CMJ suppliers report brisk trade at largest ever Spring Trade Event
March 2014 – The Company of Master Jewellers (CMJ) hosted its largest ever Trade Event on March 16-17, with over 750 attendees over the two-day show in Birmingham, which saw 132 brands exhibiting over three exhibitions halls.
CMJ retailers visiting the show included new CMJ member Rob Sherwin of Niche Jewellers in Essex who said he was very impressed: “This was so much more than a just trade show. To start with, we heard an address from Willie Hamilton, which generates reflection on one’s own business. The show environment is intimate allowing time and personal attention from the suppliers.”
CMJ Member Helen Dimmick of Green & Benz said: “As usual the CMJ buying meeting was the ‘must attend’ event of the year. Lucy Reece-Raybould and her team continue to impress and exceed expectations as the occasion just gets better and better. The calibre and range of suppliers keeps growing and as is essential for an independent retailer, the opportunity to network with professional colleagues and friends is very much appreciated and a welcome support.”
Suppliers reported good sales, with many exceeding their sales targets for the show. Mark Robinson, managing director, Citizen said: “This has been a fantastic show for us – one of the busiest CMJ Trade Events ever! We have opened quite a few new accounts – both with existing retail members and new ones to the CMJ, and have been really impressed with the number of retailers attending.”
New brands exhibiting at the CMJ show for the first time included Gem Vision UK, Caravelle New York, Elliot Brown watches, Endless Jewelry, Sif Jakobs, Wolf Designs, Allied Gold, the Guild of Valuers and Jewellers, Parify Lighting, SK Diamonds and Stone Marketing.
CMJ chief executive Willie Hamilton said: “Our Trade Event is one of the largest gatherings of quality independent jewellery retailers in the UK. Joining us are the core suppliers of our industry. Our Trade Event is held as a not-for-profit event for the benefit of everyone who attends and we have had some fantastic feedback from both the two days of trading in the exhibition halls and from the entertainment and networking opportunities from our Sunday evening CMJ Fest event.”
