Pearl-adorned model welcomes buyers at the opening of the Atlanta Jewelry Show.
“We welcomed so many of our loyal attendees to our August show, along with a bonus number of new buyers and vendors,” said Carol Young, executive director, Southern Jewelry Travelers Association (SJTA), producers and managers of the semi-annual Atlanta Jewelry Show. “We always appreciate hearing that our show offers a friendly environment to do business.”
Long-standing Exhibitors Report Retailers “Came in a buying state-of-mind”
Vendors know that relationships take time to build, and Ms. Young notes that it’s exciting that many long-time vendors reported that the retailers they saw were ready to buy.
“We had a phenomenal show,” said Lou Mazza, Raymond Mazza, Inc. “We wrote good business – about 25 orders – and opened two new accounts. We’re big fans of the Atlanta Jewelry Show, and have been coming here for 20 years.”
“Everyone came with a buying state-of-mind, and we’ve done good business here,” said Ken Dugas, Stuller, Inc. “Our bench demos are always well-attended, too.”
“Our product lines are a fusion of modern and vintage, we have a great customization program, and buyers responded well to us,” said Brian Howard, Shah Diamonds, Inc. “Buyers are cautious; they want products they can turn, so we had a good show.”
Club Elite buyers are welcomed to the show by Ivy Doss, AJS Buyer Liaison. From left, Karen Boehme, Meyer & Lee Fine Jewelers, Huntsville, AL; Ms. Doss; Chris, Taylor and Dayna Snowden, Snowden’s Jewelers, Wilmington, NC.
Atlanta Jewelry Show executives are constantly on the search for new vendors to add to the strong existing roster.
“The number one question our buyers ask is ‘what’s new?’ Our vendors consistently introduce exciting lines. We like to add new vendors and categories to expand buyers’ options and keep the spark of inspiration alive,” said Young. “We want our vendors to have ROI on their investment to be here.”
“Our first impression of the show – we love it,” said first-time vendor James Ryan, Ronaldo Designer Jewelry. “We like the size of the show, the people are friendly, the show office is very accommodating. We’ll definitely be returning.”
“We are so pleased. The show has a good spirit. People are doing business but they’re having fun, too,” said CJ Pounder, Lockshank, also attending for the first time. “Our product solves a problem shared by all jewelers who size rings for their customers, and we’ve had very good response. We expect to return in 2017.”
Carol Young, executive director, SJTA, second from left, meets with the team from Cargo Hold about the debut of their Southern Gates® Fall Collection.
The Loupe Pavilion offered a casual, colorful setting for buyers to see bench demonstrations hosted by Stuller, Inc., and to talk with Loupe vendor partners offering discounted rates and special pricing on a range of products and services. New in August, the Loupe presented 10X, a series of 15-minute pop-up discussions led by industry experts.
The AJS U education program showcased two days of seminars including the popular Engagements, a panel of industry experts discussing trends, insights and challenges facing retailers.
Club Elite, a relaxation lounge for the exclusive use of qualified buyers, offered complimentary breakfast, lunch, refreshments and neck and shoulder massages. Club Elite is open to buyers who earn a minimum of 15,000 AJS Reward Points, based on show orders. For full program details, visit www.atlantajewelryshow.com.
Every evening after the show closed, retailers and vendors gathered for networking, beverages and snacks at Mingle! in the Renaissance Waverly Hotel Lobby.
“We’re always working to keep the show fresh and vibrant,” said Young. “Stay tuned to see what’s new for our spring show, March 4 to 6!”
Buyers review product lines at Atlanta Jewelry Show.
