David Squires
I love Mark Twain. There's never been anybody better at saying smart things in a way even the dumbest person could understand.
In honor of the debut of Baz Lurhmann's "The Great Gatsby" (based on F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel), which earned a robust $50 million over the weekend, we asked INSTOREMAG.COM readers to send us their family pictures from the decade in which the movie takes place — the 1920s. Today we bring you a gallery of those images below.
This week, a few random-ish thoughts that could possibly be of use in running your business (or living your life):
Just completed "The Energy Bus" by Jon Gordon, a book that obviously has reached a responsive audience, as it remains on the business best-seller charts six years after its publication.
Okay, so some of you weren't able to get away from your stores for a day or two to come see us at the SMART Show Chicago. Tough luck, but we understand.
Retailers Rate the Show: 'Amazing', 'Insane', 'Intense'
A gallery of retailer reactions to the education program at this year's SMART Show:
The fifth annual SMART Jewelry Show Chicago is now officially a wrap. The show set a new attendance record, drawing almost 10% more visitors than our previous high. Overall, it was one of those years when just about everything seemed to go right.
Yesterday was "Day Zero" at the SMART Show — our annual pre-show day of education conferences, featuring our biggest pre-show slate yet with 43 sessions, including our brand new (and instantly popular) "SMART Friends" program. "Day Zero" is always a little strange at Navy Pier -- with the cold winds from the open doors on the delivery bay, and the roaring forklifts on the show floor. But we had big crowds, lots of packed sessions, and we're ready to go. Today at 8:30, we have our keynote from marketing guru Martin Lindstrom, and then at 10 am, we cut the ribbon and the fifth annual SMART Show Chicago begins.
In Florida for a few days prior to our fifth annual SMART Show. From Monday to Wednesday, my primary goal in life will be finishing a round of golf with a score that doesn't begin with a "1". But from Thursday on, our team deploys in Chicago and we put the final touches on the fifth edition of the best, most useful trade event for jewelry retailers anywhere.
This week, a few classic (and hopefully not too crusty) jeweler's jokes on video:
