(Toronto, Ontario, Canada Aug. 8) — JCK Toronto opened yesterday at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and offered Canada's retailers with an outstanding review of the most exquisite brands, collections and merchandise to inspire and bolster sales in the fourth quarter. Over 150 manufacturers and suppliers showcased market-defining pieces in an assortment of materials, internationally-inspired designs and patterns to excite the jewellery marketplace. JCK Toronto's convenient downtown location enabled local retailers to send multiple buyers to take advantage of JCK Toronto's late summer timing.
"Providing value to our customers is a core element of HRA's mission," said Itay Ariel of HRA Group. "JCK Toronto affords us the opportunity to foster relationships with our current customers and forge relationships with new customers; and most importantly to be a part of where leading Ontario jewellers come together."
New and established brands rounded out the buying opportunities at JCK Toronto. European and international design trends made quite a splash on the show floor. Toronto-based Tatiana Jewellery and New York-based RevaBella both showed a collection of lariats. RevaBella previewed elegant popcorn silver chains descending to stunning centerpieces. Orau Pearls offered exquisite natural and pastel-colored French Polynesian pearls. Bangles dominated the bracelet category in a variety of shapes, materials and hammered metal presented in earrings, necklaces and bracelets. Oxette by Market Leaders offered elegant and modern timepieces; some with colorful bands. A fanciful array of cufflinks from KJD Jewellers offered a bit of whimsy for retailers as they exhibited for the first time at JCK Toronto.
For a complete list of exhibiting companies, click here: www.jcktoronto.com/exhibitors
"We made the decision to send all of our Toronto-based stores to see new product and to fill-in the gaps before the holidays," said Aida Alvarez of Birks & Mayors. "Also, the sales training education is a huge focus for us and Brad Huisken's seminars give us knowledge and tips for keeping our sales associates customer-focused."
Sponsored by the Canadian Jewellers Association, JCK Toronto also provided a gathering and networking opportunity for its members. CJA presented its annual CJA Chairman's Award at the Opening Night Welcome Reception, sponsored by ELLE Judy Richards, from Davidson's Jewellers, received the prestigious honour this year and joins an impressive list of past honorees such as Dan Panos from Corona.
"As a first time attendee at JCK Toronto I find this to be an excellent facility with a lot of activity on the show floor," said David Ritter, President & CEO of the Canadian Jewellers Association (CJA). "Exhibitors were pleased with the attendance and the quality of buyers. All of the products were well received and there is a good buzz about the show."
"This year we increased our presence at JCK Toronto." said Grace Ng from ELLE. "With silver being a growth area in the marketplace, we knew JCK Toronto was the perfect venue to showcase our new Ambrosia Collection – and we are thrilled with our results."
While product focus is an advantage for retailers to attend JCK Toronto, its educational program offers direct benefits for ideas, inspiration and pure business acumen. Hot topics such as "The Model Store for the New Economy," and "How to Become Social Media Savvy" were covered in keynote sessions yesterday and today, respectively. The Education program also addresses sales, especially for in-demand colored gemstones, and growing business through local partnerships, responsible jewellery practices, social media engagement and selling bridal for the long-term customer.
"We were quite pleased with the first day of JCK Toronto," said John Tierney, Event Director, JCK Toronto. "Retailers and Manufacturers/Suppliers alike were pleased with the buying and selling opportunities and we like to hear that there's no better place in the Provinces to capture business growth especially as the economy is enjoying a robust turn right now."
JCK Toronto is strengthened by the support of the following media and industry partners: Canadian Jeweller, JCK Magazine and Jewellery Business, Rapaport, Jewellers Vigilance Canada, Gem World International, Inc., Gemological Institute of American (GIA), IAS Training, American Gem Society (AGS) and the Canadian Jewellers Association (CJA).
ABOUT JCK EVENTS:
JCK Toronto is a part of the JCK Events global portfolio of market-leading events. Plans for the 2012 JCK Events portfolio are underway: JCK Las Vegas 2012 will take place on June 1-4 with LUXURY at JCK, to take place May 29-June 4, 2012 (preceding JCK Las Vegas by invitation - May 29-31) and Swiss Watch at JCK, to be held May 31- June 4, 2012 at Mandalay Bay. The series of JCK Events are designed to serve the worldwide jewelry industry by offering the most comprehensive and complete buying and selling opportunities on a business-to-business basis. For more information on any of the international JCK Events or to view the event's image and video galleries, please visit us at www.jckshows.com or simply call 1-800-257-3626.