Nationwide Jewellers are celebrating a job well done after the buying group hosted its annual Timeout Conference on the Gold Coast.
More than 200 members participated in the two-day affair, with conference sessions focused on emerging retail strategies required to navigate the adverse trading conditions.
General manager Glen Pocklington offered members an update on industry and economic trends in Australia and New Zealand.
Membership manager Erin Keller said the highlight was a keynote address delivered by ‘futurist’ Amanda Stevens, titled ‘The New Rules for Retail in 2024’. Stevens also conducted a practical workshop with members, detailing new retail initiatives.
“Our networking events were also highly popular, with 160 people attending the Welcome Cocktail Function and 200 attending our Conference dinner, with an incredible amount adhering to the ‘touch of gold’ theme,” Keller told Jeweller.
In recent years, Timeout Conferences have been held in Fiji and Brisbane.
This year’s Timeout Conference was held in conjunction with the Australian Jewellery Fair, and Keller said that preferred suppliers were ‘extremely happy’ with the proceedings.
“Several of our newer members were mesmerised by the wide array of business support services our group provides. This highlights our unwavering commitment to nurturing growth and success within our industry,” she added.
“During the Buying Day on Sunday, we gave away three prize draws for our members. They had to be in the Buying room when their name was called and had 60 seconds to claim their prize.”
The prizes included a two-night stay at the Sydney W Hotel during the International Jewellery Fair in August and a $3000 travel voucher for a Stuller x New York trip in September.
Nationwide will announce more details about the 2025 Timeout Conference at the IJF, set to take place at the International Convention and Exhibition Centre on 17-19 August.
Jeweller’s 2024 State of the Industry Report recorded Nationwide Jewellers as the largest buying group in Australia, with 299 members accounting for 337 stores. The group also represents retailers in New Zealand and Fiji.
NATIONWIDE JEWELLERS HIGHLIGHTS
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