“Rock On,” was theme of the fall 2008 Retail Jewelers Organization Buying Show in Minneapolis—playing off the city’s inspiration to music greats.

RJO members take a breather at the RJO Lounge located on the center of the show room floor.

“We bring together the best vendors and jewelers in the industry at each RJO show, allowing them to network and discuss trends and best business practices,” said Mary Peterson, chief executive officer of RJO. “We provide a forum that isn’t just about jewelry—we want all of our members to have the tools to be good business people in each of their communities.”

Terry Dickens,  RJO president,  presents Ostbye & Anderson with the Vendor of the Year Award for Mounted Goods.

Peterson added, “2008 has been filled with a variety of interesting and somewhat challenging ‘opportunities.’ All of these situations provide the opportunity for us to make a very important decision…keep a positive attitude or don’t. Our members have responded and Minneapolis proved to be a positive springboard heading in to the 2008 holiday season.”

The event was attended by independent jewelers and vendors from around the nation. RJO Buying events are held semi-annually and offer seminars and continuing education opportunities. The most recent show also provided independent jewelers the opportunity to talk to industry leaders, view the latest trends and purchase jewelry at pre-negotiated prices from some of the most recognized vendors in the industry.

RJO vendor Simon Golub & Sons enjoys a busy booth.

“Attending the RJO buying show gives us the ability to stay connected with the latest in the jewelry industry,” said Terry Dickens, co-owner of Herteen & Stocker Jewelers, Iowa City, Iowa and president of the RJO Board of Directors. “But, more importantly, we attend to take advantage of the competitive pricing associated with being a member of RJO as well as the opportunity it provides to gather new ideas and promotions to take back and implement in my own store.”

Greg Winokur, regional sales manager for RJO, vendor, Simon Golub & Sons, Inc., said, “The RJO show has a nice sense of community. The leadership of RJO does a nice job of making both the exhibitors and the members feel connected as a team.”

Prashant Mehta, vice-president of DiaCentre, Inc., added, “The members attending these shows are serious about business and are there to transact business in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.”

JCK