The Retail Jewelers Organization (RJO) announced they’re joining forces with the Atlanta Jewelry Show (AJS) for a never-before-seen collaboration designed to provide a one-stop experience to the broadest audience of jewelers. This in-person buying event will create a safe and exciting opportunity to bring together retailers and vendors and will be held March 6 – 7 in Atlanta.
As COVID-19 created challenges across many industries, it became increasingly important for RJO to come up with a creative solution that would work for all members. When the opportunity presented itself for these industry heavyweights to join forces due to the unforeseen circumstances, both organizations leaped into action.
Conversations about this historic partnership began in late October when the boards started to think of creative solutions for just how two organizations with similar values could come together to support members, vendors and retailers.
Live product viewing and in-person buying events are essential to RJO members’ success. To help make this unique experience possible, RJO is offering a $250 travel voucher and up to an additional 2.5% on purchases made from RJO vendors to qualifying members.
RJO is a co-operative, with each member being an owner and shareholder. Each member receives annual dividends based on the amount of yearly merchandise purchased from RJO’s vendor roster. All the products and services at each show are reviewed and approved by RJO’s member-run Merchandise Review Committee. The prices are pre-negotiated to eliminate haggling and potential animosity between jewelers and vendors.
RJO’s vendors are among the most trusted manufacturers and suppliers in the jewelry industry, including internationally known brands. The vendors carry merchandise in all styles, metals, stones, and price ranges for every customer type. The buying floor also has a diverse range of support service companies, including financial services, operational systems, web services, marketing services, insurance, and assorted supplies from boxes to tools. RJO works to cover all retail jeweler needs through its vendors, thereby offering members opportunities to maximize their annual dividends.
As both organizations prioritize the safety and wellbeing of all attendees, this exciting event will be guided by its Safety Shines™ Plan and implement many health and safety measures, including:
- daily health screening and temperature scanning before entry
- mandatory mask rule and enforcement
- rearranged floor plan seating to respect physical distancing
- complimentary personal protective equipment (PPE) for all attendees and exhibitors
The ConnectED Conference, a full day of pre-show education, will be held on Friday, March 5, from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, and pre-registration will be required for all sessions. To learn more about the show or apply for membership, visit RJOmembers.com or call the RJO corporate office at 800-247-1774.
