Inhorgenta  2010, Europe's biggest trade show and one of the jewelry and gem industries biggest annual exhibitions, will take place in Munich's Trade Center (Munich Messe), between February 19-22.

The constant rise of international exhibitors wishing to take part in the show, as well as the outstanding quality of trade visitors associated with it, have poised Inhorgenta as Europe's top trade fair.

I'll be visiting the show and keeping you updated on twitter. I'll also be taking pictures and interviewing both industry insiders and the exhibitors. 

This year, Inhorgenta is said to feature a wide range of watches, jewelry, gemstones, pearls and silverware; as well as technical equipment and retail fittings.

Inhorgenta also holds industry surveys spanning both the local and international jewelry and watches market. The last retail survey, held in November, indicated that despite the current economical downturn watch and jewelry retailers remained optimistic, as 43% of the those polled said the current situation in the industry was “good-to-excellent,” 34% defined it as “acceptable,” and only 23% rated it as “poor.”

Furthermore, 57% of the retailers said they expected the overall situation to remain largely unchanged and 25% said they believed it would improve further. When asked about their personal situation, 57% rated it as “good to excellent.”

As far as customer preference, lower and mid-price level jewelry and watches were favored: some 54% of the jewelry sold at the time the poll was taken, was ranked low-price level and 38% of the sales came from mid-price level; with the watch sector performing it in 49% and 40% range, respectively.

Customers also displayed a preference for pieces of jewelry which accentuated their own individuality, as 86% of retailers polled reported that their customers purchase jewelry mainly or even exclusively as a fashion accessory, and an additional 44% believe that the brand of the jewelry is important. In the watch sector the brand proved even more significance, as 81% of the retailers polled said they believe that the brand or manufacturer plays a fundamental role for their customers.

Inhorgenta 2010, February 19-22 at the Munich's Trade Center; 09:00-18:00 (Monday: 09:00-17:00)

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