Whether it’s buyers walking the aisles of the Sydney Fair for the first time or exhibitors showcasing new products and services – something fresh always gets people talking.
Yesterday's opening (17 August) was highlighted by warm weather and a flurry of early foot traffic, which simmered into a steady afternoon of trading, before Happy Hour closed the affair.
The unexpected appearance of a giant yellow Haribo mascot – organised by Duraflex Group Australia and Thomas Sabo – was a lighthearted surprise for many visitors and exhibitors alike at first glance.
Race against time
The Benchies Challenge generated significant excitement. Six manufacturing jewellers raced against the clock to complete a jewellery piece based on a ‘mystery box’ of resources. Onlookers were fascinated by each jeweller's unique approach while battling against a deadline displayed on an ominous red timer reminiscent of the television show ‘24’.
A delegation of buyers from the US-based Independent Jewellers Organisation (IJO) offered something new, and it didn’t take long before the allure of uniquely Australian jewellery captured the buyer’s hearts and minds.
There was another American flavour to be found in the World Famous Diamonds exhibition, with gem cutter Scott Sucher entertaining visitors throughout the day against the background of 38 replicas of some of the world’s most iconic and dazzling stones.
After two busy days of trade, Expertise Events general manager Zac Fitz-Roy said seeing so many industry members united under a single roof was pleasing.
“The first two days have been good. It’s great to walk around and see all the new products and services that are on show as retailers begin to stock up for Christmas,” he said.
“We’ve encountered many people who said that this was their first time at the Sydney Fair or that it was their first visit in many years, which is great to hear.”
New faces, new beginnings
Among the new faces was Nina’s Jewellery, a WA retailer turned supplier that showcased a variety of fancy colour diamond jewellery.
Krysta Ryan, general manager of marketing and sales, was impressed with the range of buyers she encountered over the opening two days.
“This is our first Sydney Fair in something like 30 years, and it’s been a fantastic experience,” she said.
“We’ve enjoyed having conversations with like-minded people. There was a real mixture of new jewellers who were interested in working with fancy colour diamonds and established businesses that were ready to explore a new opportunity.”
It was a similar experience for Stef Wernekinck, general manager of German Cuckoo Nest Clocks, based in Queensland. Showcasing the latest releases from French watch brand Pierre Lannier, Wernekinck said it was a valuable learning experience.
“We’ve had some really rewarding conversations with visitors, and I’m looking forward to seeing how those relationships develop in the future,” she said.
“We’ve had the chance to speak with retailers from across Australia who have flown to Sydney for the event and spent some time with international exhibitors.”
Another newcomer was Jeweller Design Solutions, led by Gordon Simmonds and Jason McCrostie. The company includes interior designers, architects and graphic designers specialised in designing and developing retail store concepts for jewellers.
“The first two days have been brilliant. Obviously, we aren’t the kind of thing most people here have come to see – most visitors are here to see new products – however, we’ve had some productive conversations with jewellers,” Simmonds explained.
“I can’t think of a better way for us to meet and connect with so many jewellers all in the same space and under one roof. It's about letting them know that if they ever need our services at some point, we’ll be there for them.”
State of the market
It’s difficult to avoid conversations about the state of the economy – whether it be concerns about consumer confidence, decreasing discretionary spending, or the impact of inflation.
That said, many suppliers have remarked that they’re pleased with the number of retailers still looking to purchase something new to capture their customers' attention.
Fitz-Roy said that despite the apprehension, the first two days had painted an optimistic picture of the industry's future.
“I think many people came here with tempered expectations and have been pleasantly surprised by how much buying visitors have been willing to do,” he explained.
“There have been quite a few highlights; however, I must say that the Benchies Challenge impressed me. Watching the jewellers showcase their abilities against the pressure of the deadline was very impressive.”
He added: “We’re already having exciting conversations about where we could take the competition next year, which is a sign that it’s a winner.”
The International Jewellery Fair concludes in Sydney tomorrow with a third day of trade at the International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Darling Harbour.
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