Events & Awards

30 Restaurants Agree Not to Raise Prices During Baselworld

Events & AwardsMar 01, 2019

30 Restaurants Agree Not to Raise Prices During Baselworld

Organizers of the watch and jewelry trade show also have a deal with a few bars.

2018_Baselworld-outside.jpg
Baselworld organizers have announced a restaurant and bar partner program, featuring a number of establishments located close to the show that have vowed to keep prices down. Pictured here is a shot outside the 2018 edition of the jewelry trade show.

Basel, Switzerland—Baselworld has launched another initiative it hopes will bring people back to the watch and jewelry trade show.

Show organizers announced earlier this week that they have partnered with a handful of local restaurants that, among other things, have agreed not to raise their menu prices during the show.

Baselworld has been struggling in recent years, losing exhibitors and attendees over the rising cost of exhibiting as well as the costs involved in staying and eating in the small Swiss city.

One major exhibitor, Swatch Group, announced last summer that it would not be returning to the watch and jewelry trade show in 2019, stating that the current trade show model no longer makes sense for business as it today.

After that news broke, show organizers scrambled to put together a detailed list of planned changes designed to woo back brands and buyers alike and to prove to its largest exhibitor that it is willing to change.

In November, Baselworld launched a hotel partner program, in which more than 40 hotels agreed to a set of rules regarding prices and minimum stays.

Now, organizers of the watch and jewelry trade show have announced the expansion of the hospitality program to include restaurants, bar and clubs.

More than 30 restaurants around the Swiss city have agreed to not raise prices during the Baselworld period. They are all restaurants that are located less than 10 minutes away from the show and can offer seating for more than 30 guests.

RELATED CONTENT: Baselworld, SIHH to Synchronize Dates in 2020
Additionally, the restaurants will offer a special Baselworld menu.

Baselworld Hospitality Manager Justin Scott told National Jeweler they encouraged the restaurants to “get creative” in developing a menu. He said this menu will be separate from their regular offerings but added that there are no restrictions on what they can do with it—it could be a cheaper meal or a specialty of that restaurant.

Partner restaurants include Côte Jardin, Restaurant Hahn Basel, Spale Bar, Vapiano, 800° Premium Steakhouse and more. The full list can be found on Baselworld.com.

In addition to the restaurants, three bars and clubs also have become Baselworld partners: Acqua, Soho and Singer, the latter of which will open a pop-up restaurant on its second floor specially for Baselworld visitors.

All three are located on the route from the Exhibition Square into the city.

“We know that gastronomy
in the city plays an important role in the evaluation of our visitors’ sojourn during the show,” Baselworld Managing Director Michel Loris-Melikoff said. “In this area, there was repeated criticism, especially that prices were too high at the time of the show or that the cost/benefit ratio was not appropriate. Together with our partners, we are now demonstrating that there are many positive alternatives in Basel, because we only recommend restaurants that offer our guests demonstrably fair prices and a culinary standard commensurate with Baselworld.”

In other company news, Baselworld operator MCH Group has appointed Bernd Stadlwieser as CEO.

He succeeds Hans-Kristian Hoejsgaard, who has been in the interim CEO position since September 2018, a role he took after René Kamm left the company in August after news broke that Swatch Group was pulling out of Baselworld.

Stadlwieser has more than 20 years’ experience in the watch, jewelry and arts sector as well as business development and digitization, having held positions at Swarovski, the Thomas Sabo group, photography company Avenso and Mondaine watches.
Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Jacquie Aiche’s Starry Galaxy Inlay Necklace
CollectionsApr 26, 2024
Piece of the Week: Jacquie Aiche’s Starry Galaxy Necklace

The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.

De Beers Venetia diamond mine in South Africa
SourcingApr 26, 2024
Anglo American Reportedly Shopping De Beers as BHP Eyes Anglo

Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.

Jesse Cole Savannah Bananas
EditorsApr 25, 2024
5 Tips for Creating Fans from the Top (Savannah) Banana

Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.

1-(3.18).JPG
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry Retail

With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.

John Mayer Audemars Piguet
WatchesApr 25, 2024
Audemars Piguet and John Mayer Partner on Limited Edition Watch

The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.

Weekly QuizApr 26, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
Take the Quiz
Stock image of rough diamonds mined by De Beers
SourcingApr 25, 2024
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2024

The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.

Jared Goff Presents Jared Jewelers’ Donation to Give Merit
MajorsApr 25, 2024
Detroit Lions’ QB Jared Goff Keeps Going to Jared

The three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.

Jewelers of America Fly In Washington, D.C.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your Business

For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.

Stock image of police crime scene tape
CrimeApr 24, 2024
Jewelry Crime Declines Significantly, But Dollar Losses Remain High

A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.

Kirsty Hume models Pippa Small Venus collection
CollectionsApr 24, 2024
Pippa Small Announces ‘Venus’ Collection

Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.

Pomellato Pom Pom Dot necklaces
FinancialsApr 24, 2024
Kering’s Jewelry Brands a Bright Spot in Tough Q1

The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.

JCK Industry Fund Logo
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2024
JCK Industry Fund Announces 2024 Grant Recipients

The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.

Aerial shot of the Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories
SourcingApr 24, 2024
Rio Tinto’s Q1 Production Drops Amid Pause to Honor Lost Colleagues

The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Deepsea in 18-karat yellow gold
WatchesApr 24, 2024
These Are Rolex’s New Watches for 2024

The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.

National Jeweler columnist Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsApr 23, 2024
The Smart Lab: Advanced Email Marketing Strategies for Mother’s Day

Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.

Hannoush Jewelers Queensbury NY location
IndependentsApr 23, 2024
Hannoush Jewelers Opens New Store in New York

Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.

203-carat, 116-carat, and 42-carat diamond
SourcingApr 23, 2024
Lucapa Sells 3 Diamonds for $10.5M in First Lulo Tender of 2024

A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.

William Ruser: The Jeweler Who Charmed Hollywood book cover
GradingApr 23, 2024
GIA Has a New Book About William Ruser

Ruser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.

Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo modeling Jacquie Aiche’s Rebel Heart collection
CollectionsApr 22, 2024
Jacquie Aiche’s New Campaign Stars Adam Levine, Behati Prinsloo

The “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.

American Gem Society Conclave logo 2024
EditorsApr 22, 2024
The 22 Best Quotes from AGS Conclave 2024

Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.

Virtual Diamond Boutique
SourcingApr 22, 2024
Virtual Diamond Boutique Rebrands as ‘VDB’

The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.

Signet Jewelers employees and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
MajorsApr 22, 2024
Signet Raises Nearly $9M for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

The money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.

Retrouvaí’s Treasure Necklace
CollectionsApr 19, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Treasure Necklace

A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.

Stock image crime handcuffs
CrimeApr 19, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO Show

Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.

China Pearl collage
MajorsApr 19, 2024
Unique Designs Acquires China Pearl

The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.

Printed and digital AGS Ideal grading reports
GradingApr 19, 2024
AGS Ideal Report Now Available in Printed Form

From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.

Stock image of a polished diamond in tweezers
SourcingApr 18, 2024
Diamond Trade Remains Cautious Amid Economic Uncertainty

De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy