The jewellery industry buying group celebrated its fifth anniversary on 5 April at the Cora Clubhouse on the Gold Coast, welcoming more than 110 retailers, suppliers, and industry leaders to reflect on the journey thus far.
IJC was launched in 2020 by founders Joshua Zarb, Senthil Jayaraman, and Evan Muller during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. While Zarb insists that the expansion of the buying group has always been measured, it’s been a rapid rise nonetheless.
“The journey has been nothing short of amazing. Five years ago, we set out with a bold vision to offer independent jewellers a business model that goes beyond the traditional buying group,” Zarb told Jeweller.
“Our goal was to provide our partners with more than just competitive pricing — we wanted to help them grow through innovation, marketing, and customer-focused strategies. The success we’ve experienced today is a direct result of the dedication and trust of our retail partners and suppliers.”
What began as a small venture has blossomed into a buying group representing more than 105 retail locations in Australia and New Zealand with more than 100 preferred suppliers. IJC was one of three buying groups participating in the Australian Jewellery Fair on the Gold Coast earlier this week.
Beyond the business itself, the buying group has also taken aim at larger objectives – joining forces with Nationwide Jewellers and Showcase Jewellers and demanding improved support for jewellery apprentices.
Anniversaries are an opportunity to reflect on the past and plan for the future. Zarb said the buying group was always exploring ways to improve the businesses of its members.
“Our growth reflects the value we bring to our members and the trust they place in us. Our approach — combining cutting-edge technology, exclusive marketing support, and strong supplier relationships — has resonated with independent jewellers looking for a partner who understands the ever-changing dynamics of the jewellery business,” Zarb explained.
“We are immensely proud of our growth, but we’re even more excited about the future. With our team’s passion and dedication, we’re confident that we’ll continue to lead the way in helping independent jewellers thrive and succeed.”
IJC showcased a series of new strategic initiatives at the latest Exclusive Retail Partner Conference on the Gold Coast to further support its members in the coming years.
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