Normally, this time of year, I spend time in reflection over the accomplishments and challenges of the year, both for the spring and fall markets of the Atlanta Jewelry Show. This year is different, really different! We are looking forward as we continue to evolve your event and the benefits of being involved.
Our primary goal this year was to listen to your needs, and design programs and offerings to meet those needs. I could not be more excited about the new features that we are introducing in the spring!
- Competing with giant on-line retailers who have changed shopping and buying habits is at the forefront of the minds of many retailers. To address this, we have launched AJS E-Tail Pavilion to provide exposure to education and services to help our independent retailers satisfy the changing needs of today’s consumers, and to compete in the digital marketplace.
- Many of our retail customers have expanded selections in their stores beyond traditional jewelry items to stay solvent in the market place. With the addition of the all-new AJS Occasions Pavilion, we are creating an opportunity for the retailer to discover new luxury gift items to drive additional traffic and sales in their stores.
- Custom designs are hotter than ever in today’s market. More and more of our retailers are being asked for custom pieces from their client base. To meet this need, at the Fall Show last year, we introduced AJS CAD Challenge. Top CAD designers were selected to compete with each other on a technical challenge and a creative challenge, while the audience watched on the edge of their seats. We will present this event once again so that jewelers can learn innovative techniques and skills to help propel their own design. In fact, this was such a hit that we have more than doubled the space available in Learning Lab 2 for the upcoming show.
At the Atlanta Jewelry Show, we continue to nurture and grow the fine jewelry product categories that are the cornerstone of our show. We will continue to lead the industry in producing the best marketplace event for our buyers and exhibitors! The commitment to foster growth and success of the retailers is at the foundation of the Atlanta Jewelry Show’s mission. As we look forward into 2019 and beyond, it is this mission that drives the innovation and evolution of the show.
Finally, from our AJS family to yours, we wish you all the joy and happiness of the holiday season!
Libby