The Trade Days were first announced in September, following the cancellation of the 2020 IJWF due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to give retailers state-based buying events for re-stocking post-Christmas.
While initially scheduled for February and March, Expertise has now shifted some of the dates and venues in order to better accommodate the needs of the jewellery industry, including buying groups.
Gary Fitz-Roy, managing director Expertise Events, said, “With the best interests of the jewellery industry in mind, we are announcing that we have updated our planned Jewellery Trade Days, and Gift & Jewellery Trade Days calendar. We believe this will allow more time for the Victorian retail sector to recover, take stock and build confidence to return to events.
“It will also grant more time to ensure certainty with interstate borders remaining open, which is important for all. Given the surprising but welcome surge in retail jewellery sales over the last few months that many have experienced, we believe more than ever that the Trade Days will provide an important opportunity for retailers to replenish stock and order new lines,” he added.
The Brisbane event has moved to the Gold Coast and will take place in March instead of February, in order to service both Queensland and regional northern NSW. Fitz-Roy said the Gold Coast Trade Days would have a business, education and relaxation element.
In welcome news for Victorian retailers, the Melbourne Gift & Lifestyle fair has been added to the schedule, with the Adelaide Trade Days moving back by one week to accommodate the ne event and allow for cost-effective freight between the two cities.
Finally, the Perth Trade Days have been moved back by four weeks to 10–11 April, taking into account the later Adelaide Trade Days and Western Australia's state election.
The amended Trade Days schedule is as follows:
- Sydney: 20–21 February at ICC Sydney Convention Centre (no change)
- Gold Coast: 7–8 March at TBA (previously Brisbane, 13–14 February)
- Melbourne Gift & Lifestyle: 20–22 March at Melbourne Exhibition Centre (new addition)
- Adelaide: 27–28 March at Adelaide Convention Centre (previously 20–21 March)
- Perth: 10–11 April at Perth Convention Centre (previously 13–14 March)
All existing bookings will be automatically moved to the new dates.
More reading:
Dates announced for early 2021 jewellery ‘Trade Days’