|
In one of its best ever feats, the MidEast Watch & Jewellery Show, which was held at Expo Centre Sharjah from April 29 to May 3, has notched up record visitor turnout and excellent exhibitor satisfaction.
During its five-day run, the 36th edition of the show broke its previous records in terms of total number of footfalls as well as percentage rise in visitor turnout. It saw a turnout of 57,503 visitors as against the previous edition’s 46,484, an impressive rise of close to 24 per cent.
“We haven’t seen such quantum leap in visitor turnout for MidEast Watch & Jewellery Show in its recent past. Our pro-active engagement with target audience coupled with low gold prices and continuing allure of gem stones have resulted in the surge. Exhibitor feedback too has been excellent and this is sure to reflect in high retention rate of the show,” said Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah.
Exhibitors were ecstatic due to the steady footfalls throughout the entire show, with stress on the last two days, including the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya on May 2 when Indians thronged the venue to buy gold.
“We have been a regular at MidEast Watch & Jewellery Show since 1996 when it used to be held in a tent at the old expo. We have never missed a show since then. It goes without saying that we are highly satisfied being part of this successful show,” said Mr. Jamil Dimachkie, General Manager, Amwaj Jewellery LLC.
“This is the best show in the Middle East. It is also the oldest and the most prestigious,” said Mr. Salem Al Yafei, Purchase Manager, Bazelt Jewellery.
Most exhibitors were unequivocal about the quality of the visitors they received at their stalls and the response they got from them.
"The show is managed very professionally and gets quality visitors... the main reason we are participating year after year,” said Mr. Bruno Artisti, who was part of the Italian Pavilion.
Wholesalers also reported good business, which gives credence to the fact that despite being consumer-centric the show is also popular among trade buyers.
"The show is very popular among both jewellers and local buyers. We have been participating in the show ever since it started and have witnessed 18 years of ongoing success,” said Mr. Rohit Dhamani, Director, Wholesale & Manufacturing, Dhamani Jewellery.
"This year was much better than several previous editions. As wholesalers we received high-quality visitors. This show has been a benchmark for our business for the past 12 years,” Mr. Pankaj Bhatter, Sales Manager, K-STAR Jewels LLC.
The show featured 450 jewellers from more than 20 countries, who displayed gold & diamond jewellery, precious & semi-precious stones, pearl sets, gemstones and branded watches at 20,000 sq. metres of exhibition space.
National Pavilions at the show included Hong Kong-China, India, Italy, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore, showcasing biggest names in jewellery from those countries and their most exquisite and intricately crafted creations.
The Thailand Pavilion and the Ploi-Thai Fashion Show too proved great attractions. The fashion show had a separate opening ceremony, keeping in mind the value it could add to the show and the instant connection it will generate with the visitors.
The fashion shows featured top models from Thailand presenting creations from leading Thai manufacturers under the brand ‘Ploi-Thai’. It was organized by Vega Intertrade & Exhibition in cooperation with Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association (TGJTA).
The daily raffle draw was another special attraction, where on every purchase of Dhs. 500 visitors had the chance to qualify for raffle draw. The Hong Kong Pavilion too gave away prizes to visitors.
The next edition of the show is scheduled to take place from 14th to 18th October 2014 at Expo Centre Sharjah which is expected to attract more exhibitors.
|
New
Review
Sharjah International Airport - 41°F
