EditorsJul 29, 2026
Q&A: The Past and Future of Angola’s Diamond Industry Endiama Commercial Director Elton Escrivão knows people have a lot of misperceptions about Angola. He wants to change that.
MajorsJul 09, 2020
Major Retailers Call for Mask Mandate
In a letter to U.S. governors, the Retail Industry Leaders Association called for a uniform approach to safety measures amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The Retail Industry Leaders Association, which represents Target, Home Depot and other major retailers, wrote a letter to U.S. governors requesting they issue “concise, statewide” safety protocols, including mandating the wearing of masks in stores. (Photo courtesy of Engin Akyurt)
New York—The Retail Industry Leaders Association, which represents Target, Home Depot and other major retailers, is calling on the governors of all 50 states to require customers to wear masks when shopping or in public spaces.
In a letter to the National Governors Association, RILA stressed the need for a “uniform approach” to safety measures, like wearing masks and social distancing, and said the “patchwork of local mandates” makes it difficult for retailers to implement safety protocols.
“While well-intended at the time, conflicts stemming from local law enforcement agencies applying their own interpretations of conflicting state and local mandates forced retailers to shift valuable time away from store operations,” the organization said.
The letter asked governors to issue “concise, statewide orders” to avoid confusion and reduce conflicts between employees and customers.
Only half of jewelers said they’re requiring customers to wear a mask inside their stores, according to a recent survey by InStore magazine.
Many of the respondents who required masks cited concern for their employees.
“As we have staff in their 70s and 80s, we feel that it would be counterproductive to put them at risk just for a potential sale,” said Rex Solomon of Houston Jewelry in Houston, Texas.
Some have faced pushback from customers, including Solomon, who said some customers had refused to enter the store until employees removed their masks.
Others in the InStore survey in the “yes” category opted to let the customers decide.
“It is highly recommended, but not mandatory. We do offer masks for those who don’t have one, but we don’t force the issue,’ said Kirsten Reynolds of Windsor Gallery in Salisbury, North Carolina.
Several jewelers who said they do not require masks cited giving customers the freedom to choose as a reason, while others feared losing a potential sale.
“Last week, I would have lost a $400 sale if I had mandated masks,” Loann Stokes of Stokes Jewelry in Stillwater, Minnesota told InStore.
Reports of customers refusing to wear masks in a variety of stores across the country have piled up in recent weeks.
In its letter, RILA pointed to “troubling incidents” on social media involving “aggressive customers” refusing to wear masks.
“Despite compliance from the majority of Americans, retailers are alarmed with the instances of hostility and violence front-line employees are experiencing by a vocal minority of customers who are under the misguided impression that wearing a mask is a violation of their civil liberties,” said RILA.
A video surfaced
last month of a man forcing his way into a Walmart store in Florida, pushing an employee after he was denied entry without a mask.
“We strongly recommend store employees not be charged with primary enforcement of mask mandates and that retailers not be fined for a customer’s non-compliance,” the association said.
RILA said keeping retailers open is dependent upon people observing social distancing and other recommended hygiene practices.
While the effectiveness of wearing face coverings was “ambiguous” at the start of the pandemic, said RILA, the impact now is “abundantly clear.”
The organization released a blueprint for safe shopping in May, outlining an approach to reopening that would meet its three criteria: protecting the community, a safe reopening of retail, and the establishment of “clear expectations” for employees and customers.
“We strongly recommend store employees not be charged with primary enforcement of mask mandates and that retailers not be fined for a customer’s non-compliance,” the association said.
RILA said keeping retailers open is dependent upon people observing social distancing and other recommended hygiene practices.
While the effectiveness of wearing face coverings was “ambiguous” at the start of the pandemic, said RILA, the impact now is “abundantly clear.”
The organization released a blueprint for safe shopping in May, outlining an approach to reopening that would meet its three criteria: protecting the community, a safe reopening of retail, and the establishment of “clear expectations” for employees and customers.
More on Majors
The Latest
FinancialsJul 29, 2026
Kering’s H1 Jewelry Sales Up 14%Boucheron reached record sales while Pomellato found success in its signature collections.
Events & AwardsJul 29, 2026
Lauren Harwell Godfrey Designs a Flag for ArkansasShe was one of more than 120 American designers who created flags for the “United Flags of Fashion” project led by CFDA and Vogue.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
ColumnistsJul 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Why Your Job Postings May Be Working Against You Smith reveals the method The Retail Smiths use to help retailers and vendors write better job postings.
Weekly QuizJul 23, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsJul 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Lead the Way for LVMH in H1LVMH’s jewelry and watch brands outperformed the company’s other divisions in an environment the company described as “disrupted.”
CollectionsJul 28, 2026
Lionheart’s New Collection Unites Spiritual Iconography“Sacred Heart” features symbols like crosses, angel wings, the Star of David, and the evil eye as a representation of coexistence.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
Events & AwardsJul 28, 2026
The Edge Funding 2 Scholarships Via 24 Karat Club SEUS The scholarships will go to early-career professionals looking to study gemology, bench work and jewelry design, or store operations.
SurveysJul 27, 2026
Jewelry Leads Luxury Market Amid Stabilization, Bain SaysBain & Company delved into the trends shaping the luxury market, the impact of AI, and more in its recent study.
SourcingJul 27, 2026
‘Rubies’ Goes on Display at Harvard MuseumThe exhibition reveals the gemology, geology, and cultural history of the iconic red gemstone.
Policies & IssuesJul 24, 2026
New Trump Tariffs: What They Mean for Jewelry The new sweeping slate of tariffs impacts 60 countries, including India, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ode to ‘The Odyssey’From coin pendants to diamond shields, these old world-inspired jewels are the perfect accessory for an epic journey.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Courtney Leidy’s Silk Cord Pendants Center Unexpected Pairings Our Piece of the Week pairs a checkerboard-cut amethyst with an ivy green silk cord.
PodcastsJul 23, 2026
Episode 7: Reinhold Jewelers on the Power of RelationshipsMildred Marcano Abrams and Yael Reinhold join the podcast to talk community connections, holiday plans, and preserving Reinhold’s legacy.
SourcingJul 23, 2026
De Beers’ Production Jumps 88 Percent in Q2 Production also was up in the first half of 2026 but is expected to “substantially” decrease in H2 as two key mines undergo maintenance.
CollectionsJul 23, 2026
Silvia Furmanovich’s New Collection Travels Back to the 1920s“Art Deco” fuses ancestral techniques, rare materials, and modern perspectives as a tribute to the optimism and curiosity of the movement.
IndependentsJul 23, 2026
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens Casino StoreThe jeweler’s newest store is inside Arkansas’ Saracen Casino Resort.
WatchesJul 23, 2026
Movado Inks Licensing Deal With Kate Spade New YorkThe watch company will design, manufacture, and distribute Kate Spade New York watches.
Policies & IssuesJul 22, 2026
Trump to Put 50% Tariff on Canadian Goods The higher tax is set to go into effect in August and will apply to loose polished diamonds as well as precious and base metals jewelry.
CollectionsJul 22, 2026
Monica Rich Kosann’s High Jewelry Is FruitfulThe “Enchanted Garden” series features a cherry, lemon, and pear that each hold a little secret inside.
IndependentsJul 22, 2026
Liljenquist Beckstead Opens Rolex New BoutiqueIt’s located in Tysons Galleria, an upscale shopping center in the Washington, D.C., metro area.
Events & AwardsJul 22, 2026
NY Now Returns in August Under New OwnershipThe show, recently acquired by Rockview Management Group, will be held at New York City’s Javits Center from Aug. 2-4.
ColumnistsJul 21, 2026
Sherry Smith: Shattering the Illusion of the ‘Either/Or’ Diamond MarketSmith offers retailers guidance on creating an environment where natural and lab-grown diamonds can both thrive.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2026
Apollo Funds Completes Emerald AcquisitionFormer Emerald President and CEO Hervé Sedky has transitioned to the role of senior advisor.
CollectionsJul 21, 2026
Graff’s New Butterfly High Jewelry Brooches MetamorphosizeThe 12-piece capsule collection transforms from brooches to pendants.
SourcingJul 21, 2026
Anglo Reportedly Selects Gareth Penny’s Consortium as Top Bidder for De BeersA Botswana government official told lawmakers Anglo has selected The Global Diamond Consortium, an entity chaired by Penny, to buy De Beers.
