Sydney fair on track for record registrations

Posted August 17, 2010 | By Lorna Goodyer

This year’s International Jewellery Fair in Sydney looks set to beat last year’s record attendance, with registrations already ahead.

Gary Fitz-Roy, managing director of the fair’s organiser Expertise Events, said the increase in registrations is a reflection of more competitive trading conditions, as retailers fight ever harder for consumer spend.

“The market conditions are showing retailers how important it is to see the latest products and stay in touch with the trends,” he said. “The fact that we’re having our biggest fair ever at a time when things are tough underpins the trade’s commitment to retailers too.”

Fitz-Roy said the fair represents an “effective use of time for retailers”, because it will allow them to view what would normally take months in just a few days.

Separately, JAA chief executive Ian Hadassin will hold a seminar entitled “State of the Industry” at this year’s fair in collaboration with Colin Pocklington of Nationwide Jewellers and Jeweller editor Coleby Nicholson.

The session will discuss issues including the size of the Australian industry, the number of shops and suppliers in the market, as well as recent JAA initiatives and current trends, including the rise of branded stores.

Pocklington said: “As Australian retailing continues to change, jewellery retailers and suppliers are increasingly faced with greater competition for the consumer’s discretionary expenditure, competing with an ever expanding array of new products.

“In order for the jewellery industry to continue to thrive, we must, as an industry, first understand the current state of the industry. It’s vital that retailers and suppliers know where we stand, and the State of the Industry Seminar will provide a sneak preview of the larger report.”

The seminar will take place on Monday August 30 between 8.30am and 9am.

For more information and to register for the fair, visit www.internationaljewelleryfair.com.au.

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Sydney set for biggest fair