JCK Show Sees Lower Foot Traffic, Buyers Looking For Particular Goods

(IDEX Online) – The JCK Show in Las Vegas, which ends today, saw generally lower foot traffic than in previous years and reduced business transactions, according to some participants, with few signs that companies are looking to increase their inventories.

"It's always difficult to tell," said one visitor to the show. "Some booths seem to be busy, while at others you see the company's people standing around with nothing much to do and little interest in their goods. You see that at every show, but it was more apparent this year." Some exhibitors said that although there were fewer buyers, they were, at least, serious and not just window shopping.

The show ran its usual comprehensive program of seminars and talks, with a special emphasis on the retail sector and how to bring about more sales. These included such themes as how to attract consumers, insights on how to carry out an omni-channel approach and using social media, as well as a colored gemstones update, a session on industry influencers, responsible sourcing, e-commerce, synthetic diamonds, and the supply chain.

In addition, the World Diamond Mark Foundation (WDM), which advances diamond promotion for consumers in the retail jewelry sector, introduced its 'Part of You' global diamond retailer promotion campaign and its new B2C website: www.passion.diamonds to a large audience.

Meanwhile, Diamond Producers Association (DPA) officials gave some details of the advertising it plans to carry out as the year progresses following its announcement earlier this week that its directors have approved a $57 million annual budget, with $50 million to be spent in the United States alone.