(PRESS RELEASE) MIAMI, FL — Continental Buying Group (CBG), the nation’s leading organization for high-volume independent jewelers, will host its 2025 Tampa Experience Show from September 8–10, 2025, at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street.
Designed exclusively for CBG members, the Tampa Experience delivers private buying opportunities, high-level networking, and industry-leading education in a format unlike any other in the jewelry industry.
Event Highlights Include:
- Keynote Speaker: Bethenny Frankel – The 4-million-follower entrepreneur and influencer will share how she built her powerhouse brand and how jewelers can apply the same strategies to stand out in today’s market.
- AI-Driven Business Solutions – Explore how Artificial Intelligence is transforming marketing, sourcing, and sales. Hear from leading tech innovators and learn practical ways to boost efficiency and drive new business.
- Industry Panel: Navigating Global Challenges – An unfiltered conversation on tariffs and other critical forces reshaping the jewelry landscape, and what independent jewelers need to know now.
“CBG continues to deliver events that combine exclusive buying, valuable education, and unmatched networking,” said Andie Weinman of CBG. “This year’s Tampa Experience is designed to give our members actionable strategies and tools to succeed in a rapidly changing market.”
“The Tampa Experience has the kind of connections that move businesses forward,” said Matthew Tratner, President of CBG. “Our AI-driven content is just the beginning. We are building towards something truly special for retailers and the diamond sector that only CBG can deliver. Our goal is to give independent jewelers not just tools, but a competitive edge they cannot find anywhere else.”
Attendance is exclusive to CBG members. Independent jewelers interested in membership or a first-time show experience are encouraged to contact Matt Tratner at 1-917-940-5513 or [email protected] for details.
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Exceeding Every Expectation: How Wilkerson Helped d’Original Jewelers Achieve an Outstanding Retirement Sale
When David Rees decided to retire after 34 years of serving Bellevue, Washington’s Eastside, he and his wife knew their exit from d’Original Jewelers needed to honor their decades-long commitment to customers while meeting their financial goals. Since opening in 1990, David had built a reputation as one of the area’s most trusted names for diamonds, custom jewelry, and repairs.
Understanding that a successful retirement sale requires more than just discounting merchandise, David chose Wilkerson to manage his transition. What impressed him most was their attention to detail, particularly in accounting and sales projections. The results far exceeded his expectations — the sale significantly outperformed projections, delivering exceptional financial results that surpassed his retirement goals.
“They were always there for support. If we needed anything, they were able to accomplish that,” David shares. For jewelers contemplating retirement, David’s experience demonstrates Wilkerson’s proven ability to deliver outstanding results while providing comprehensive support throughout the entire process. His recommendation? “100% yes.”
