The show provided jewelry retailers an opportunity to meet 3,100 manufacturers and suppliers from across 20 countries offering everything from diamonds, gems and watches to equipment technology and packaging. “Although retailers and exhibitors are challenged by the current economic state, the show provided an efficient and effective way to do business, network and learn from the industry’s thought leaders and ultimately walk away with actionable steps towards managing their businesses,” said Dave Bonaparte, group VP, JCK Events.
“Manufacturers reported having very positive results at this year’s event by meeting with virtually every level of buyer and merchandiser from large retail chains and independent jewelry stores to wholesale, catalog and even the Home Shopping Network.”
“We were pleasantly surprised,” said Ralph Rossini, president of Honora. “People were more upbeat than we expected and we’ve had a great show.”
“JCK was an extremely successful show for our medium-priced ranged line,” said Agostino Magni, president of Rebecca, who was featured in the VicenzoOro Italian Pavilion. “We wrote $3m worth of orders, so needless to say we are very satisfied with the results.”
“There is no recession at Spark. The LUXURY & PREMIERE and JCK Las Vegas events were another record year for us”, said Beny Aviram, owner and house designer of Spark. “The reason we’ve had a successful show is that we had many appointments booked prior to the event. Appointments are absolutely necessary.”
“The show exceeded our expectations which were lower due to the impact of the recession,” said Derek Palmer, global marketing director of Plucenik. “However, sales were better than last year and we attribute that to our strong partnerships with financially strong players.”
In 2009, JCK Las Vegas and Swiss Watch by JCK will change day patterns due to the Shavuot holiday. The events will be held from 30 May- 3 June. The 2009 dates for LUXURY & PREMIERE will be announced shortly.