The Retail Jewelers Organization held what vendors called a respectable but unspectacular show recently in San Antonio.

Overall show attendance was 192 stores, about the same as in previous years. Allen Lipscher of Global Diamonds in Chicago said buyers were “cautiously optimistic after a generally good Christmas selling season.” He found many using computer inventory systems to guide their purchasing decisions. “They are buying not with their hearts, but with their data,” he said.

RJO CEO Mary Peterson noted the group experimented with several new ideas for this year’s show, which was held at a hotel on the city’s famed “Riverwalk.” Among them were expanded social events, including a farewell breakfast where a Caribbean Cruise and Dell Computer were raffled off. A mariachi band and a motivational speech by Peterson welcomed attendees on the first day. RJO also installed furniture and a masseuse on the show floor.

“You are on the show floor for so long, we wanted to make it more comfortable for people,” Peterson said.