This year’s IJF will take place at the International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Sydney’s Darling Harbour on 17-19 August. The event will follow a productive Australian Jewellery Fair, which concluded on the Gold Coast on Monday.
Expertise Events managing director Gary Fitz-Roy praised the group for its collaborative efforts in making the partnership a reality.
“With a renewed focus on unity and collective growth, IJF24 is poised to set new standards in the Australian jewellery industry,” he told Jeweller.
“The return of Showcase unites the three major groups on the show floor. Along with Nationwide Jewellers and Independent Jewellers Collective, it underscores the fair’s status as the pre-eminent destination event for retail buyers and wholesalers alike.”
Showcase Jewellers managing director Anthony Enriquez visited the Australian Jewellery Fair over the weekend and said the atmosphere was upbeat among visitors.
“After Gary's invitation, we had to consider a combination of matters. We looked at the position of our supplier members, and they were obviously keen for Showcase to be a big part of the fair,” he explained.
“We’ve had a good response among our members to that news over the weekend, which has been pleasing to hear. For us, it’s about supporting our members by having a strong presence, and I think the end result will be a win-win for the entire industry.”
Enriquez added that industry unity should be paramount in times of economic adversity and uncertainty.
“It’s been a tough economic time for the jewellery industry over the past six months. What we want is inclusivity and a period of unity for the industry,” he continued.
“I think unity in the Australian jewellery industry is the way forward.”
Industry unity was also a point emphasised by Fitz-Roy. He said that the decision to reintegrate Showcase Jewellers into the IJF reflected the event’s aim to offer a platform that addresses the unique demands of the broader industry.
"We have remained committed to delivering industry unity and collaboration at a world-class event,” Fitz-Roy continued.
“In today's rapidly evolving market landscape, it is crucial to create an environment that caters to the needs of both retailers and suppliers. Showcase has demonstrated its commitment to keeping the Australian and New Zealand jewellery industries focused on success through cooperation and unity.”
As documented in Jeweller’s 2024 State of the Industry Report, Showcase Jewellers is the industry’s second-largest buying group, representing 153 members and 183 stores across Australia, New Zealand, and Vanuatu.
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Industry unity: Showcase Jewellers directors Anthony Enriquez (left) and Catherine Pevy-Trewartha (right) with Expertise Events managing director Gary Fitz-Roy (centre) at the Australian Jewellery Fair. |
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