IJL reports 2% increase in visitors

Following the show, which started on September 4 and came to a close on Wednesday, the team behind IJL said that there was a 2% increase in the number of visitors, which reached9084, unaudited.

Exhibitor numbers were also high this year, with 580 including sharers. Event co-director Syreeta Tranfield said: “The IJL team were thrilled with the response following the 2011 event. IJL is such an important event for our industry and we do our absolute best to create an excellent environment in which to do business. Visitors commented on the luxurious look and feel of the show and many exhibitors were pleased about the amount of interest and orders they had received.”

The Diamond Club proved a particular highlight for visiting retailers, with 198 members hosted (an increase of 26.11% from last year). The Club is a VIP programme and attracts members from across the UK. Nominated by the IJL Advisory Board, they are invited to join the exclusive club.

Senior level jewellery buyers at the show gave positive reviews. Joule director Sanjay Pattni said: “I thought it was a very positive show this year, and it was even better than in previous years. There was a real international flavour and the show had a very luxurious feel. The seminars were fantastic and I attended one each day. It was great for networking as well as for doing business, with events in the evenings following the show.”

There were also upbeat reports from exhibitors. Phil Barnes, director of silver brand Muru commented: “We have had a fantastic response to our new collections at this year’s show. There was a real buzz about the hall and we have met a great mix of buyers from the UK and overseas.” The brand was still taking orders at 4pm on the final day of the show.

The Designers Brands area also proved to be a welcome addition to this year’s show. “Exhibiting as part of the Designer Brands section has been essential in fully marking my transition from budding designer to a growing jewellery brand, it has helped me to build relationships and take orders from much more high profile stockists with more new accounts opened at the show than ever before,” said Rachel Galley, designer and director at Rachel Galley Jewellery Design.

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