It’s a sell-out: Industry mood positive ahead of Australian Jewellery Fair


For the second consecutive year the Australian Jewellery Fair (AJF) has sold out far in advance of opening day.

The AJF will be hosted at the International Convention Centre in Sydney’s Darling Harbour on 18-19 March.

The AJF has been timed to take place prior to Mother’s Day (14 May), giving retailers the opportunity to stock the latest ranges ahead of a crucial period of trading.

Three major buying groups – Nationwide Jewellers, Independent Jewellers Collective, and Leading Edge Jewellers – will each host stands after a productive Melbourne Jewellery Expo, which was also a sell-out event. The GAA will also be at the event.

Expertise Events managing director Gary Fitz-Roy told Jeweller that the most valuable thing available at the AJF for suppliers and retailers alike would be ‘opportunity’.

“We are thrilled to see such a high level of interest in the Australian Jewellery Fair this year. We’ve been anticipating a high turnout, but didn’t expect it would sell out so quickly,” Fitz-Roy said.

“We are confident that the fair will provide a valuable opportunity for retailers and sellers to discover new ranges, to build connections, and to reconnect within the industry.”

Fitz-Roy explained that a new initiative had been introduced for AJF: “The fair will also feature free all-day catering, so retailers and sellers can maximise their time and enjoy a free lunch. This is just one of the ways we are working to make the fair an enjoyable and productive experience for everyone involved”.

For additional information or to register in advance visit the Australian Jewellery Fair website.

More reading
Melbourne Jewellery Expo successfully kicks off year
Melbourne Jewellery Expo sells out months in advance
Independent Jewellers Collective launching new buying group
New Melbourne Expo and 2023 Jewellery Design Awards announced
Sydney jewellery fair success;

… Read the rest
JEWELRYPosted on:

Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week Starts Sunday, Continues Through Saturday – The Baltimore Times Online Newspaper

Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week kicks off this Sunday with big savings for consumers in need of a new wardrobe for school, work, spending time outside or just hanging around the house.

“Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week is the annual reminder that summer is drawing to an end and kids will soon return to classrooms,” Comptroller Peter Franchot said. “I encourage all Marylanders to take advantage of reduced prices and support local retailers throughout our great state.”

During the annual end-of-summer tradition, which runs through Saturday, August 20, any single qualifying article of clothing or footwear priced $100 or less – regardless of how many items are purchased in the same transaction – will be exempt from the state’s six percent sales tax. The first $40 of any backpack purchase is also tax free.

The week is particularly critical to locally-owned retailers who count on increased sales to make it through the slow summer season. Many stores offer additional discounts on top of the tax savings to entice more customers.

“Tax-free week is an excellent time to save extra on clothing, footwear and backpacks,” said Cailey Locklair, president of the Maryland Retailers Association. “Stores will be offering excellent deals you won’t want to miss. We cannot stress enough the importance of supporting your local brick and mortar stores who employ Marylanders, provide much needed tax revenue to our state and stabilize our communities.”

Visit the Comptroller’s website for a list of tax-exempt items, frequently asked questions, and valuable facts for shoppers and merchants. The Comptroller’s social media pages will promote the special savings week, showcasing local retailers and encouraging shoppers to take advantage of the promotion.


… Read the rest
SHOPPINGPosted on: