Howard is right. If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get the results you always got. How can a jeweler throw a fabulous party that's relaxed, outrageous, fun as can be, and still mindful of security? I know of two who had huge barbecues in the parking lot, which is certainly clever. Any more ideas? Do post!

As a designer that has done trunk shows for 30 years I must admit they aren't what they used to be. In the olden days before jet service,the internet and all the modern conveniences of today it was a special event when the jewelry designer actually came to your store. This was something a store owner wanted to share with their best clients. It was an occasion. Today there are so many designers and other manufacturers that are desperate to get their product before the customer's eyes that retailers can have 4 or 5 vendors in their store every weekend. This may be a great way to get a diverse inventory into the store without having to buy it, but I find that the salespeople are not longer excited about what they have to offer. No in today's world of information a trunk show is no longer the same as when Tavernier brought the gems to Louis the XIV

Etienne is correct when describing today’

Etienne is correct when describing today’s altitude toward marketing. A trunk show was meant to be a special service to retailers and in turn to their special clients. It is imperative that this point is clearly understood by the retailer and the vendor. The vendor needs to have the retailer’s assurance that the trunk show is valuable to him/her and that all efforts were made in planning and organizing, which includes hyping the sales associates as well as their clients, with intense advertising and promotion campaign. Now, the vendor has to contribute to this with advertising, promotional items, maybe a give a way product, and show up ready with the proper collection for this store, displays and other visual materials. Each trunk show has to be looked at as a major event, not a “something to do this weekend” project. Anything less, is a waste of time.

Etienne is correct when describing today’s altitude toward marketing. A trunk show was meant to be a special service to retailers and in turn to their special clients. It is imperative that this point is clearly understood by the retailer and the vendor. The vendor needs to have the retailer’s assurance that the trunk show is valuable to him/her and that all efforts were made in planning and organizing, which includes hyping the sales associates as well as their clients, with intense advertising and promotion campaign. Now, the vendor has to contribute to this with advertising, promotional items, maybe a give a way product, and show up ready with the proper collection for this store, displays and other visual materials. Each trunk show has to be looked at as a major event, not a “something to do this weekend” project. Anything less, is a waste of time.

Think Fresh, we as sales people are tired of seeing the same old tired pieces , and i am sure our customers are too. If they are trendy and love new looks...they are disapointed with the trunk showes that seem to keep trying to sell the same old goods they did last year and the year before. lets see some creativity,Personal flair, and new life. Let the customer have a big hand in Designing a piece made for them, have in engraved on the inside " styled by Jane Doe" ... go the extra mile to get the extra style. Also lets think about the Gents, we hardly see any items for them ..we as gife givers would LOVE to give our men something special,, made with them in mind!!