(TORONTO, Ontario, Canada August 15)—JCK Toronto 2011 had more exhibitors and more buyers shopping the Show floor than in the past several years. Attendance was up 4% over last year’s event with an increased number of networking and educational events for Canadian retailers. 162 exhibitors presented new collections to the marketplace to fortify retailer’s 4Q inventory.
Silver, gemstones, and colored diamonds were hot tickets for retailers who were buying with anticipated demand for the holiday season. Fashion-forward designs, hammered metals, timepieces with candy-colored faces and straps, exquisite pearls and the ever-popular beads were all showcased categories at JCK Toronto. White and colored diamonds were also popular as the bridal category has opened up to include engagement and wedding bands with colored diamonds.
“Buying at JCK Toronto was easy for us for a number of reasons,” said Nathalie Castillo from JdJ Jewellery, Toronto, and a VIP retailer. “Coming here helped me find what I was looking for and found, especially a piece from Patricia Robalino. I think this year’s show was a huge success and through the merchandising program, I was able to buy quite successfully.”
“This year, we knew we had to be at JCK Toronto,” said Dan Panos of Corona Jewellery. “We have been able to showcase the full Fall line from Corona. I was pleased with the buying and networking opportunities JCK Toronto provided – and I’m glad to be back.”
JCK Toronto’s brand new award program offered rich rewards for retailers. The Retailers’ Choice Award celebrates the Best New Product at JCK Toronto, as voted by retailers. The Winner was: Moda Anto from Ontario. Moda Anto featured a 20.9 London Blue Topaz ring. Moda Anto designs high-end jewellery, engagement rings, semi-precious coloured diamond Jewellery, all manufactured in Canada.
The Featured Product Showcase is always well received and this year highlighted new and signature pieces and collections and drew a lot of attention by retailers.
Networking with friends and colleagues both old and new is always a part of the experience at JCK Toronto and this year there were more opportunities than ever. On the opening evening the Canadian Jewellers Association (CJA) announced their Chairman’s award recipient which was presented to Judy Richards, of Davidson’s Jewellers in Ottawa. This announcement took place during the Opening Reception, on the show floor, sponsored by ELLE Jewellery and Watch. David Ritter, the CJA President & CEO said, “We were thrilled for Judy to be presented with this award as she represents the very best of the Industry and being able to honour her and her accomplishments in front of her colleagues at JCK Toronto made for a wonderful evening.”
The American Gem Society (AGS), returned with their annual cocktail reception, by invitation only, for both their current membership and prospective members. For the first time ever, the CJA’s Junior Management Committee held a cocktail party that attracted over 40 people for networking with the next generation of the Canadian Jewellery industry. Rishabh Khamesra from House of Jewellery, the chair of CJA’s Junior Management Committee stated, “Hosting our first event during JCK Toronto was a great opportunity for networking and being part of where the Canadian Jewellery industry comes together.”
Educational opportunities were also available for Canadian retailers. Tapping into industry experts for their insights and knowledge, the educational program was structured with business-building topics such as Social Media; customer engagement; salesmanship and selling certain categories. A Keynote Presentation on “Building the Model Store of the New Economy,” describing the new reality of jewelry retailing, was presented. Local services and selling bridal more effectively were also topics explored.
The Social Media Session, moderated by digital strategist, Wendy Culpepper, presented effective ways that retailers and manufacturers can engage their customers through social media. Dan Gordon, Samuel Gordon Jewelers, and Michael Schechter, from Honora, shared the stage and offered tips and strategies to Canadian retailers for greater success.
John Tierney, JCK Toronto’s Event Director commented, “2011 was successful for many reasons from having key Canadian Manufacturers return, to not only seeing more buyers but also an improvement in the quality of buyers and this makes for a solid foundation for 2012. We have already begun to discuss key initiatives for 2013 that will create a more comprehensive experience for all, including more product categories on the Show floor, more focused educational content for buyers and the always important networking opportunities. The work begins now”.
JCK Toronto is further fortified by industry supporters Canadian Jewellers Association (CJA), Canadian Jeweller, JCK Magazine, Jewellery Business, Rapaport, Jewellers Vigilance Canada, Gem World International, Inc., Gemological Institute of American (GIA), IAS Training, and the American Gem Society (AGS).
ABOUT JCK EVENTS:
JCK Toronto is a part of the JCK Events global portfolio of market-leading events. JCK Toronto 2012 will take place August 12-14 (NEW LOCATION – Metro Toronto Convention Centre – South Hall). Plans for other 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.