Alison Hargreaves, director of exhibitor Midhaven, said: “This was our 26th Spring Fair and probably one of the most positive and enjoyable as exhibitors. We had a great show, with new account representing an unprecedented 40 per cent of our orders. Our order numbers were more than double those of last year, our average order value was up, and the quality of prospects and customers was up on previous years.”
Early feedback also suggests men's jewellery, pre-owned fine jewellery and watches and fashion-led silver jewellery collections were the most attention-grabbing product categories.
During the show, rebooking rates for Jewellery & Watch 2020 mirrored the up-beat atmosphere and signalled exhibitor confidence in the move to a dedicated area in Hall 1 of the NEC, Birmingham.
Jewellery & Watch event director Kirsty Broere said: “We are delighted with the success of Jewellery & Watch 2019 and the positivity we have felt from our exhibitors. We are especially thrilled that so many of them have embraced the Spring Fair 2020 Re-Edit and will be joining us as we make the move to Hall 1. This new location will more firmly align Jewellery & Watch with the surrounding fashion and giftware sectors, allowing for a greater cross-over of buyers. It will also make the show more accessible to those stepping off the train or aeroplane at Birmingham International.”
Simon Forrester, chief executive of the NAJ, commented: “Jewellery & Watch is a fantastic opportunity to meet and greet existing NAJ members and potential new members. Feedback from visitors and exhibitors across all five days of the event was positive, with many saying the show had exceeded their expectations. As the association at the heart of the UK jewellery trade, we are pleased that Jewellery & Watch's new owner, ITE Group, is getting behind the show and revitalising its presence with the move to Hall 1. This is an incredibly positive step for Jewellery & Watch and the industry as a whole, and we look forward to 2020.”
Looking ahead to 2020, Jewellery & Watch will benefit from significant investment thanks to new parent company ITE Group. The show's long-term goals focus on boosting return on investment for exhibitors, creating a content-driven experience for visitors and growing a network of VIP international buyers.
Kirsty Broere added: “The 2020 edition of Jewellery & Watch and Spring Fair will focus on issues of sustainability and ethical and responsible sourcing. There are big changes coming in 2020, but we are confident that they will allow us to better reflect the jewellery trade as it stands today.”
To find out more, visit www.jewelleryandwatchbirmingham.com
