Continental Buying Group (CBG) is building on the momentum from its Las Vegas event by announcing its next show in Phoenix, featuring a new pavilion for emerging suppliers and replacing traditional breakfasts with facilitated strategy roundtables. For overseas jewelry buyers, this signals CBG's push to strengthen independent retail networks and create structured entry points for new brands, potentially opening new distribution channels for suppliers targeting the U.S. independent retail market.
Show details and timing
Following a two-day event in Las Vegas, CBG is gearing up for its Phoenix show. The event will continue the Curated Designer Project (CDP), a pavilion showcasing independent fine jewelry designers. CBG is also debuting "The Essentials," a fully furnished, enclosed pavilion spotlighting emerging and value-oriented suppliers, providing a structured entry point for newer brands to build relationships with independent retail members.
New format for peer-to-peer engagement
Traditional breakfast sessions will be replaced by facilitated Strategy Roundtables, designed to generate more meaningful peer-to-peer dialogue among CBG's retail and supplier members. Organizers said the roundtables aim to give retailers a forum for honest conversation about daily challenges and opportunities.
What buyers should watch
For international suppliers and brands, the Phoenix show represents a chance to access CBG's network of independent U.S. retailers through the new Essentials pavilion. The shift toward structured roundtables suggests CBG is prioritizing deeper buyer-supplier engagement over passive presentations. Suppliers targeting independent jewelers should monitor CBG's membership growth and the types of brands selected for the Essentials pavilion.
China sourcing context
While CBG is a U.S.-based buying group, its focus on value-oriented and emerging suppliers aligns with trends in China's jewelry manufacturing sector, where OEM/ODM producers are increasingly seeking direct relationships with independent retailers. Suppliers in China's jewelry hubs—such as Shenzhen for gold and silver, or Panyu for diamond and gemstone setting—may find the Essentials pavilion a cost-effective entry point to test the U.S. independent retail channel without committing to larger trade shows.
Source: Read the original report | Published: June 12, 2026