The fair was the first trade-based exhibition to be held in Melbourne in more than a year, following the city’s devastating COVID-19 second wave and ‘hard’ lockdown.
Organisers Expertise Events added a dedicated Jewellery Pavilion to the giftware-focused event, which was held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre near Southbank.
Both Nationwide Jewellers and Leading Edge Group Jewellers buying groups were present for the three-day event, along with a number of loose stone and finished jewellery and watch suppliers.
Colin Pocklington, managing director Nationwide, noted lower foot traffic at the Jewellery Pavilion compared with the Sydney Trade Days, which he attributed to different retail conditions between Victoria and NSW.
“Several of our Victorian and Tasmanian members attended the Sydney event, as they wanted to visit several suppliers that were not exhibiting in Melbourne. I don’t think that people in Melbourne have reached the same level of optimism as those in other states, because of their much longer and more recent lockdowns,” he explained.
However, Pocklington added, “Our view is that we look at the sum of all of the Trade Days together. So far, it’s been a great success with many members very happy to be able to meet with us and our suppliers for the first time in 18 months.”
Jacinta Collins, general manager Golden Mile, told Jeweller that the Melbourne Gift & Lifestyle fair saw a strong response from homewares and mixed jewellery-and-gift retailers, but a more muted showing from fine jewellery-only retailers.
“We exhibited at the Sydney Trade Days and we found that really good, as it was just jewellers coming through. We were able to get new customers from that event. Whereas in Melbourne, it was good to be able to see our local Victorian customers again, given that we might not have been able to see them until the Sydney fair in August.
“It was great to show our faces and interact, as it’s been so long!”
Gary Fitz-Roy, managing director Expertise Events, said, “Melbourne continued to deliver on our vision to nationally reconnect and unify the jewellery industry, and we are so pleased that the winner is the industry.
“Maintaining momentum for the year is our sole focus for suppliers and retailers,” he added.
Cheryle Roberts, director of sterling silver jewellery supplier Stones & Silver, exhibited at both the Gold Coast and Sydney Trade Days before attending Melbourne Gift & Lifestyle.
She told Jeweller, “Gift & Lifestyle gave more of a ‘trade show’ feel – a little more hustle and bustle, with more exhibitors and product displays than a Trade Day. As we carry such a massive range, the fair allowed us to showcase all of our products.”
Roberts added, “Although smaller than previous years, the fair had a really nice vibe – small, intimate and relaxed. A highlight was catching up with existing customers after so long, but also finding new customers, which surprised me!
“Everyone was so nice and although some complained that the event was small, most were appreciative of it and our attendance. As we explained to all customers, it will take time for the industry to build up again.”
Roberts confirmed Stones & Silver would be exhibiting at the final Trade Days in Adelaide and Perth.
Nationwide will also be present, with Pocklington telling Jeweller, “As with the other Trade Days we have arranged a number of specials with the exhibiting suppliers, and members will be able to use their interest-free finance with our exhibiting suppliers. Plus, for Adelaide, our diamond expert Cindy Eidukevicius-Jones will be conducting a free diamond training session for members and staff on Saturday 27 March, and a free lunch is being provided.”
The upcoming Trade Days are:
- Adelaide: 27–28 March at Adelaide Showgrounds
- Perth: 10–11 April at Perth Convention Centre
This year’s International Jewellery & Watch Fair is scheduled to take place at the ICC Sydney Exhibition Centre on 28–30 August.
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