Jewelry and Creativity

Aug 13, 2024 | instoremag.com | Trace Shelton

Copper Canary Fine Jewelry Boutique, Meridian, IDOWNER: AllieDeSeelhorst; URL: coppercanaryboutique.com; ONLINE PRESENCE: 37,100 Instagram followers; 4.8 stars on Google; FOUNDED: 2015; Opened featured location: 2023; AREA: 7,300 square feet; DESIGN: Gabriella Winters and Allie DeSeelhorst; EMPLOYEES: 6OWNER ALLIE DESEELHORST is a fifth-generation jeweler, and the business model of Copper Canary melds the influences of all five generations.
Every INSTORE Reader Owns a "Cool" Store

Aug 12, 2024 | instoremag.com | Trace Shelton

IF YOU BELIEVE jewelry retailers should be celebrated, then your favorite issue of the year, like mine, is probably our America's Coolest Stores issue. Whether you've won or you haven't, if you're reading this, you own a cool store. I know that beyond a shadow of a doubt. Because being "cool," in my mind, comes down to one thing: a willingness to learn and adapt. And if you're an INSTORE reader, then by definition, you love to learn.
The Editor-In-Chief Looks Back on 20 Years with INSTORE

Jul 22, 2024 | instoremag.com | Trace Shelton

BOY, AM I getting old!This month marks my 20th year with INSTORE, so I hope you'll allow me some indulgence as I look back on two decades of work for the best magazine in the jewelry business. I've made some incredible friendships, learned from lots of remarkable people, and witnessed a plethora of changes in jewelry retailing since I started full time in 2004. It's unusual anymore to work this many years for the same company.
Here's Why You Should Register for The INSTORE Show Right This Second

Jun 24, 2024 | instoremag.com | Trace Shelton

IF YOU'RE A Midwest jewelry retailer, you absolutely need to be at the INSTORE Show in August. If you're not, I still strongly encourage you to attend, for the good of yourself and your store. You won't find an education program like ours anywhere else, period. Why? Because managing editor Eileen McClelland and I put the entire education lineup together, and we spend 365 days a year uncovering the very best practices of jewelry retailers across North America ...
In Uncertain Times, Keep a Weather Eye Out

May 22, 2024 | instoremag.com | Trace Shelton

"IF THERE'S ONE thing that's certain in business, it's uncertainty." So said Stephen Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. He wouldn't be surprised, then, with how things currently stand in the jewelry sphere. While North American jewelry retailers overall continue to do well from a sales perspective, a few key factors are causing some unrest among store owners. First on the minds of many is the skyrocketing price of gold.