IIJS Virtual 2020, a game changer for the Indian Gem & Jewellery Industry

1. Leads Digital Transformation and stimulates business for the sector
2. Approx. Rs. 1000 crore (USD 137 million) business transacted at IIJS Virtual
3. 5 Halls, 330+ exhibitors; 10000+ Buyers visited the show; 9900 meetings conducted at the IIJS Virtual platform
4. 200 international visitors from the US, UK, UAE, Qatar, Singapore, Bangladesh, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Hong Kong, Italy, Egypt, Belgium, Turkey, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Czech Republic, Copenhagen etc.

Mumbai, October 19, 2020: India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) Virtual 2020, powered by GIA, organized by the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council of India (GJEPC), concluded on October 16, 2020. The five-day jewellery extravaganza which commenced on October 12, 2020, has been one of a kind experience for all the exhibitors and visitors.

IIJS Virtual 2020 was promoted extensively across the world. Over 50 National and International web road shows, 450+ exhibitor training sessions, and 100+ buyer tutorial sessions were conducted before the start of the show.

It is estimated that approx. Rs. 1000 crore (USD 137 million) business transacted at IIJS Virtual.

Commenting on the success of the show, Colin Shah, Chairman, GJEPC said, “The past five days of IIJS Virtual have been nothing short of miraculous. We have witnessed IIJS bring the industry out from a pandemic paralysis — that, too, virtually! The industry realised that one needs to change along with the time and for a business sustainability, extensive usage of digital was the need of the hour. GJEPC has done its bit to provide necessary platform so that the export continues. The Industry today has seen a very robust digital disruption and I’m certain that digital mode of doing business is the future for the industry.”

Vipul Shah, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, said, “IIJS Virtual 2020 has stimulated business for the sector. Buyers from across the world were looking for a platform to source gem and jewellery for the upcoming festive season, and we are happy that GJEPC has been able to create a platform for all to meet, network and do business in a safe and secured manner.”

The Guests of honour for the inaugural ceremony were Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Uddhav Thackeray and Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Railways, Shri Piyush Goyal. During the inaugural speech, Shri Uddhav Thackeray expressed his aim to make Maharashtra the world’s leading center for diamond and jewellery trade, whereas Shri Piyush Goyal complimented on the resilience shown by the gems and jewellery sector during the ongoing pandemic.

Shailesh Sangani, Convener, National Exhibitions, GJEPC, said, “Meeting face-to-face at physical shows and expositions is very important and must happen at least once or twice a year, but virtual shows are going to be the future, purely because of the ease in doing business from the comfort of our own offices and homes.”

Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC, says, “We realised that we would have to train buyers how to conduct business on IIJS Virtual and serviced 8,000 visitors by assigning 60 people, each handling around 150 people on WhatsApp. In just 40 days, we conducted 40 road shows, tying up with different associations for training sessions. We created modules and training videos and gradually the ramping up happened across India.”

For visitor registration, the GJEPC turned to its ready, authenticated database of 40,000 IIJS visitors through constant follow-ups via WhatsApp calls, emailers, social media and conducted tutorial meetings on Zoom. Local association heads were roped in to propagate the show to their members and similar online promotions were done for international visitors.

“I believe that maintaining constant communication with exhibitors and visitors and educating them about the IIJS Virtual platform was a crucial aspect of the show’s apparent and instant success”, added Sangani.

IIJS Virtual hosted UNCUT 2020 Knowledge seminars where eminent speakers from the industry spoke on different topics related to the industry including Outlook 2021 Diamonds, Gold and Platinum; Virtual Transformation of Retail in times of Pandemic; Diamond Jewellery Category Promotion in the US, China and India; Design Direction 2021; Gen Next Jewellers; and Faceless Tax Assessment.

The herculean efforts put in by the GJEPC has led to the digital transformation of the Indian gem and jewellery industry. And the ready acceptance by exhibitors and visitors alike in embracing the new digital future shows the industry’s willingness to adapt to new ways of doing business and collectively face the challenges head on and emerge successful.

Exhibitors were surprised about the business that they could generate through this digital platform. Varun Shah, Proprietor, Aadey Jewels, Ahmedabad said, “The Virtual format is cost-effective and we can pay equal attention to all buyers – old and new alike.  I would request GJEPC to hold another Virtual show in January again – in fact, such shows should be held every quarter!”

Abhishek Sand, Partner, Savio Jewellery, Jaipur said, “IIJS Virtual is simply fantastic; it’s magical! The virtual platform is engaging, and a transformative step for the entire industry. We have had 600+ visitors so far, and held 42 meetings. There’s excitement in the air! Buying is finally happening, and in good numbers. We have received orders from Sri Lanka, California, Dubai and London, and the remotest of regions in the South.”

Jugal Choksi, Owner, Bariki Jewellery said, “The timing of IIJS Virtual is perfect and this is not only a novel, but a necessary way of selling jewellery in the pandemic era. The technology has helped us save time and expenses. Business at the show has been very good and exceeded our expectations. The upcoming wedding season has stimulated demand for big earrings, jhumkas, and grand pieces.”

Courtesy: Retail Jeweller India News Service