Attire Accessories - Sep/Oct 2018 (Issue 72)

IJL PREVIEW 47 Shining bright Ahead of the industry’s key jewellery buying event, we speak to Fotoulla Michael, Head of Sales, to find out what retailers can expect from IJL 2018 With IJL only weeks away, how pleased are you with the way the show is shaping up? Established in the glamorous fifties, IJL has seen a lot of change in the jewellery industry, but we’ve never rested on our laurels. In today’s climate, all businesses have to listen to the needs and concerns of their target sector, which is why we are continually adapting the IJL show format to make sure it is relevant, engaging and essential for our audience of buyers and retailers. I believe this year’s IJL will showcase the ways in which we are all willing to think outside the box. New show features and a refreshed seminar programme will go further to highlight the guiding trends in our sector, whether that’s lab-grown diamonds, predicting consumer buying behaviour or enhancing your omni-channel presence. Plus, I am thrilled to say we have an excellent array of exhibitors joining us this year, including fine jewellery suppliers, fashion and fine jewellery brands, retail service providers, watch brands, gem dealers, diamond manufacturers, packaging experts, retail experience insiders and giftware purveyors. In short, if you want to know what can make your store more successful or what’s trending, new and hot, IJL is an essential destination this September. Have you introduced any new initiatives for IJL 2018, or made any significant changes since last year’s event? This year’s IJL will certainly have a different flair. We will be following through on our promise of ‘Experience is Everything’ with a new Breadth of Bridal feature on the show floor. This area is designed to showcase an inclusive, contemporary wedding market, also acknowledging that the bridal jewellery market is more than just beautiful engagement rings, it’s bridesmaid’s gifts, wedding bands, cufflinks, tie pins, wedding day jewellery and gifts. Breadth of Bridal looks at weddings from around the world and will highlight some of this variety, while also pointing visitors Who: International Jewellery London jewellerylondon.com Where: Olympia, London When: 2 nd September 10am-7pm 3 rd September 9am-6pm 4 th September 9am-5pm “In today’s climate, all businesses have to listen to the needs and concerns of their target sector, which is why we are continually adapting the IJL show format to make sure it is relevant, engaging and essential for our audience of buyers and retailers.”