Optimistic outlook on JCK opening
Written by James Matthews
JCK Las Vegas opened today with great fanfare, long lines in registration and a wave of optimism as manufacturers were prepared to sell and retailers were eager to buy. The Show’s opening ceremony featured an exciting, traditional Lion Dotting Ceremony, sponsored by the Hong Kong Jewelry Manufacturers Association. The crowds milling about waiting to get onto the Show floor were excited with anticipation.
Preliminary attendance numbers indicate that the majority of buyers are coming from the United States while a healthy double-digit percentage are internationals including a buying group of 30 from Russia. Domestic buyers are coming in large numbers from the following states: Arizona, California, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Washington, New York and Texas. International buyers are coming in volume from Canada, Central and South America, Australia, Europe, especially the UK; Belgium, Germany & Italy.
JCK Las Vegas VIP Retailer program was well received with many high-volume retailers invited to participate.
“I wasn’t planning on attending the Show,” said Justin Bortz, Justin Bortz Jewelers, W. Reading, PA. “The VIP Program was the catalyst to making it out to Las Vegas. Now, I’m completely hooked on the Show and the city and I’ll be back next year to spend more money.”
“We have been coming for many years and we’re happy to see that the economy apparently has had little effect on the Show,” said Katharina Roth, Geoffrey Roth, Sedona, AZ. “All of our vendors are here so we’re able to make many appointments and see new merchandise. We really like the VIP program and particularly like the amenities that are being offered.”
“We have been coming every year for at least the past five or six years,” said Richard Romano, Charles Frederick Jewelers, Chelmsford, MA. “This year, we were considering not coming because of the economy, but then realized that we need to come to see new products and merchandise and make some buying considerations. We really like the VIP treatment because it has made it easier for us to conduct business with a good assortment of manufacturers.”
“I come to JCK Las Vegas to reconnect with certain vendors that don’t come to my store,” said Karl Sachs, Sachs Jewelers, Shrewsbury, MA. “The enthusiasm of the vendors here at JCK Las Vegas makes us feel welcome. This optimism has inspired me to push my buying budget a bit here. Despite the pinch of the economy, I believe we will all come out of this and will still have to buy new products to excite our customers.”
In addition, Swiss Watch opened yesterday to excellent reviews with many key buyers looking for unique and new timepieces. The atmosphere was conducive to buying and both manufacturers and retailers saw good results in a private and exclusive setting.
Celebrity sightings were reported with Kris Jenner, star of E Entertainment’s “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” making an appearance today. Former model Kathy Ireland, from Kathy Ireland Jewelry, and Miss California 2009, Carrie Prejean, are scheduled to attend the Show on Sunday, May 31.
Evolution and adaptation was the key message from the afternoon educational session presented by Ken Gassman of the Jewelry Industry Research Institute. The panel of esteemed industry professionals including Phyllis Bergman, Mercury Ring Corp.; Mark Michaels, Michaels Jewelers; Nehal Modi, Gitanjali; Kathy Corey, Day’s Jewelers; Richard Fields, Unique Settings; Abe Sherman; BIG and Ron Spurga, ABN Amro, discussed the historical view of jewelry; how jewelry sales have rebounded after significant economic events and the long-term prospects for the industry. “They are quite excellent,” Gassman notes.
“Getting Real With Reality,” a presentation by Bill Boyajian, Bill Boyajian & Associates, called for business owners to take a more active leadership role in shaping the future of their businesses. “There is no more normal,” Boyajian explained, “the world as we know it has changed. New retail formats, information overload, technology and a fast rate of change among other factors, all influence how business has and will change, yet the power to adapt to these changes is within. Don’t limit yourself and don’t leave the Show unwilling to make a change in your business.”
JCK Las Vegas continues through Tuesday, June 2 at the Sands Expo Convention Center. For up-to-date information about the events, visit www.jckshows.com.
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This post was written by James Matthews. If you have any questions or comments you may contact him at james@jewelerslounge.com
