The 2002 JCK Show ~ Las Vegas, which ran from May 31 through June 4 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center, Las Vegas, attracted 19,753 buyer retailers and buyer wholesalers-a 4.5% increase over last year. The Show’s attendance reflects the optimism among buyers and manufacturers for the upcoming jewelry season, said Dave Bonaparte, vice president, The JCK Shows.

“We are extremely pleased with the results of this year’s Show,” Bonaparte said. “Although the current economic climate is challenging, we are extremely pleased with the level of buying power, the quality of buyers on the Show floor, and especially that the industry is getting back to business.”

That buying power remained strong and steady, especially among the major retailers, Bonaparte reported. Buyers included QVC, Home Shopping Network, Shop NBC, Spiegel Inc., Kay Jewelers, Whitehall Jewelers, Helzberg Diamonds, Sears Roebuck & Co., Piercing Pagoda, Crescent Jewelers, Finlay Fine Jewelers, Reed’s Jewelers, Shop at Home, Friedman’s, J.C. Penney, Sterling Jewelers, Macy’s East and West, Wal-Mart Stores, Marmaxx, Ultra Stores, People’s Jewelers, Costco Wholesale, BJ’s, Nordstrom’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Ben Bridge Jeweler, and Zale Corporation.

More than 2,700 jewelry manufacturers and sellers from around the world displayed a variety of gems, metals, watches, clocks, designer crafts, finished jewelry, jewelry mounts, and related accessories at the Show.

The JCK Show ~ Las Vegas comprised nearly 493,000 sq. ft. plus 33,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space for the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) GemFair, Cultured Pearl, and Jewelry Pavilion. The Show also featured international pavilions representing more than 20 countries.

Special events at The JCK Show ~ Las Vegas included JCK’s Silent Auction, which raised more than $10,000 for the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, Jewelers’ Security Alliance, Jewelers Education Foundation, and the Jewelry Information Center; and the JCK Designer’s Live Auction, which raised more than $25,000 to benefit two organizations-The Future of Design Education and the American Jewelry Design Council. Other hot spots were the New Product Showcase-an opportunity for rising stars in the jewelry industry to display their latest designs-and the LeVian Deco Fashion Show.

Held concurrently with the Show was JCK’s Educational Program covering 41 sessions, with topics such as Mining Your Database; AGTA’s Color Seal of Confidence and Your Business; Structuring Your Business for the Greatest Tax Benefits; Fashion Facets; and GIA on Diamond Cut.

Although Show security has always been tight, this year’s JCK Show ~ Las Vegas took even more steps to protect attendees, including increased security personnel and more than 50 new security measures.

Equally upbeat is the new look for The JCK Show ~ Las Vegas that Show managers are planning for 2003, including improved climate control, a re-engineered floor plan, improved show atmosphere, and more exhibitor and buyer amenities.

Visit the JCK Web site at www.jckgroup.com for continual updates on show improvements.

Show dates for 2003 will be May 30 to June 3, 2003, at the Sands Expo & Convention Center, Las Vegas.

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