IIJS virtual has opened up a skyline for new connections with the virtual format, we already have 400 buyers who visited US and 40 meetings set-up with as at IIJS virtual

Praveen Agarwal, partner at Geeta Shyam Jewellers, Jaipur is psyched about the virtual format of the IIJS, feels it will give him a wider platform and connectivity

What are your thoughts on the virtual format of the IIJS?

The moment you go virtual, you are connected with the whole world. IIJS just got bigger and we are very happy about it. With the physical version, people would just go and meet the suppliers they already targeted, get business done and walk out.  Now with virtual, you have a lot of options. You can check out new players. IIJS has always been a massive platform for the jewellery industry. They do good things every year. We were not sure if the show will happen this year. Then the news of the virtual format came. Retailers will find it very easy now. The wedding season is here, so they need stock. This step is a wonderful solution and will continue in the future too.

What has been your experience since October 5, when the doors were opened to the virtual show?

We started meeting people immediately from October 5. We already have 400-500 people who visited our site and 30-40 people have fixed meetings. Enquiries have started and people are adding our pieces in their carts. Sales are up within three days, even before the actual exhibition has started. In May and June, the industry was shut, but we brainstormed about our collection and the economy. Our team started focusing on lightweight jewellery even in traditionally heavy pieces with kundan and meenakari. But, since these are essentially wedding pieces, we planned to make them look grand, but in light weight. So, our chokers and long sets look better, but does not drill a hole in your pockets. We were in touch with our buyers and retailers throughout the lockdown, took their views and then launched the jewellery. We have also focused on coloured stones: pink tourmaline, Russian emerald, light blue sapphire, tanzanites and south sea pearl. We have used pastel shades to make it soothing. We also wanted to be transparent. Our pieces are hallmarked, we give a breakup of all costs and also a buyback option. We have IJI certifications for all our jewellery, so there is a guarantee. This is what we are offering. So, here is hoping that IIJS goes well for everyone and hopefully, for us too.

Courtesy: Retail Jeweller India News Service