PREMIUM SPECIALISED RETAIL PAGE 54 SATURDAY. MARCH 10. 2012 “See <strong>the</strong> leading edge introductions” BASELWORLD presents new opportunities <strong>to</strong> see special editions first for Knar Jewellers Greg Buzbuzian, along with his bro<strong>the</strong>r Jeff, own and operate four s<strong>to</strong>res in Southwestern <strong>On</strong>tario, Canada: in Guelph, Cambridge, Waterloo and Oakville. The business began in 1978 in a 200 square foot s<strong>to</strong>re. Over <strong>the</strong> past 30 years, this dynamic team has created s<strong>to</strong>res of innovative style, showcasing premier fine jewellery and timepieces. The company runs its own design studio for cus<strong>to</strong>m jewellery, and supports many organizations and charities in its local communities. Greg Buzbuzian tells us what BASELWORLD means <strong>to</strong> him. BWDN: How many years has Knar Jewellers been attending <strong>the</strong> show? As a major watch dealer, is it an important part of your buying strategy? Greg Buzbuzian: We have been attending <strong>the</strong> show for <strong>the</strong> past 16 years, and yes, it’s a major part of our merchandising process. We want <strong>to</strong> see <strong>the</strong> leading edge introductions as <strong>the</strong>y come out. BWDN: Is it important <strong>to</strong> meet with your vendors here? “An event not <strong>to</strong> be missed” Pierre Dubail tells us about visiting BASELWORLD Pierre Dubail and his son Patrice, co-direc<strong>to</strong>rs of <strong>the</strong> five Dubail boutiques in Paris, welcomed us <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> prestigious boutique in <strong>the</strong> Place Vendôme, which has been freshly refurbished <strong>to</strong> receive international cus<strong>to</strong>mers visiting <strong>the</strong> capital. BWDN: How long have you been going <strong>to</strong> Basel? Pierre Dubail: I have been travelling <strong>to</strong> this trade show since we opened our first boutique on <strong>the</strong> rue de Rivoli in 1984. Going <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> trade show is always emotional because our attendance accounts for around 50 percent of our <strong>to</strong>tal Pierre Dubail and his son Patrice, co-direc<strong>to</strong>rs of <strong>the</strong> five Dubail boutiques in Paris. The Knar Jewellers s<strong>to</strong>res are known for <strong>the</strong>ir innovative style. Buzbuzian: It is very important for us <strong>to</strong> solidify our relationships with our vendors, and it is crucial <strong>to</strong> do that in person and see live product. The reps could bring a picture <strong>to</strong> your s<strong>to</strong>re, but it’s not <strong>the</strong> same thing. It also shows more of a commitment on our part if we make <strong>the</strong> effort <strong>to</strong> attend BASELWORLD. Coming <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> show is also a good way <strong>to</strong> network with our fellow retailers, which is important <strong>to</strong>o. BWDN: What brands will you work with? How many? orders for our five boutiques, so it’s a big responsibility! It’s a bit like a race and we are now in <strong>the</strong> starting blocks! BWDN: How long do you stay at <strong>the</strong> show? Dubail: We stay for two days but it is very intense. We have meetings with <strong>the</strong> big watchmaking brands and this is our opportunity <strong>to</strong> meet <strong>the</strong> managers and exchange ideas with <strong>the</strong>m. We also identify some new brands and find out about our competi<strong>to</strong>rs. BWDN: How do you go about choosing your brands? Dubail: The choice is very interactive and takes place between <strong>the</strong> retailer and <strong>the</strong> brand <strong>to</strong> provide <strong>the</strong> haute horlogerie with <strong>the</strong> best possible representation. We are very proud <strong>to</strong> work with some must-have brands and various niche brands complete with all <strong>the</strong>ir specific features. BWDN: What are your selection criteria? Dubail: We operate a highly selective procedure and work with 18 watch brands in <strong>to</strong>tal. We voluntarily limit our choice so that we can serve as a proper partner <strong>to</strong> Buzbuzian: We work with eight <strong>to</strong> ten brands, including Rolex, Chopard, Hearts on Fire, for example, and we will also have a look at what o<strong>the</strong>r brands might be available <strong>to</strong> us. BWDN: Do you see products at BASELWORLD that you would not see anywhere else? Buzbuzian: Absolutely. Some of <strong>the</strong>m are not for our marketplace − I don’t need <strong>to</strong> be bringing in things that <strong>the</strong> s<strong>to</strong>res in Monaco would − but it is important <strong>to</strong> see <strong>the</strong>m. BASELWORLD is an The Dubail boutiques offer a unique shopping experience. <strong>the</strong>se brands. We are also developing limited edition series dedicated <strong>to</strong> our new space in <strong>the</strong> Place Vendôme. But we are going <strong>to</strong> unveil some great surprises at <strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong> year <strong>to</strong> mark <strong>the</strong> 20th anniversary of this boutique <strong>to</strong>o! BWDN: Do you look for trends at <strong>the</strong> trade show? Dubail: BASELWORLD presents an opportunity <strong>to</strong> discuss market trends with o<strong>the</strong>rs in <strong>the</strong> industry. We require an international offer because we have a broad range of clients with very high standards who visit us from <strong>the</strong> Palaces neighbouring our five boutiques. opportunity <strong>to</strong> see products that you would never see at any o<strong>the</strong>r show, and here you see <strong>the</strong>m first. BWDN: Do you get a sense of overall trends at <strong>the</strong> show? Do you take time <strong>to</strong> walk <strong>the</strong> show? Buzbuzian: We definitely get a feel for overall trends at <strong>the</strong> show − whe<strong>the</strong>r or not we’re going back <strong>to</strong> yellow gold, or are watches getting smaller, for example. These types of observations will affect our decision making. Also, we found a hot product in Basel last year that we wouldn’t o<strong>the</strong>rwise have known about had we not explored <strong>the</strong> show. BWDN: What do you think will be <strong>the</strong> mood at this year’s show? Are you expecting <strong>to</strong> see price increase? Buzbuzian: I expect <strong>the</strong> mood, overall, <strong>to</strong> be very positive. A lot Jeff and Greg Buzbuzian from Knar Jewellers, <strong>On</strong>tario. The international trade show provides us with a good indication of <strong>the</strong> global trends. BWDN: Could you share a memorable s<strong>to</strong>ry with us about one of your clients? Dubail: The clients who visit our boutiques are highly prestigious. <strong>On</strong>e day one of our regular cus<strong>to</strong>mers, Gianni Versace, visited our boutique with his old friend El<strong>to</strong>n John. They stayed quite a long time here <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r, relaxing and buying a few watches. Sometimes, <strong>the</strong>y would both want <strong>the</strong> same model but <strong>the</strong>y were always kind and courteous, with each tell- of <strong>the</strong> retailers in <strong>the</strong> U.S. have had a good year and a good Christmas. We’ve had a good year, and <strong>the</strong> first five weeks of this year have been quite good. As far as price increase goes, it looks like <strong>the</strong> price of gold is here <strong>to</strong> stay, and <strong>the</strong>re is some upward pressure on certain gem prices, as well as on diamonds. Strong currency prices, namely <strong>the</strong> Swiss franc, as well as pent-up demand, will also be a fac<strong>to</strong>r. With all of <strong>the</strong>se combined, I think we will see some upward pressure on prices this year. Interview by Carol Besler ■ ing <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>to</strong> take it. It was a truly unforgettable and very enjoyable moment! BWDN: In your opinion, what role does BASELWORLD play in <strong>the</strong> world of jewellery and watchmaking? Dubail: It is <strong>the</strong> original trade show and attending <strong>the</strong> show is one of <strong>the</strong> most important moments of <strong>the</strong> year. It is an essential investment and we would never miss out on a visit because it determines <strong>the</strong> rest of <strong>the</strong> year for us. We draw up our balance sheet after <strong>the</strong> show in March. BWDN: Have you noticed any trends at <strong>the</strong> show? Dubail: In <strong>the</strong> 28 years that I have been visiting BASELWORLD, I have seen it evolve from an ‘exhibition’ <strong>to</strong> a genuine ‘trade show’. BWDN: What do you expect of a trade show like BASELWORLD? Dubail: We expect an ever improving level of organisation <strong>to</strong> enable us <strong>to</strong> work in better conditions. We also expect <strong>to</strong> discover new features and innovations which impress! Interview by Kyra Brenzinger ■
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