(PRESS RELEASE) CHARLOTTE, NC – A large crowd of independent jewelers from across the southeast gathered in Charlotte, North Carolina on August 25th and 26th to learn, network, buy, and build their business at the SJO Fall 2019 Show. The show was a great success, with full houses reported throughout the weekend.
The event was hosted by the Southeastern Jewelers Organization (SJO), the oldest buying group in the nation, and the fastest growing with top quality independent stores.
Existing and new members enjoyed connecting with a wide variety of leading vendors and receiving superb “SJO” deals for the upcoming Holiday Season. Vendors enjoyed tremendous traffic and the opportunity to spend real quality time with top class jewelers from far and wide.
“The Fall show was a prime opportunity for independent jewelers to set themselves up for a strong 2019 holiday season” says Paul Downey, president of SJO. “Our elite vendors brought in the latest lines and trends, tremendous deals and jewelers not only the chance to meet directly with the sellers, but also use the educational opportunities to increase their knowledge selling effectively to the modern consumer.”
SJO also announced new initiatives for 2020, including an industry leading dividend rewards program for members, and the provision of a full range of digital services including web design and ecommerce solutions. They will also be rolling out a range of sophisticated billing, distribution and collection services for vendors in the coming year.
In addition to buying opportunities on the show floor, members gained from the amazing educational seminars, conducted by the Diamond Council of America (“DCA”). According to Terry Chandler, president & CEO of the DCA, the seminars were very well received and enjoyed almost a hundred percent participation over the weekend. Members found the topics and content extremely relevant, with lots of ideas to bring back to their stores.
“We always gain so much from the educational seminars provided by SJO at their shows,” says Neil Hennes, Morris Jewelers. “With new types of consumers entering the market, and increased competition online, it’s so valuable to continue to develop our knowledge plus the DCA made the seminars interesting and fast paced as well as informative”
The Ballantyne Hotel once again provided superb luxury, spa treatments, and quality food over the weekend, allowing members and vendors the opportunity to mix and mingle throughout the weekend in comfort and style, share ideas, and generally enjoy a top class show and the opportunities to drive business for the rest of the year. The amazing hotel facilities gave everyone the opportunity to enjoy the show and spend real time together doing deals and getting ideas to bring back to their stores.
The SJO Spring Show will be held in Charlotte on February 22 through 24, 2020 at the Ballantyne Hotel. For more information contact Aisling at 877-996-9850 or show@SJOrg.com, or visit www.SJOrg.com.