Bengaluru to become the next hotspot for IIJS, hopes trade

Starting from 15^th September, Bengaluru will face the biggest test of the industry. Covid-19 had given the benefit of doubt to Karnataka, thanks to the safe facilities and prompt responses by the state government. The stage is set for Bengaluru International Exhibition Center (BIEC), but this is the maiden attempt for Bengaluru.

The Gandhinagar-Ahmedabad region in Gujarat was the second strongest contender for the opportunity by GJEPC out of seven cities that the convening team inspected. This means that the event will decide if Bengaluru becomes the buffer spot for IIJS after Mumbai.

Speaking about the hopes of the city from the domestic jewellery industry, MahendraTayal, South India chairman, GJEPC, had talked about how a fresh range of exhibitors will diversify the experience for regular buyers. “There will be 10-30% growth in the number of visitors and exhibitors in the show. The excitement for participation has already started showing with the length of promotion GJEPC is doing for the event,” said Tayal at the virtual meet announcing the launch of IIJS 2021.

The most important prospect for Bengaluru is the first-time participants, both in exhibition and buying circles. “Not many jewellers from these two segments have travelled outside Bengaluru. IIJS 2021 will give them the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in this national B2B event and gain recognition. This will boost their market value,” said Tayal. Bengaluru will thus get the chance to exhibit regional specialties in jewellery, namely the best of antique, temple and heritage jewellery by South Indian manufacturers, which in turn would give a far wider option to buyers.

That is precisely the aim of GJEPC, stated council chairman Colin Shah. “While conducting research about the clusters of manufacturers in South India, we found many companies which have never been represented at IIJS because their people have neither exhibited, nor visited the show. The show in Bengaluru will encourage them to showcase inventory at the biggest national platform,” said Shah.

According to Tayal, the entire fraternity of South Indian gem and jewellery is optimizing every chance in terms of presentation, venue, exhibition and experience to help GJEPC consider Bengaluru as the hub of IIJS in the post-pandemic era. “While Mumbai has been the best venue for IIJS, Bengaluru is the hub of South Indian gold jewellery. We are hoping for the best for the city’s jewellery trade,” Tayal signed off.

Courtesy: Retail Jeweller India News