BULOVA DISTRIBUTION MISREPRESENTED

I am very concerned about a quote that was included in your “Good Times Are Ticking for Watches” article that appeared in the July 1998 issue of Jewelers’ Circular Keystone. You quoted a jeweler in Virginia as saying, “If you don’t make any money on them [watches], why carry them?” You added that this jeweler “cites competition from outlets such as Kmart, Wal-Mart, and Sam’s Club for lines like Bulova and Seiko.”

In contradiction to the comments attributed to this jeweler, we do not sell our Bulova brand watches to Kmart, Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, or any other mass merchandiser.

In addition, it is Bulova’s policy to suggest resale prices to its retailers. It is Bulova’s belief that the competitiveness and profit potential of its products can best be maximized when they are sold at the suggested prices.

It is unfortunate that your writer, obviously without checking the facts, misrepresented Bulova’s distribution policy.

Herbert C. Hofmann President and Chief Executive Officer Bulova Corp. Woodside, N.Y.

JUNE ARTICLES ‘ON TARGET’

I think your article on associations in the June issue is right on target. The article on customers as advocates also was very well done, as was the technology survey.

The jewelry industry seems to be embracing technology, and I take that as a good sign.

Ray Stroup Jr. Vice President of Marketing Stuller Settings Inc. Lafayette, La.

Great Web site on watches

I enjoyed George Holmes’ informative editorial, “What Do You Want from the Web?” in the May issue of JCK.

In response to his request for advice from readers, let me recommend the Smithsonian Institution’s quartz site: www.si.edu.lemelson/Quartz. Jewelers and watchmakers will find that this Web site is filled with invaluable information.

Ben Matz Technical Writer Boca Raton, Fla.