
With so much to see and do at JCK Las Vegas, it’s interesting to get retailers’ perspectives on what makes the show so special to them. Of course, anyone traveling to Vegas for Jewelry Week comes to do business—to beef up their store’s stock, meet with vendors new and old, and network with the industry’s finest. That’s certainly a priority for nearly all attendees at the show, but there are plenty of other reasons to attend, too. From JCK’s educational seminars to special events, from networking opportunities and meet-and-greets to the all-important trend hunting, here’s what some retailers had to say about why they JCK.
“We have not missed a show since JCK began. If you’re in the jewelry business, it’s a must. It gives you the opportunity to be on the front end of a trend rather than the back side, and the opportunity to mingle with your peers is invaluable.”
—Mark Moeller, R.F. Moeller Jeweler, Minneapolis–St. Paul
“My wife and I attend JCK to reignite why we are in this business—you can’t attend JCK and not fall in love with our business all over again. We get new ideas, meet new people, and connect with old friends. We always stay for the whole show (LUXURY through JCK Las Vegas). I love the excitement and seminars and new products. It’s just plain fun. We try to go to as many seminars as possible. The pampering at LUXURY makes us feel important—like we’re not just buyers.”
—Tom Hill, Thomas Hill Jewelers, Hinesville, Ga.
“I go to JCK because it offers everything under one roof. I attend more than JCK when I am there, but I like the variety, the different sections, and the ability to shop and see the new things from around the world. I attend the seminars when I have time, visit with friends and vendors for dinner or breakfast, and try to hit the parties given by my vendors. The variety is great. I wouldn’t miss it for the world!”
—Susan Eisen, Susan Eisen Fine Jewelry, El Paso, Texas
“We specifically rely on JCK for overseas manufacturers and designers, often found in the Italian and European sections of the show, but sometimes tucked away in other corners of JCK (for example, Kurtulan from Turkey). We also skim through the Hong Kong section.”
—Penn Fix, Dodson’s Jewelers, Spokane, Wash.
“I attend to keep abreast of the latest designs, technology, and most important, to choose merchandise for our store. Last year, for the first time since I’ve been going to JCK and LUXURY, I attended the seminars as well as taking part in the JA certification. I found both to be informative and entertaining, so from here forward I will alter my schedule to attend as many of the events at LUXURY and JCK as I am able to.”
—Richard Saxon, R.E. Saxon Jeweler, Weirton, W.Va.
“I like the educational seminars. For me, it is one of the only times I can focus on the business completely, without interruptions. The ease of having access to so many vendors at once is important and helps me preview collections and make better buying decisions.”
—Maria Aguirre, Benold’s Jewelers, Austin, Texas
“I think attending the Vegas show is so important for retailers because it helps them stay in touch with the buzz and pulse of the jewelry world by seeing new products, trends, and ideas flowing. We like to visit our established vendors to experience their whole line, not just what a road salesman carries. These days, not many lines are on the road, so finding new vendors to keep our mix fresh often happens in Vegas.”
—Laura Sipe, J.C. Sipe Jewelers, Indianapolis