Traditionally, the Sydney Fair would have a single particularly busy day – usually opening day. Since the pandemic, both the first and second days have been similarly active for visitors and exhibitors, while the third day remains laidback and relaxed.
Shortly after midday, Nationwide Jewellers managing director Colin Pocklington delivered his special presentation - ‘What Is My Business Really Worth?’
The session was highlighted by a great deal of practical information. Perhaps the most poignant statement concerned the importance of promotion during difficult trade conditions.
“There’s one golden rule when you’re facing an economic downturn in the jewellery business. Do not reduce your marketing spend! If anything, it should be increasing, to make sure that your business still has a presence within the community,” Pocklington explained.
At the Palloys stand, visitors were greeted with two dazzling gold bullion bars ready to be handled – by those strong enough to lift them!
Former Pandora Australia CEO Karin Adcock hosted a wine-tasting session in the centre of the hall, offering visitors a taste of her award-winning Winmark chardonnay.
Adcock told Jeweller that it was fascinating to observe the ways the IJF has evolved since she departed the jewellery trade, and said that it was a thrill to catch up with familiar faces.
Welcome back
Among the visitors exploring the trade show floor today was Romil Patel of Jewels Fiji.
Patel is the owner of four stores in Fiji and said: “It’s been a fantastic trip so far, I got in early yesterday and had some meetings with a few people that I haven’t seen in a few years due to COVID. It was great to see them face-to-face after such a long time.”
“One of our goals this year was to expand the range of watches that we are offering and so far, we’ve seen some fantastic brands on offer, so we are delighted.”
Duraflex Group Australia (DGA) was busy once again, with the staff reporting a pleasing level of interest in the new lab-created diamond jewellery range. In terms of watches, JAG and Edox have attracted a great deal of attention.
A stone's throw away from the DGA stand, international exhibitor Diamonds On Call has been inundated with visitors eager to learn more about the platform.
“We’ve been very busy so far which is pleasing to see,” CEO Harshil Shah explained.
“From what I’ve seen so far, the changing nature of the jewellery industry has been an important talking point among visitors.
“We’ve had lots of walk-ins from visitors hoping to learn more about our services which is ideal. Everything we do aims to make business easier for retailers, and it’s great to have the opportunity to explain that in person.”
Ben Farago of Rapid Casting said that since the pandemic, the function of trade shows such as the Sydney Fair has changed significantly.
“Since the pandemic, so much of business is being done online, so I think what people are looking for at events like these has changed,” he explained.
“I think moving forward the big focus will be on education and information. People appreciate interactions where they walk away feeling like they’ve learned something valuable.”
Exciting new products
John Worth, of Worth & Douglas, said that while the industry may be changing in some ways, some traditions remain the same.
“We’ve had significant interest in our new products and latest designs, which is always the case. Everyone loves something fresh and new,” he explained.
“These events are all about networking, creating new relationships and maintaining old ones. If you can open up a few new accounts along the way, that’s just a nice bonus.”
It’s been a Sydney Fair to remember for Cameron Beever of Ringwood Jewellers, winning the Salt and Pepper Diamonds one-carat stone giveaway.
“The Diamond Digs competition was a great idea – I think everyone had a lot of fun,” he said.
“Nationwide Jewellers has done a fantastic job for their members, and we’ve had a rewarding trip. Events such as these are all about learning where the industry is at, and networking with like-minded people to gain a better understanding of the trade.”
More to come
It’s been a memorable two days – and there’s still more to come yet!
Tomorrow’s highlights will include DGA’s three-carat lab-created diamond giveaway and an informative presentation on proposed legal reform – and how it will impact Australian jewellery retailers.
DAY 2 ON THE FLOOR