Independents

Edge Retail Academy Names 2024 ‘Wag’ Award Winner

IndependentsJan 07, 2025

Edge Retail Academy Names 2024 ‘Wag’ Award Winner

The annual award, created in memory of business coach William “Wag” Wagner, went to a retailer in Fairfax, Virginia.

Huan Tain and staff of Quest Fine Jewelers in Fairfax, Virginia
Quest Fine Jewelers in Fairfax, Virginia, won the Edge Retail Academy’s 2024 William (Wag) Wagner Business Excellence Award, which recognizes independent jewelers that demonstrate exceptional business growth. Pictured from left to right are store employees Ashleigh Tain, Sharyn Park, Randa Elhage, store owner Huan Tain (who is holding the award), Allison Nacht, Pamela Johnston, and Michael Harris.
Fairfax, Virginia—The Edge Retail Academy announced Tuesday that Quest Fine Jewelers is the winner of the 2024 William “Wag” Wagner Business Excellence Award. 

The Wag Award recognizes the Edge Retail Academy partner retailer that has achieved the most exceptional business growth over the past 12 months. 

Quest Fine Jewelers’ gross sales grew 25 percent in 2024, while gross profit dollars jumped 31 percent, the Edge Retail Academy said. 

The Fairfax, Virginia, jeweler also reduced its overall inventory by $400,000 and decreased its aged inventory by $261,000.

The Edge Retail Academy presented the award, along with a check for $1,000, to the store’s owner, Huan Tain.  

 Related stories will be right here … 

Tain said the Edge Retail Academy’s experience, insight, and dedication have been invaluable to his jewelry business.

“I feel I’ve only scratched the surface of what’s possible, and I’m excited for all that lies ahead,” he said.

“For anyone considering a partnership with Edge Retail Academy, I can confidently say it will be one of the best decisions for your business.”

The Edge Retail Academy has presented the Wag Award to one retailer jeweler each year since 2019.

It was created to honor the service and legacy of longtime Edge Retail Academy business coach William Wagner, better known as Wag. 

Wagner died in 2018. 

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