Vermeil, a variety of bead and charm lines, and awe-inspiring diamond pieces are some of the trends that greeted Canadian jewellery retailers at JCK Toronto.
About 150 exhibitors hit the show floor with new and established brands, designs reflective of a rollercoaster precious metals market, and the hottest trends to stock up for the busy holiday season.
“We were quite pleased with the first day of JCK Toronto,” said John Tierney, event director for JCK Toronto. “Retailers and manufacturers/suppliers alike were pleased with the buying and selling opportunities. We like to hear there’s no better place in the provinces to capture business growth, especially as the economy is enjoying a robust turn right now.”
The show’s downtown location struck a chord with many retailers who opted to send more than one buyer to the show.
“We made the decision to send all of our Toronto-based stores to see new product and to fill in the gaps before the holidays,” said Aida Alvarez of Birks & Mayors.
Itay Ariel of HRA Group said the show helps manufacturers maintain that critical personal contact with clients.
“Providing value to our customers is a core element of HRA’s mission,” Ariel said. “JCK Toronto affords us the opportunity to foster relationships with our current customers and forge relationships with new customers, and most importantly, to be a part of where leading Ontario jewellers come together.”
The Opening Night Welcome Reception saw the Canadian Jewellers Association (CJA)—a show sponsor—present its Chairman’s Award to Judy Richards of Davidson’s Jewellers in Ottawa, adding her to the list of past honorees that includes Dan Panos of Corona Jewellery Co. and Peter Myerson of Myerson’s Ltd.
CJA president and chief executive officer (CEO) David Ritter said the excitement in the air was palpable.
“As a first-time attendee at JCK Toronto, I find this to be an excellent facility with a lot of activity on the show floor,” Ritter said. “Exhibitors were pleased with the attendance and the quality of buyers. All of the products were well-received and there is a good buzz about the show.”
Jewellery Business is a media partner of JCK Toronto. For more highlights from the show, see the October issue of JB.
