The 22nd International Jewellery Tokyo (IJT 2011) ended in great success, welcoming a total of 35,902 visitors to the venue over the four-day show period from January 26 to 29, 2011. Many participants were worried about the ongoing economic situation but were pleasantly surprised by the vibrant buzz that was created by the large number of eager buyers on the show floor - the result of excellent visitor promotion carried out by IJT Show Management. Business flourished throughout the venue and many exhibitors reported a surge in sales from the very first day of the show.
Especially prominent among the buyers were the great number of Chinese buyers that came to IJT to source for quality jewellery.
Mr. Fumimasa Doi, Show Director of the IJT show, answered questions regarding the increase of Chinese buyers and their importance to the show as below:
Q. Why is IJT increasingly focusing on Chinese buyers?
A: The recent and rapid growth of the Chinese market is very appealing for both our Japanese and international exhibitors. During the show period, we received feedback from our exhibitors that Chinese buyers purchased more than buyers from any other country.
Q. What did IJT do to recruit Chinese buyers to the fair?
A: For “Premium Buyers” who are extremely important buyers for our show, Show Management extended special invitations and perks as well as offering special services such as providing information about products/companies that match the request of buyers so they can easily source on-site. In addition, to help buyers carry out effective business negotiations, our bilingual staff conducted specialized tours for leading buyers to individual booths, introducing them to key clients. Many Chinese buyers said that this service helped them to conduct smooth business negotiations with companies they met for the first time.
Q. How many buyers were especially invited from mainland China? What products were they most interested in?
A: Over 200 Chinese buyers came to the show as Premium Buyers this year. We collected vouchers from our Premium Buyers post show, which indicated the purchases they had made and helped us assess the results of the show. Chinese buyers showed especially strong interest in diamonds, pearls, and gold jewellery this year.
Q: Chinese buyers visit IJT every year. As the Director of the show, why do you think many such buyers are attracted to IJT?
A: The first reason is because of the high quality of Japanese products. Like cars and electronics, Japan’s jewellery also enjoys a high reputation for its quality.
Secondly, the price of diamonds and pearls in Japan is declining, so IJT presents a good sourcing opportunity for Chinese buyers to buy products at good prices.
Lastly, more and more exhibitors are preparing to meet Chinese buyers and hire Chinese speaking staff during the show. Therefore Chinese buyers can conduct business discussions and purchase products on-site in a comfortable environment.
Q: Will you place emphasis on the recruitment of Chinese buyers next year?
A: Recruiting Chinese buyers to IJT is of primary importance to our show. Therefore, we have changed the show dates of the next IJT, moving it up 2 weeks to January 11-14, so that it does not coincide with Chinese New Year. We are confident that this change will attract twice as many Chinese buyers to IJT in 2012.
For more information please contact:
Katherine Kanami Nishimura
IJT Show Management
Tel: +81-3-3349-8503
Email: ijt-eng@reedexpo.co.jp