CollectionsApr 26, 2024
Piece of the Week: Jacquie Aiche’s Starry Galaxy NecklaceThe necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
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
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
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
Events & AwardsApr 26, 2024
AGS Conclave and GIA Symposium Are ConvergingThe two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
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.
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
Events & AwardsApr 25, 2024
Alexis Padis Takes Over as AGS Board President Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
Weekly QuizApr 26, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
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.
WatchesApr 25, 2024
Audemars Piguet and John Mayer Partner on Limited Edition WatchThe Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your BusinessFor over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
SourcingApr 25, 2024
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2024The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
MajorsApr 25, 2024
Detroit Lions’ QB Jared Goff Keeps Going to JaredThe three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
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.
CollectionsApr 24, 2024
Pippa Small Announces ‘Venus’ CollectionInspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
FinancialsApr 24, 2024
Kering’s Jewelry Brands a Bright Spot in Tough Q1The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2024
JCK Industry Fund Announces 2024 Grant RecipientsThe selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
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.
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.
ColumnistsApr 23, 2024
The Smart Lab: Advanced Email Marketing Strategies for Mother’s DayEmmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
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.
SourcingApr 23, 2024
Lucapa Sells 3 Diamonds for $10.5M in First Lulo Tender of 2024A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
GradingApr 23, 2024
GIA Has a New Book About William RuserRuser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
CollectionsApr 22, 2024
Jacquie Aiche’s New Campaign Stars Adam Levine, Behati PrinslooThe “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
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.
SourcingApr 22, 2024
Virtual Diamond Boutique Rebrands as ‘VDB’The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
MajorsApr 22, 2024
Signet Raises Nearly $9M for St. Jude Children’s Research HospitalThe money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
CollectionsApr 19, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Treasure NecklaceA new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
CrimeApr 19, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO ShowLast month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
MajorsApr 19, 2024
Unique Designs Acquires China PearlThe move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
