Reports from Charlotte, North Carolina indicate a great buying experience was had by all at the Southeastern Jewelers Organization, Inc. (SJO) August Show. The event was held at the luxurious Ballantyne Resort and Spa over the weekend of August 24th through the 26th. Vendors reported very heavy buying from existing and new members and were delighted with the strength of the buying power by all attendees.
Confidence and enthusiasm abounded throughout the buying floor and the many organized social activities. “The atmosphere in the buying rooms was very positive and we’re delighted with our numbers for the weekend,” said Morris Spil of Samuel Spil Company. “Several vendors believe this was their best weekend show of the year.”
“I love coming to this show,” said Allen Lipscher of Global Diamonds. “It’s fun and very well organized, and the members come to buy. Really it’s a great experience for all concerned, you really get the opportunity to develop great long term relationships with the jewelers.”
According to Paul Downey, president of SJO, “This is by far our most robust show ever, in terms of the amount of serious buying that took place, the large number of new members who attended the show and the fun we all had over the weekend. We’re all looking forward to the season ahead.”
Neil Hennes of Morris Jewelers was pleased with the range and depth of products and deals on offer from vendors. Dan Levinson of Ellis Jewelers agreed saying, “This is a great buying group. Large enough to get us great deals and terms to help us be very competitive, yet small enough that we can all network together to get new ideas and additional support throughout the year.”
One benefit of the Southeastern Jewelers Organization is the opportunity for retailers to work with first class vendors in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere.
Abe Sherman, of B.I.G was excellent and his seminar on inventory control and management was positively received by both vendors and members alike.
“The location at the Ballantyne Resort is superb,” according to Joanna Hudzik of Haywood’s, Westlake, VA. “I really enjoy coming here with my husband to enjoy the buying opportunities, social activities and the resort and spa itself. I’ve marked my calendar for the January Show already!”
SJO, the oldest buying group in America dedicated to the competitive buying needs of the independent jeweler is located in Charlotte, North Carolina and Cleveland, Ohio. “This is the buying group with the most realistic terms and discounts in the industry,” said Downey.
For more information contact the Southeastern Jewelers Organization at 704-535-7709 or visit www.sjorg.com.