(ATLANTA) –The August 7-9, 2010 Atlanta Jewelry Show experienced a 4% increase in attendance over the 2009 edition – with notable increases from states outside of the show’s traditional Southeastern market territory. Busy aisles, combined with exhibitor reports of steady order-writing from established, as well as new customers, generated a positive atmosphere on the sold-out show floor at the Cobb Galleria Centre.
“All the signs were positive at the August Show,” said Carol Young, executive director, Southern Jewelry Travelers Association (SJTA), producers of the semi-annual Atlanta Jewelry Show. “We saw the return of a number of retailers who had not attended the show in quite some time. And it’s clear that our versatile and growing selection, cost-effective location, buyer services and special promotions are also attracting increasing attention and attendance from retailers as far away as New Jersey, Illinois and Texas.”
Offering a one-stop resource for retailers, the sold-out August Show brought together more than 500 companies showcasing top name brands and up-and-coming companies representing virtually every product category, including antique jewelry, bridal, designer, diamond, pearl, platinum, gold and sterling jewelry, charms, earrings, loose diamonds and gemstones, watches, tools and much more.
“We are happy to be back in the Atlanta Jewelry Show after a short absence,” explained Angelique Knafo, Angelique de Paris. “We’ve been able to reconnect with old friends and clients, as well as new customers, who all found our unique, colorful jewelry to be an essential part of their fall and holiday purchases. Our new palette of holiday colors has proven to be a best-seller at this show.”
“The traffic has been steady, with buyers coming in from throughout the Southeast, as well as Texas, New Jersey and Illinois,” said Davia Lipscher, ViewPoint. “This is an easy, convenient show to work and the SJTA has provided us with great support and a wonderful atmosphere to do business with our customers.”
“The Atlanta Jewelry Show always helps us to further penetrate the Southeastern retail market,” added Sam Mulani, CEO, Reko/Beadles.
SJTA complemented the show’s solid product selection with popular features like the “Tanks on Us” program that rewards retailers who pre-register and attend with a gas card. The SJTA Rewards program continues to grow as new improvements are added – ranging from even more reward options to the ability to book reward flights and hotels in real time. As a result, the program continues to attract new participants who enjoy earning SJTA Reward points on every order placed at the show that can, in turn, be redeemed for products ranging from electronics and housewares to travel packages, music and much more.
In addition, buyers who have earned 15,000 SJTA Reward points (equivalent to $45,000 in orders) or more at any of the last three shows, gained membership in the Show’s new exclusive Elite Buyers Club (formerly the High Flying Buyers Club). These buyers received special badges and badge holders featuring the new Club Elite logo, access to an exclusive “no waiting” registration counter and the exclusive, members only lounge, Club Elite, where they enjoyed complimentary breakfast, lunch and snacks during the show.
Helping kick off Club Elite, first-time exhibitor Jewelry & Watch Liquidators, Inc. sponsored the new club space and daily hospitality. “We’re relatively new to the trade show arena and felt that sponsoring Club Elite would go far in relationship building,” said Arthur Tschopp, general manager, Jewelry & Watch Liquidators, Inc. “We’ve been very happy with this show. We specialize in luxury brands and have been very pleased with the quality customers we’ve seen here.”
Another popular show feature for buyers and exhibitors alike, the New Exhibitor Meet & Greet was held on Sunday morning, August 8, in the Registration Concourse. As part of the show’s complimentary Buyer Breakfast, this event gave buyers the chance to discover and meet the Show’s newest exhibitors as they led brief presentations on their companies and the products they were featuring at the show.
A new event this year, the Jewelry on the Catwalk Fashion Show, gave buyers a first-hand look at the latest jewelry and fashion accessory trends that have recently been making their way down runways around the world. Moderated and produced by Mia Katrin, Jewelry Designer, President of Jewel Couture, LLC, and Southern Jewelry News columnist, the event was held on Sunday, August 8.
A full-scale educational program also drew retailers looking for business building ideas and marketing tips. Among the most popular programs included an in-depth presentation on Opals led by Frank Farnsworth, RS, Idaho Opal and Gem Corporation/Parlé Jewelry Design; programs on Estate & Antique Jewelry presented by Ed Lewande, director, Jewelry Camp™, GG, ASA, AAA, and professional, independent appraiser of fine and antique jewelry; and social media workshops led by Lynn Switanowski-Barrett, President and Founder of Creative Business Consulting Group.
On Sunday evening retailers and exhibitors went on a “passage to India” via the Renaissance Waverly Hotel as they arrived at the Bollywood Bash Gala. Saluting the musical extravaganzas that define India’s booming film industry, the festive party’s theme gave attendees the chance to enjoy the upbeat Bollywood sounds, feast like mogul emperors, and catch up with industry friends among the lush, colorful décor.
The next Atlanta Jewelry Show will be held March 5-7, 2011.
Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, the Southern Jewelry Travelers Association is the nation’s oldest association for independent jewelry representatives and the official sponsor and producer of the Atlanta Jewelry Show. For more information contact SJTA at 800-241-0399 or 404-634-3434, e-mail info@atlantajewelryshow.com or visit www.atlantajewelryshow.com.
