SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
MajorsApr 06, 2015
Zale faces possible class action for time shaving
Lawyers in California are seeking to bring a class action lawsuit against the retail chain on behalf of nearly 20,000 employees who allegedly were cheated out of overtime pay.
San Diego--Lawyers in California are seeking to bring a class action lawsuit against Zale Corp. on behalf of nearly 20,000 employees who allegedly were cheated out of overtime pay because they had minutes “shaved” off their timecards.
Originally filed in July 2013, the case began with a woman named Naomi Tapia, who worked as a non-exempt employee (an employee who must be compensated for overtime; generally, an hourly employee) at the Zales store at Imperial Valley Mall in southern California from May 2012 until she was fired six months later, in November.
The lawsuit, which was filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, claims that Tapia was not compensated for all the overtime hours she worked due to the retailer’s uniform “time shaving” policy.
Time shaving is the practice of rounding off the number of hours put in by an employee. Tapia’s time records for Oct. 14, 2012 are included in the suit as Exhibit B, and they show that she worked 9 hours and 3 minutes that day but was paid only for 1 hour of overtime, rather than 1 hour and 3 minutes.
The suit also alleges that when Tapia was paid overtime, her wage was not calculated properly because it did not factor in commissions to her regular rate of pay, which subsequently is used to determine an employee’s overtime rate. Court papers state that under federal law, commission and all “value received via an employment relationship” must be factored into the calculation of the regular rate of pay.
It also claims she was not provided accurate, itemized wage statements and was recorded as taking full 30-minute lunches even when she didn’t do so.
According to the lawsuit, Zale’s practices violated both the federal Fair Labor Standards Act and labor laws in California.
On Wednesday, Tapia’s attorneys filed a motion in California federal court to have her claims certified as a class on behalf of all those who worked as non-exempt employees of Zale Corp. in California between July 3, 2009 and the time of the trial, and for those who worked for Zale anywhere else in the United States between July 3, 2010 and the time of the trial, court papers show.
That adds up to more than 19,000 employees.
A spokesman for Signet Jewelers Ltd., which acquired Zale in a $1.4 billion deal last year, said the
company is “vigorously” defending itself against the allegations in this ongoing case, and will file its response to Wednesday’s motion pursuant to the schedule set by the court.
The lawyers representing Tapia and the potential class did not respond to request for comment by deadline.
More on Majors
The Latest
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact ReportThe annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 BoardThe governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
