NJN: Buyer Attendance Up 8% at First Day of JA New York

In addition to the strong increase in buyer attendance, the number of unique retail stores that came to the show on Sunday rose 10.9 percent compared to the first day of the JA Winter show last year.

“We are extremely excited and genuinely happy regarding the show opening and the ultimate buzz on the floor,” Drew Lawsky, group show director for JA Shows, said. “It seems that things are looking up for our industry. We look forward to a continuing trend as the year goes on.”

The show floor was alive with activity throughout Sunday, with buyers visiting booths in the designLAB, new product gallery, inner circle, and designer showcase and supplier pavilions.

“I see people’s willingness to buy,” Joe Carullo, owner of KC Designs in New York, said. “There’s a feeling of relief in terms of people’s stress levels.”

Jewelers appeared to sense the same relaxed feel of the show.

“It’s going well,” jeweler Suzanne Kalan said, remarking that even by opening day the show was shaping up to exceed last year. “We’ve sold a lot of unusual engagement rings. A lot of people want something different.”

“Something different” could certainly be found among the dozens of booths at the Javits Center. For example designer Marie-Lise Lachapelle’s painted orchid necklaces, made of real orchid flowers and plated with 18k gold, could be seen in the designer showcase pavilion.

The JA New York Winter Show will continue through Tuesday.