RAPAPORT... The JA New York Winter Show, held at the Javits Convention Center in New York City from January 21 to 23, got mostly mixed reviews, as many exhibitors reported traffic that was either even or down from last year’s event. “The traffic at the show is down compared to last year,” said Rajeev Daga of Real Gems Corporation. “It is definitely slower and that could be due to the fact that there is also a show going on simultaneously in Miami. Thankfully, though, the people who made appointments came.”
In a change from years past, show management has declined to release attendance numbers for this year’s event, so it is impossible to accurately gauge the turnout. However, show representatives expressed satisfaction. “Energy at the show was fantastic,” said Drew Lawsky, group show director, JA New York. “The floor was busy and there was a lot of activity.”
In terms of traffic, Sunday was a strong day all over the show floor. During the following days, crowds continued to gather in the Hong Kong and Italy pavilions, as well as around closeout booths.
Predictably, appointments were important. “The show was an extremely useful channel for discussing Novell’s acquisition of Wright & Lato with the local customer base,” said Rick Mulholland of Novell Design Studio. “In our industry, one-on-one interaction with the retailer is still very important, and we were able to see a few weeks’ worth of customers in just a few days.”
Not everyone, however, was as productive during the show’s three-day duration. “They should definitely shorten the show,” complained one source who wished to remain anonymous to protect the company’s booth position. “It’s a regional show, with retailers mostly from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.”
Trends
In loose diamonds, demand focused on everyday goods. “In loose stones, it is the bread-and-butter goods that are in demand,” said Daga. “Rounds and princesses in all sizes are popular with our customers.”
Meanwhile, with respect to jewelry, retailer Christina Meegan, owner of Christina’s in Provincetown, Massachusetts, was on the lookout for new items. “It’s good to come here and see what is hot,” she said. “We have been looking for a mix of gold and silver, as well as engagement settings. We found some things we liked and opened two new accounts with designers.”
Similarly, retailer Melissa Kantrowitz of Ceasars Plaza in New York, New York, had a long list of trends she was stocking up on. “We came to the show looking for diamond bangles, layering chains, puffed hearts and big cocktail rings with lots of color. The holidays went well for us and we opened a few new accounts at this show to build on the success,” she said.
Article from the Rapaport Magazine - February 2007. To subscribe click here.