Press Releases

More Than 1,400 Attend RJO’s Grand Ole Winter Buying Show in Nashville

It drew a record number of retail members and vendors.

Published

5 years ago

February 12, 2019

INSTORE Staff

More Than 1,400 Attend RJO’s Grand Ole Winter Buying Show in Nashville

RJO members enjoyed networking and professional development opportunities at the Grand Ole Winter Buying Show

(PRESS RELEASE) NASHVILLE, TN — The 2019 RJO Winter Buying Show drew record attendance in Nashville, TN, this January.

More than 1,400 retail members and vendors attended the four-day Grand Ole Winter Buying Show, which showcased jewelry industry trends and educational opportunities and served as the backdrop to announce RJO’s 2018 patronage dividend and record-setting sales year. This event broke the previous attendance record set in July 2018.

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“The buying show was a huge success,” said Sarah Streb, CEO of the Retail Jewelers Organization (RJO). “We have a wonderful group of retail members and vendors that make up the RJO Family, and together we made Nashville the largest show to date. We are truly grateful for our members, on both sides of the aisle, who make the commitment to attend and support one another.”

The Grand Ole Winter Buying Show showcased the hottest trends in the jewelry industry, and offered several opportunities for participants to further their education. Keynote speaker Mack Dryden, entertained and inspired members to set goals and work to achieve them. Several fundraising efforts helped to benefit the RJO Foundation, including RJO’s first annual Show Shirt campaign and the Grand Ole Diamond Draw, giving away twelve diamonds to lucky winners. Together, the RJO community raised over $6,000 to provide educational scholarships to its members to aid in the advancement of the jewelry industry. Steve Schurhammer, Schurhammer Mfg. Inc. was honored at the member/vendor joint breakfast as he was awarded the Board of Directors Award for his years of service on the vendor advisory committee. Finally, both members and vendors were encouraged to come together and kick up their boots for line dancing and networking at the Sunday evening get-together.

With the success of the 2019 Winter Buying Show, the RJO staff is already working on the 2019 Summer Show set to take place in Schaumburg, IL, in July. “We are incredibly excited people have come to look forward to the professional development, collaborations, and fun at each RJO buying show,” Streb said. “We are looking forward to our summer show in Schaumburg where we will continue to raise the bar in the jewelry industry.”

More Than 1,400 Attend RJO’s Grand Ole Winter Buying Show in Nashville

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”