IndependentsMay 10, 2024
Frank Adams Jewelers Names New CEOKimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.
Policies & IssuesNov 06, 2017
JA Joins Group Arguing for Online Sales Tax Reform
Jewelers of America is one of 10 retail trade associations urging the U.S. Supreme Court to reconsider its 25-year-old ruling on sales tax collection.
Jewelers of America President and CEO David J. Bonaparte called filing the amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to reconsider its ruling on online sales tax “a historic opportunity” for the industry to speak out on the issue. The court will be in session until June 2018 and hear arguments until late April.
Washington--Jewelers of America joined a group of 10 retail trade associations in urging the U.S. Supreme Court to reconsider Quill, the 1992 ruling that prevents states from collecting sales tax from online sellers that don’t have a physical presence in the state.
Filed Thursday, the 22-page amicus (friend-of-the-court) brief supports South Dakota’s just-filed petition to the court to reconsider Quill.
In it, the associations emphasize the negative impact they say “showrooming”--when consumers visit a store to touch, see and feel a product and learn about it from the sales staff but ultimately buy it online--has had on local sellers and retail centers in towns and cities across the country.
JA provided showrooming stories from jewelers for the brief, which began with this comment from a jeweler in Pittsburgh: “I am fine competing with online sellers, but I don’t like to see them start with a 7 percent price advantage,” he said, a reference to the total amount of sales tax he must collect.
A Beaumont, Texas jeweler who said that when a customer shops “his/her phone is out,” and that customer is using specific make and model information to research prices online.
And another Pennsylvania retailer included in the brief, a jeweler in the town of Mount Joy, said customers often ask the store to “cover” the tax for them.
This jeweler also noted that brick-and-mortar retailers do not have the option of simply curtailing their level of service for showrooming customers because they’d “get a bad view on Yelp!”
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to reconsider Quill in early October, after the state Supreme Court shot down a bill passed by state legislators requiring companies that make more than $100,000 in sales or have more than 200 transactions per calendar year in South Dakota to remit sales tax whether they have a physical presence in the state or not.
It was a deliberate move by lawmakers in that state to get the issue of online sales tax in front of the highest court in the land.
The Marketplace Fairness Coalition spearheaded the filing of the amicus brief. Joining JA in supporting it were: the American Lighting Association, American Supply Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, Auto Care Association, Home Furnishings Association, National Association of Electrical Distributors, National Association of College Stores, National Ski and Snowboard Retailers Association and National Sporting Goods Association.
In addition, the National Retail Federation
filed an amicus brief last week of its own urging the Supreme Court to take up the South Dakota case.
Commenting on the case, JA President and CEO David J. Bonaparte said: “We are hopeful the court will take up the South Dakota case and recognize that Quill does not reflect the retail landscape that exists today,” he said.
The U.S. Supreme Court’s current term began Oct. 2 and runs through June 2018. The last day of oral arguments is April 25, 2018, meaning the court has about six months to take up the case.
Commenting on the case, JA President and CEO David J. Bonaparte said: “We are hopeful the court will take up the South Dakota case and recognize that Quill does not reflect the retail landscape that exists today,” he said.
The U.S. Supreme Court’s current term began Oct. 2 and runs through June 2018. The last day of oral arguments is April 25, 2018, meaning the court has about six months to take up the case.
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
CollectionsMay 10, 2024
Piece of the Week: Carina Hardy’s ‘Birth of Venus’ NecklaceAs a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
MajorsMay 09, 2024
Watches of Switzerland Pays $130M for Roberto Coin Inc.The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.
Brought to you by
From Registration to Return: 10 Tips to Protect You Before, During and After a TradeshowTradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
TrendsMay 09, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: Shine Bright, Moms Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
Weekly QuizMay 09, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
IndependentsMay 09, 2024
Kyle Edward Fine Jewelry to Close Salisbury StoreThe company’s Easton location will remain open.
MajorsMay 09, 2024
JBT Elects New ChairmanBrian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.
Brought to you by
Rio’s Reimagined Podcast: For the Love of JewelersMeet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
Supplier BulletinMay 08, 2024
Fusing Past and Present at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
EditorsMay 07, 2024
Q&A: Author Vikki Tobak on the ‘Ice-Cold’ ExhibitionTobak, author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” shares how the exhibition came to be, and the pieces people may be surprised to see.
EditorsMay 07, 2024
10 On-Theme Looks from the 2024 Met GalaStars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.
IndependentsMay 07, 2024
112-Year-Old New Orleans Business Popping Up in Aspen M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.
MajorsMay 07, 2024
Richemont Acquires Italian Jeweler VhernierThe branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
These ‘Luminaries’ Are Set to Light Up CoutureThe six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.
AuctionsMay 07, 2024
Sotheby’s to Auction Sylvester Stallone’s WatchesThe highlight of his collection is the coveted Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which could sell for up to $5 million.
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
Phillip Gavriel Pays Tribute to Venice With New CollectionThe “Venetian Link” series modernizes the classic Veneziana box chain in its bracelets and necklaces.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2024
JA Now Accepting Applications for New Bench Jeweler ScholarshipThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship will provide tuition assistance to two low-income students.
EditorsMay 06, 2024
Q&A: 8 Questions With Anglo American’s Benny Oeyen The executive talked about the importance of self-purchasers and how fuel cell electric vehicles are going to fuel demand for platinum.
MajorsMay 06, 2024
Malabar Gold & Diamonds Opens 4th U.S. ShowroomThe Indian jeweler’s new store in Naperville, Illinois marks its 350th location, part of its ongoing global expansion plans.
Events & AwardsMay 06, 2024
Ben Bridge Jeweler Accepting Applications for Lonia Tate ScholarshipIt will award a graduating high school student with about $10,000 toward a GIA diploma and an internship with the Seattle-based jeweler.
CrimeMay 03, 2024
Second Suspect Arrested in Murder of Colorado JewelerWheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
A Sneak Peek Into PGI’s Couture Platinum Spotlight ProgramPGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
MajorsMay 03, 2024
Kristie Nicolosi Joins WJA Board AgainNicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
Piece of the Week: A “Bit of LUV” for the DerbyKarina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
CrimeMay 02, 2024
4 Indicted in Burglary Ring Targeting Indian, South Asian FamiliesThe men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
CollectionsMay 02, 2024
Foundrae Launches ‘Horizon’ Collection“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
FinancialsMay 02, 2024
Pandora Raises Guidance After Strong Q1The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
