(PRESS RELEASE) After consultations with exhibitors about concerns over the lingering impact of the COVID-19 crisis, MJSA has decided to reschedule its Expo trade show from this coming fall to March 2021.
The longest-running trade show dedicated to jewelry making and design, MJSA Expo had originally been scheduled to run March 15-17 in New York City, before the COVID-19 outbreak forced a postponement into October. Since then, although the city’s number of new COVID-19 cases has abated, questions remain about how the phased reopening of city businesses and institutions will be implemented. Given this uncertainty, both exhibitors and MJSA management felt a rescheduling into March 2021 would provide needed time and clarity for businesses to ramp up and better ensure a successful show.
“With every decision regarding Expo, our primary concern has been the health and well-being of exhibitors and attendees,” said David W. Cochran, president/CEO of MJSA. “We also want to ensure that buyers have unrestricted access to Expo, since so many jewelry businesses rely on our show for their jewelry-making supplies and services. After facing a pandemic of historic proportions, both the city and the entire industry require time to gain their strength, and we felt delaying Expo by a few more months would provide that.
“As the alliance for everyone engaged in the making and selling of jewelry, MJSA remains committed to helping all of its members get through this brutally difficult time,” he continued. “We will continue to provide the resources and guidance they need as the country gradually reopens for business.”
The exact 2021 dates will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information, visit MJSAExpo.org
Family Legacy, New Chapter: How Wilkerson Turns 89 Years of History Into Future Success
After 89 years of serving the Albany community, Harold Finkle Your Jeweler faced a pivotal decision. For third-generation owner Justin Finkle, the demanding hours of running a small business were taking precious time away from his young family. "After 23 years, I decided this was the time for me," Finkle explains. But closing a business with nearly nine decades of inventory and customer relationships isn't something easily managed alone.
Wilkerson's comprehensive approach transformed this challenging transition into a remarkable success story. Their strategic planning handled everything from advertising and social media to inventory management and staffing — elements that would overwhelm most jewelers attempting to navigate a closing sale independently.
The results speak volumes. "Wilkerson gave us three different tiers of potential goals," Finkle notes. "We've reached that third tier, that highest goal already, and we still have two weeks left of the sale." The partnership didn't just meet financial objectives—it exceeded them ahead of schedule.
