Basel World: Some Happy, Some Not At All

Some called the weekend at Zurich a graveyard, others said it was waste of time, but as heavy visitor traffic continued in Basel, especially among the watch exhibitors, the main story of the show was the Zurich fiasco.

In Basel diamantaires and jewelers were seeing busy traffic, buyers, customers, and perspective clients, but lamented that the show was not as good as last year. Those that came with the understanding that last year was exceptionally good, were smiling as goals were being met.

Especially busy during the weekend were the watch companies, who didn’t even have time to meet with members of the press…

Show director Sylvie Sengelin, who met with Zurich exhibitors on Friday to offer help and hear their grievances, looked beat by Sunday afternoon. About the frustrated exhibitors that continued to complain she said they “need a bag to punch”.

When reminded that the bottom line was that they haven’t seen any business, she replied “I’m sorry but I can’t make magic”, perhaps out of exasperation.

Offering free entrance to the Zurich complex didn’t seem to help either, as mothers with children in strollers picking up promotional mouse pads and candy didn’t result in a single sell.