INTERVIEW – Streamlined CMJ to recruit new member retailers around UK
By David Brough
BIRMINGHAM, England, February 17, 2019 – The Company of Master Jewellers (CMJ), which has cut its cost base, is now focused on proactively boosting retailer members in the UK, the CMJ’s CEO Terry Boot said.
Speaking in an interview with Jewellery Outlook, Boot said around 100 cities and towns in the UK and Northern Ireland do not currently have CMJ retailer members, creating a great recruitment opportunity for the buying group.
The CMJ has hired a new staff member, Amber Saunders, to seek new retailers as a priority for the group.
Diamond jewellery supplier Andre Michael at February 2019 CMJ Trade Event
“Amber will focus on quality and new members,” Boot said.
The CMJ website will deliver refreshed editorial content, including key interviews looking at why independent retailers should consider joining the CMJ, Boot said.
CMJ staff levels have been cut from 55 to 17, slashing the annual wages bill to create a more streamlined organisation that will strive to more efficiently meet the requirements of both retailers and suppliers.
Retailers attending the February 17-18 CMJ Trade Event in Birmingham were around an all-time high of some 100, Boot said.
Supplier numbers at this event were slightly lower than last time, enabling a tidier presentation of the exhibition and more physical space for networking.
The CMJ is considering alternative venues for future Trade Events, which will create opportunity to boost capacity and provide a more enjoyable experience for participants, including outdoor activities.
The CMJ is also planning a series of regional events for retailers and suppliers in 2019, and will encourage suppliers to offer exclusive discounts to retailers, Boot said.
Just Diamonds, an exhibitor at the CMJ Trade Event
Pearl jewellery from XSJ London, exhibiting at the CMJ Trade Event.
