Melbourne Jewellery Fair organiser Gary Fitz-Roy has announced that next year’s event will be slightly larger than the 2012 fair which he attributes to exhibitor’s being a little more optimistic about the economic outlook as well as there being greater interest in the new format.
Traditionally held at the end of February and located at the Royal Exhibition buildings, the 2013 edition moves to the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre alongside the Reed Gift Fair.
As a result, the Melbourne Jewellery Fair runs from Saturday 2 – Monday 4 February and opening times have been extended by an extra hour each day with the fair opening at 9am.
Fitz-Roy says that 25 per cent of exhibitors will be presenting for the first time at the fair and it’s the first time the two organisers (Reed and Expertise Events) have co-ordinated their events so that buyers will have twice the number of purchasing options.
Under the joint promotion arrangement, registered visitors (with photo ID) gain automatic free access to both fairs.
Fitz-Roy says Melbourne will continue its tradition of presenting visitors with the latest trends, innovations and creations and for many exhibitors the new format will be of great benefit.
“Jewellery retailing has undoubtedly been in tough times, providing challenges for the retailer and supplier alike. It has never been more important for a retailer to distinguish themselves from their competitors, through product differentiation and innovative collections along with generous customer service,” Fitz-Roy said.
Fitz-Roy said that he was pleased that the number of exhibitors had increased on last year even if some of the leading suppliers had “down-sized” their floor space.
“The past 12 months have been tough on everyone, but it’s important that all business continue to market themselves and stay in front of their customers. Whether you are a retailer or a supplier it is unwise to reduce your marketing to zero because your customers will begin to ask how well you are trading.
“It’s always better to have some presence in front of your customers, even if it’s slightly reduced, than none at all. When wholesalers suddenly “disappear” not only do buyers raise questions, it often gives their competitors a chance to step in to fill the gap,” Fitz-Roy said.
He also believes that the six-week “space” between the Melbourne and Brisbane fairs this year has also added to supplier’s commitment. “We know that in previous years exhibitors were a little stressed with Melbourne and Brisbane only being a few weeks apart, but by co-locating with the Gift Fair earlier in the year it allows wholesalers to better plan their strategic marketing and launches,” he said.
“The JAA Australian Jewellery Fairs play an important part in facilitating this retailer/supplier exchange. No other place gathers the industry together in such numbers to preview the trends of 2013 and beyond,” Fitz-Roy added.
He believes attending retailers will gain an unfair advantage for their businesses, and participating suppliers will demonstrate support for their customers, gain market share and back their market position.
More information
Melbourne:
February 2-4, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (http://www.jewelleryfair.com.au/)
Brisbane:
March 17-18, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, South Bank
Sydney:
September 1-3 at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour.