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

Retrouvai Green Sapphire and Diamond Heirloom Bezel Ring for Charity
CollectionsDec 20, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Ring for Charity

In the spirit of giving, Retrouvaí will donate $4,000 from the sale of this ring to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

DeVries Jewelers
IndependentsDec 19, 2024
Michigan’s DeVries Jewelers Unveils New Location in Time for the Holidays

Co-owner Dan DeVries shared what it’s like moving into a space triple the size of its old store and how it feels to be a “real jeweler” now.

State Property Gardens Collection Campaign
CollectionsDec 19, 2024
State Property Transforms Spain’s Generalife Gardens into Jewelry

Along with the latest “Gardens” collection, the brand has released limited-edition designs offering more indulgent pieces.

me_myself_and_I_1872x1052 .jpg
Brought to you by
De Beers Group Launches Holiday Campaign for Natural Diamonds

‘Forever Present’ campaign revives the iconic A Diamond is Forever tagline and celebrates the diamond dream.

Two people in a rowboat
CrimeDec 19, 2024
Alleged Jewelry Thieves Attempt Rowboat Escape

The man and woman are accused of stealing jewelry from a shipping container then trying to flee by paddling a small boat out into a bay.

Weekly QuizDec 19, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
2488-carat diamond found in Botswana
SourcingDec 19, 2024
The Second-Largest Diamond Ever Found Now Has a Name

The 2,488-carat diamond recovered from a mine in Botswana has been dubbed “Motswedi” while its 1,094-carat sibling is “Seriti.”

Rough rubies
SourcingDec 19, 2024
Gemfields Reports Record Ruby Auction Results Despite Challenges at Source

The average price per carat hit a record high for the miner, which said it remains unaffected by the conflict in Mozambique.

ja nj btyb.jpg
Brought to you by
Advocacy and Excellence: How Jewelers of America Is Committed to Elevating Our Industry

For over a century, Jewelers of America has been the voice of the industry and valuable resource to jewelers across the country.

alexandrite ring
AuctionsDec 18, 2024
Alexandrite Ring Sells for Record-Setting $1.9M at Sotheby’s

The nearly 17-carat stone made history for the color-change gem that, according to the auction house, is experiencing a “notable surge” in the market.

Tiffany & Co. pocket watch gifted to captain of the Carpathia
WatchesDec 18, 2024
Historic Titanic Pocket Watch Winds Its Way Back to Tiffany & Co.

More than a century after survivors gifted a Tiffany timepiece to the captain of the ship that rescued them, the jeweler has reclaimed it.

Picchiotti Spotlight Campaign Video Still
TechnologyDec 18, 2024
Picchiotti Utilizes AI in ‘Spotlight’ Video Campaign

The videos highlight how pieces from the “Xpandable” and “Reversible Xpandable” collections put the wearer in the spotlight.

Steve Feldman
IndependentsDec 18, 2024
Industry Veteran Steve Feldman Set to Retire

Feldman reflected on 45 years in the jewelry industry and clarified that it’s not a total retirement.

Frank Circelli
SourcingDec 17, 2024
Frank Circelli, Founder of Gem Shopping Network, Dies at 75

Circelli was a pioneer in the world of TV shopping who is remembered for his passion for gemstones and his big personality.

Blue diamond ring
AuctionsDec 17, 2024
Blue Diamond Fetches $8.8M at Christie’s

The nearly 6-carat stone headlined the recent jewelry auction, which also featured Mica Ertegun’s jewelry.

Stock image of a gavel, handcuffs, and books
CrimeDec 17, 2024
‘Black Bin Crew’ Robbers Get 14-16 Years in Prison

The three men, who got their nickname because they’d toss the jewelry they stole into black plastic bins, were arrested back in August.

Cover of the new book “The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance”
TrendsDec 16, 2024
Marion Fasel’s New Book Delves Into the History of Engagement Rings

“The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance” is a 128-page small-format book containing more than 165 images.

Rolex store on Rodeo Drive
WatchesDec 16, 2024
Take a Look Inside the New Rolex Boutique on Rodeo Drive

Gearys opened a 6,200-square-foot Rolex store with a design that pays homage to the brand’s connection to the ocean.

GCAL 8X pear and marquise-cut diamonds
GradingDec 16, 2024
GCAL By Sarine Expands 8X to 2 More Fancy Shapes

The diamond cut grade is now available for marquise- and pear-shaped diamonds.

Claudia Cividino, Sissy’s Log Cabin, Shri Govind Dholakia, Tanishq
SourcingDec 16, 2024
Diamonds Do Good Announces 2025 Award Recipients

DDG said the honorees’ business practices embody a commitment to positive social impact, industry innovation, and community empowerment.

Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco, Engagement Ring
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Selena Gomez Said ‘Forever Begins Now’ to Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring

Estimates on the size and value of the solitaire diamond, which is mounted on a diamond pavé-set yellow gold band, vary.

Martin Katz tanzanite drop earrings
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Piece of the Week: Martin Katz’s Tanzanite Drops

These half-moon tanzanite earrings totaling 25 carats are part of a special trunk show taking place this weekend in Dallas.

My Next Question webinar graphic
Recorded WebinarsDec 13, 2024
Watch: The Highs and Lows of 2024

The National Jeweler editors recap the top news, the best jewels, and their favorite stories of the year.

Tom Brady’s Rolex Daytona Paul Newman “John Player Special”
AuctionsDec 12, 2024
Tom Brady’s Watches Top $4M at Sotheby’s Auction

The highest-grossing lot of the sale was the retired QB’s Rolex Paul Newman Daytona “John Player Special.”

Grizzly emerald mining
SourcingDec 12, 2024
Grizzly Emerald Auction Garners $22.4M

Recent expansion initiatives at the Zambian emerald mine have shown strong production numbers, said Grizzly founder Abdoulaye Ndiaye.

Carrie Forman
MajorsDec 12, 2024
Mark Henry Appoints New Director of Sales

Carrie Forman joins the brand to guide it into the next phase of growth with major and independent retailers in the U.S. and abroad.

Models wearing jewelry by 2024 Shining Light Award winners
SourcingDec 12, 2024
De Beers Announces 2024 ‘Shining Light’ Award Winners

The competition awarded 12 designers, each from a country where De Beers recovers diamonds, with business support and tuition assistance.

Woman wearing a snake ring and bracelet
CollectionsDec 12, 2024
The Jared Atelier x Vera Wang Collection Emphasizes Elegance

The high jewelry collection features 14 one-of-a-kind pieces, with serpent and ribbon motifs winding their way through the collection.

×

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