Summer sizzler: CJExpos and Expo Prestige bring the heat to Toronto, Edmonton, and Montréal

by carly_midgley | November 2, 2017 9:59 am

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By Emily Smibert

CJExpos kicked off the summer trade show season in Toronto Aug. 13 to 15 at the International Centre in Mississauga, Ont.

Despite quiet aisles, exhibitors did not shy away from displaying their best-selling pieces and talking with attendees. Although official numbers were not available at press time, from the look of things, retailers who dropped in to browse were optimistic and in the mood to buy. The show was also an opportunity for many to stop by  and say ‘hello’ to familiar faces, while checking out the latest styles and collections.

Finalists for the 2017 Giovanni Vaccaro Family Scholarship displayed their jewellery collections and attendees were able to vote for their favourite entry. (Visit us online at www.jewellerybusiness.com for breaking news on this year’s scholarship recipient[2].)

At CJExpos Edmonton, the second in the lineup of jewellery trade shows this summer, exhibitors, including Corona Jewellery Company Ltd., Vandan Associates Inc., and Almar Inc., to name a few, gathered at the Shaw Conference Centre on the west coast. The Vaccaro Family and Beverly Hills Jewellers graciously donated dinner for attendees on the show’s closing night.

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As for the show’s turnout, “Edmonton is smaller than previous years as the Gift Show isn’t running at the same time,” says Darren Dubrovsky, Canadian Jewellers Association (CJA) past chair and president of Empress Jewellery. “I know this was a factor for us when we were deciding whether to attend,” he adds.

The current state of the economy reflects how previous exhibitors are choosing which shows to attend. Retailers, manufacturers, and distributors must be strategic. “Montréal has always been a stable show for us; the same exhibitors come year after year,” Dubrovsky says.

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Indeed, in Montréal, Expo Prestige seemed to draw the largest crowd and number of exhibitors this summer. One of the highlights at the show was the annual booth design contest. This year’s winners included Atlantic Engraving/Gravure, Madani, and Beverly Hills Jewellers.

Looking to next year, Kenneth Laughlin, sales executive at United Precious Metal Refining Inc., believes the Canadian summer shows should also welcome designers. “Something fresh is needed,” says Laughlin. “The trade show experience needs to change because we are a changing industry.”

Top trends

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Minimalist jewellery remains in vogue for the season ahead. Delicate chains with feminine touches dominated the trade show floors. Rose gold is also poised to be a customer favourite.

Nature is full of inspiration and budding designs always are a retailer favourite. At the Canadian Jewellery Group (CJG) show, BB Impex’s nature pieces were particularly captivating. Ocean wave rings with different textures, coloured metals, shapes, and gemstones stood out among the designs. Tree branch-wrap rings were also a popular style.

Over the past few years, sterling silver has been able to step in to accommodate customer demand amid fluctuating gold prices. Today, however, the industry is seeing the return of gold. “Right now there is resurgence in yellow gold, and it’s great to see it coming back,” says Dubrovsky. Mario Carr, owner of JewelHouse Canada, has seen the trend, too. “I would estimate nearly 85 per cent of my sales right now are 10-karat gold,” he says.[6]

Personalization is the key to success

When it comes to succeeding in this economically driven industry, fighting the dollar’s current slump can be difficult. However, Dubrovsky has found a niche market that’s booming: “Custom design is the new gold; it’s what sells.”

“There isn’t a downside to it,” Dubrovsky explains. “Retailers don’t want to keep inventory on hand, they just want sales. Custom keeps sales coming in without the headache of storage and up-to-date catalogues.”

He adds, there aren’t any specific items exploding right now, so custom design is the key to growth. Retailers need to figure out how they can incorporate it into their current business models and how they can do it best for their individual market, “The idea of ‘best’ will change from retailer to retailer, but it’s important to figure out what one can do,” says Dubrovsky.

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“I have 55 CAD stations ready right now. We are more than ready for customized work in this country.”

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Social sells

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With customization at the forefront of consumers’ minds, it’s no surprise most seek social media-inspired designs. “Customers go online, find what they like, and bring in ideas. If they do that, we’ll make it,” says Caroline Skilich of T&T Jewellers. “Custom pieces are most of what we’re doing.”

Monil Shah of Vandan Associates Inc., says designs receiving the top hits on social media outlets like Pinterest and Instagram inspired their latest collection. “We put our own twist on them,” he says. “The Glacial Ice winter collection was the finished result.”

Although it’s difficult to predict what will happen in the future, Dubrovsky believes retailers, manufacturers, and suppliers must be like chameleons. “We need to decide where the markets are going and move with them,” he says. “No one can predict what a customer will want, especially right now.”

Tony Malo, sales manager at Malo Creations Inc., notes, “Things aren’t going to turn around on their own. We need to be creating new things and stretching ourselves. It’s the only way to stay around.”

 

Source URL: https://www.jewellerybusiness.com/features/summer-sizzler-cjexpos-expo-prestige-bring-heat-toronto-edmonton-montreal/

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