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RJO Celebrates Record-Breaking 60th Anniversary Summer Buying Show

Milestone Lexington event establishes new buying show sales and attendance records

Retail Jewelers Organization (RJO) celebrated six decades of partnership, progress and independent retail success during its 60th Anniversary Summer Buying Show, held July 31–August 3 at the Central Bank Center in Lexington, Kentucky.

The milestone event established new RJO records for both buying show sales and attendance, significantly surpassing the organization’s previous records and demonstrating continued momentum throughout the RJO community. The show also generated a substantial increase in the number of purchases made, reflecting strong member engagement and exceptional support of RJO vendor partners.

“This historic achievement is a powerful reflection of the loyalty, energy and shared commitment that define RJO,” said Bill Becker, president of the RJO Board of Directors. “For 60 years, our retailer members and vendor partners have understood we are stronger when we work together. To celebrate this milestone by setting both an overall sales record and attendance record makes Lexington a truly unforgettable chapter in RJO’s history.”

The record-breaking results were matched by a robust schedule of education, networking and anniversary programming. Attendees participated in business-focused seminars covering profitability, inventory management, clienteling, marketing, artificial intelligence, organizational culture, repairs and custom design. Newly enhanced RJO Brain Gain Breakouts gave retailers an interactive forum to exchange proven strategies and practical ideas they could immediately implement in their stores.

The show also offered opportunities designed to strengthen relationships throughout the RJO community, including a New Member Reception, Next Gen Meet & Greet and networking excursion, retailer and vendor joint breakfast, show-floor receptions, Rock Tour gathering, the RJO Foundation Art Auction, and the RJO Gem Quest Kids Camp Adventure.

The weekend culminated in a Kentucky Derby-inspired 60th Anniversary Celebration and Dinner featuring Southern hospitality, entertainment and a special bourbon tasting experience benefiting the RJO Foundation.

“This show represented everything RJO has been built upon—trusted relationships, meaningful education, collaborative buying and a genuine sense of family,” said Sarah Streb, CEO of RJO. “Setting new records is an extraordinary accomplishment, but the most meaningful part is what those records represent: independent jewelers investing in their businesses, supporting their RJO vendor partners and keeping their purchasing dollars within their cooperative. Lexington was a celebration of our first 60 years and an exciting demonstration of the momentum carrying RJO into its next chapter.”

Beyond the record sales, the significant growth in purchase activity further demonstrated the strength of retailer and vendor participation throughout the event.

“Records like these are never achieved by one person or one group,” Streb added. “They are the result of dedicated members, exceptional vendor partners, committed volunteer leaders and an RJO staff that continually strives to create valuable experiences and opportunities. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make our Diamond Jubilee such a remarkable success.”

Founded in 1966, Retail Jewelers Organization is a member-owned buying cooperative serving independent retail jewelers across the United States. Through the patronage dividend program, centralized billing, industry-leading buying shows, education, networking, exclusive programs and strong vendor partnerships, RJO helps its members strengthen their businesses while supporting the continued success of independent jewelry retail.

About Retail Jewelers Organization

Retail Jewelers Organization is one of the largest jewelry buying groups in the nation. RJO is committed to providing its members with a strong patronage dividend program, putting millions of dollars back in our member-owner’s pockets each year, competitive purchasing opportunities, valuable education, meaningful connections and resources designed to help independent jewelers prosper.

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