TJA-Connect launch new virtual trade show to help suppliers and retailers for Christmas

01 Oct 2020

The Jewellery App-Connect (TJA-Connect) claims to connect jewellery suppliers and service providers with retailer buyers via its dynamic business-to-business online directory. In addition, TJA is also adding a virtual trade show to its directory four months ahead of schedule 'to give the trade a helping hand, virtually in time for Christmas'.

TJA argue that virtual is 'for sure the new networking ground for all businesses and will change how we do business from now on'. The NAJ Member business also point out that the industry finds itself in a new realm of business reality, and that 'the show must go on'.

Daren Daniels, TJA-Connect co-founder says,

"We’ve been talking about the need for the trade to become digitally enabled for a number of years now and how this can free up the industry in terms of sourcing suppliers and buying new products. TJA-Connects brings together the benefit of both virtual and physical business needs. It’s an online digital directory for jewellery buyers and retailers to connect to suppliers, new and old.

"TJA-Connect launched in January 2020 to deliver a low-cost route to market for suppliers and putting ROBO (research online, buy offline) at the head of the vision to make sure it meets the need of the retail buyers – they still need to meet, touch, feel and negotiate one-to-one; the virtual trade show is an extension of the directory and puts buyers and suppliers in direct contact."

With the Covid-19 pandemic hitting all trades, TJA see the future B2B buying process needing a new approach, now and ultimately ask the questions, ‘are we all quick enough to respond correctly the first time?’

A 'sfot launch' Virtual Trade Show

As a natural progression, TJA-Connect is giving suppliers a free virtual stand to connect with retailers in what it calls 'a soft launch Virtual Trade Show', which follows the same vision with 'ROBO' at the forefront and being a low-cost route to market.

Michelle Daniels adds,

"Space is limited in each aisle so its a first come bases and not just for UK suppliers, we are seeking suppliers from all over the world.

"As with the directory, it’s more than it might initially appear. The platform will be more than live presentations – just like a physical show, the virtual event will have aisles that retailers can peruse down finding suppliers to visit. Each supplier will be displaying dynamic business and product profiles.

"In addition, TJA-Connect offers suppliers a unique online experience with augmented reality and virtual try-on so retailers can get a real feel for the jewellery on offer. There is also built-in networking, supplier favourite lists, messaging, forums and networking groups for each supplier so news and promotions can be shared to their own group or all registered visitors whether they are new or previous visitors."

The soft launch and first show will take place mid-October and will include suppliers from all sector of the industry, 'with some focus on digital services to help retailers in the months ahead when the retail trade is hit by the consumer trend of Virtually… Christmas’.

TJA Connect say that the platform not only gives UK suppliers an opportunity to connect to potential buyers in other countries, but also gives the retail buyers a way to meet suppliers, brands and services from outside the UK. 

For the retailer, a virtual show will enable them to keep abreast of their existing supplier base and also new suppliers. 'It is vital for the oncoming season and year that everyone keeps connected – whilst physical meetings are not possible' TJA-Connect say, and their 'services are here to keep the trade moving forward'.

Claim your free TJA-Connect virtual stand or pre-register here

Source: The Jewellery App