Independent jeweler event garners rave reviews
(CHARLOTTE, N.C.) – A large crowd of independent jewelers from across the southeast gathered in Charlotte, North Carolina on August 25th and 26th to learn, network, buy and build their business at the Southeastern Jewelers Organization Fall 2019 Show. The show was deemed a great success, with full houses reported throughout the weekend.
The event was hosted by the SJO, the oldest buying group in the nation, and the fastest growing with top quality independent stores, according to Paul Downey, president of SJO.
Existing and new members enjoyed connecting with a wide variety of leading vendors and receiving exclusive SJO deals for the upcoming holiday season. Vendors enjoyed strong traffic and the opportunity to spend real quality time with top class jewelers.
“The Fall show was a prime opportunity for independent jewelers to set themselves up for a strong 2019 holiday season,” said Downey. “Our elite vendors brought in the latest lines and trends, tremendous deals and jewelers got not only the chance to meet directly with the sellers, but also use the educational opportunities to increase their knowledge of selling effectively to the modern consumer.”
SJO also announced new initiatives for 2020, including a dividend rewards program for members, and the provision of a full range of digital services including web design and e-commerce solutions. SJO will also be rolling out a range of sophisticated billing, distribution and collection services for vendors in the coming year.
In addition to buying opportunities on the show floor, members benefitted from outstanding educational seminars conducted by the Diamond Council of America (DCA). According to Terry Chandler, president & CEO of the DCA, the seminars were very well received and enjoyed almost a hundred percent participation over the weekend. Members found the topics and content extremely relevant, with lots of ideas to bring back to their stores.
“We always gain so much from the educational seminars provided by SJO at their shows,” says Neil Hennes, Morris Jewelers. “With new types of consumers entering the market, and increased competition online, it’s so valuable to continue to develop our knowledge, plus the DCA made the seminars interesting and fast paced as well as informative”
The Ballantyne Hotel once again provided superb luxury, spa treatments and top quality food over the weekend, allowing members and vendors the opportunity to mix and mingle throughout the weekend in comfort and style, share ideas, and generally enjoy an excellent show and the opportunities to drive business for the rest of the year.
The SJO Spring Show will be held in Charlotte on February 22 – 24, 2020 at the Ballantyne Hotel. For more information contact Aisling at 877-996-9850 or show@SJOrg.com, or visit www.SJOrg.com.
