High buyer and exhibitor numbers at Hong Kong Jewellery Show mark growth in retail confidence

Buyer numbers were up 9% to 32,000 at the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show, marking a growth in retail confidence.

The five-day Hong Kong International Jewellery Show 2010, which ran from March 5 – 9, was the 27th of its kind and attracted exhibitors, buyers and manufacturers from across the globe. 

Exhibitor numbers were record-breaking, featuring more than 2,600 exhibitors from 44 countries and regions, up more than 13% on last year. The number of UK exhibitors was up 22% on last year and the number of Hong Kong exhibitors had grown to more than 1,380.

Overseas buyer numbers were up 28%, with both mature and emerging markets showing more active order placing and confidence in the retail market.

Buyer attendance for mature markets included an increase of +38% from the US; +20% from Italy, +22% from the UK, +30% from France and +43% from South Korea.

Buyer numbers from emerging markets were also up, at +21% from Mainland China, +117% from India and +96% from Russia. 

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) said that the encouraging figures represent an increase in retail confidence. HKTDC Hong Kong international jewellery show fair organising committee and HKTDC jewellery advisory committee chairman Lawrence Ma said: 'We saw encouraging figures and a strong response to the jewellery show this year. The buyer attendance figures tell us that the retail market is in recovery, not only from mature markets such as Europe and the US, but also from emerging markets such as Eastern Europe and India.' 

Mr Lau added that the high price of gold had boosted demand for alternatives, including rose gold and silver products. 'Black diamonds and brown diamonds also received good response from buyers,' he said. 

Buyers attending the show also reported an improvement in mood among jewellery retailers. Fred Meyer Jewelers president Peter Engel said: 'Consumer confidence is returning strongly. We have been opening new stores and will operate 390 to 400 stores in the US by the fourth quarter of this year. The Hong Kong International Jewellery Show offers a full range of products, and the hospitality is fantastic. We can walk around comfortably and stay focused on building relationships with potential suppliers.'

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