JA urges members to fight luxury-tax initiatives
New York--Concerned about proposed legislation in New York and Illinois to enact luxury taxes on jewelry and watches, Jewelers of America (JA) is asking retail jewelers to join its letter-writing and...
Illinois drops plan for luxury tax
New York--The state of Illinois has abandoned legislation that would have placed a 5 percent luxury tax on in-state purchases of jewelry and timepieces totaling more than $20,000, Jewelers of America...
Robbins Bros. files Chapter 11, sells stores
California-based jewelry chain Robbins Bros. Corp. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Tuesday, making it the latest major jewelry retailer to fall prey to the economic crisis.
DJM Realty to handle remaining Whitehall leases
Melville, N.Y.—DJM Realty will handle the disposition of the 355 remaining stores leases for Whitehall Jewelers Holdings Inc., according to PRNewswire.
Women on jewelry gifts: Love 'em or hate 'em
Chicago—One in five women cite jewelry as their favorite holiday gift to receive, but 8 percent cite jewelry as the worst holiday gift to receive, a new study finds.
N.Y. state budget passes without luxury tax
New York--The New York state legislature has officially passed the fiscal year 2009-2010 state budget and it does not include a luxury tax, Jewelers of America (JA) announced on Monday.
Wal-Mart ranks romance, state by state
Bentonville, Ark.—Depending on the state they live in, women could be thrilled or disappointed this Valentine's Day, as Wal-Mart announced its list of the most romantic states based on sales...
Christian Bernard obtains trustee, plans to liquidate
Newark, N.J.--A trustee has been appointed to head bankrupt Christian Bernard Stores Corp., and the chain will move forward with liquidation, according to a news release issued on Friday.
Christian Bernard files for bankruptcy
Christian Bernard Stores Corp. filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy the day after Christmas, citing falling sales and limited access to credit, court documents show.
Judge gives Whitehall OK for liquidation
Wilmington, Del.—A bankruptcy judge honored Whitehall Jeweler's request to liquidate the assets in its stores via going-out-of-business (GOB) sales, and to sell some of its stores as going...
Iridesse continues U.S. expansion
New York—Iridesse, the pearl-jewelry retailer founded by Tiffany and Co., has announced plans to open its newest location at Westfield's Valley Fair Mall in Santa Clara, Calif. The latest...
Wal-Mart tops 2007 retailer list
Washington, D.C.—As it has for the past 17 years, Wal-Mart ranks No. 1 on Stores magazine's Top 100 Retailers list, with 2007 sales of $379 billion.
JSA reports similar robberies in Wisconsin, Illinois
Three recent robberies in Wisconsin and Illinois appear to involve the same gang, according to the Jewelers' Security Alliance (JSA).
NRF urges Senate to amend Credit Card Reform Bill
Washington--The National Retail Federation (NRF) is urging the Senate to approve an amendment to the Credit Card Reform Bill that would make it easier for retailers to offer discounts to customers who...
Industry marketer Fruchtman wins ad award
Toledo, Ohio--Fruchtman Marketing, a full-service advertising agency that specializes in marketing for the fine-jewelry industry, has taken home a Silver Addy Award in the Advertising Club of Toledo's...
Court approves Christian Bernard liquidation sale
Secaucus, N.J.--A court has approved a plan for the complete liquidation of bankrupt Christian Bernard Stores Corp.'s assets, according to a media release issued on Friday.
Gitanjali eyeing Whitehall leases in Midwest, CA
Mumbai, India—Indian jewelry retailer Gitanjali Gems will most likely obtain the leases for a handful of Whitehall Jewelers stores, National Jeweler has learned.
N.Y. rejects proposed luxury tax
Albany, N.Y.--Legislators for the state of New York have rejected New York Gov. David Paterson's proposal for a luxury tax on jewelry and watches, among other products, according to a report from the...
MJSA, FJTA call for uniform lead standards
Providence, R.I.—Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America (MJSA) and the Fashion Jewelry Trade Association (FJTA) are supporting national legislation that would establish a uniform...
NRF welcomes bill on credit card fees
Washington, D.C.—The National Retail Federation (NRF) is cheering the introduction of a Senate bill that would require Visa and MasterCard to negotiate with merchants over "hidden" credit card...