Plus, parent company Saks Global announces plans to cut ties with up to 600 vendors.
Retailers Need Clarity on Updated Mask Guidance, Says NRF
Differing guidance on the federal, state, and local levels is causing confusion for retailers and customers.

Last Thursday, the CDC announced fully vaccinated individuals could resume most indoor and outdoor activities without wearing a mask.
With no easy way to tell who is and isn’t vaccinated, the updated guidance may prove difficult for retailers.
The National Retail Federation and the Retail Industry Leaders Association sent a letter to Governor Andrew Cuomo, chairman of the National Governors Association, and Mayor Greg Fischer, president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, to explain the growing complexity of the situation and ask for assistance.
The guidance from the CDC is not law itself, but it influences lawmakers’ decisions on the federal, state, and local level.
When the guidance on each level differs, it can complicate the situation for retailers, employees, and consumers.
“As state and local officials consider the evolving federal guidance on masks, we urge thoughtful consideration related to the practicality of state and local orders,” said the letter.
The trade organizations are wary the onus will fall on retail employees to serve as “de facto law enforcement” related to the mask guidance.
The letter noted that given the risk of confrontation with customers who refuse masks, some retailers have offered de-escalation training to help employees manage conflicts and have also hired third-party security guards to handle those situations.
“Our recommendation is to permit state and local orders to track CDC guidance closely, allowing retailers to make national policy decisions that reflect the most current scientific advice.
“If localities choose to keep mask requirements in place for unvaccinated Americans, administration of these requirements must not be placed on retail employees.”
Several major retailers have lifted the mask mandate for fully vaccinated customers, including Walmart, Target, Costco, and Starbucks.
For more information about current health and safety guidance, visit the CDC website.
The Latest

Peter Smith joined Michelle Graff to chat about the state of brick-and-mortar stores and share a few book and podcast recommendations.

The necklace features a candy-colored Australian white opal in 18-karat Fairmined gold, as the brand was named a Fairmined ambassador.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show


A private American collector purchased the 10-carat fancy vivid blue diamond.

The designer has taken the appeal of freshly picked fruit and channeled it into a capsule collection of earrings, necklaces, and pendants.

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

The country’s gem and jewelry exports fell 5 percent year-over-year last month, while imports declined 18 percent.

The event is also accepting poster submissions now through June 16.

The one-of-a-kind platinum Rolex Cosmograph Daytona was estimated to fetch up to $1.7 million.

While the product has entrenched itself in the market, retailers and consultants are assessing the next phase of the category’s development.

The police are trying to identify the man suspected of robbing two Tiffany & Co. locations in the area.

The well-known Maine jeweler takes over for Brian Fleming and will serve a one-year term.

The donation was the result of the brand’s annual Earth Day Ingot event.

Located in NorthPark Center, the revamped store is nearly 2,000 square feet larger and includes the first Tudor boutique in Dallas.

The nonprofit has made updates to the content in its beginner and advanced jewelry sales courses.

BIJC President Malyia McNaughton will shift roles to lead the new foundation, and Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez will succeed her as president.

As a nod to the theme of JCK Las Vegas 2025, “Decades,” National Jeweler took a look back at the top 10 jewelry trends of the past 10 years.

The company plans to halt all consumer-facing activity this summer, while Lightbox factory operations will cease by the end of the year.

Following weekend negotiations, the tax on Chinese goods imported into the United States will drop by 115 percent for the next 90 days.

“Artists’ Jewelry: From Cubism to Pop, the Diane Venet Collection” is on view at the Norton Museum of Art through October.

The deadline to submit is June 16.

Moti Ferder stepped down Wednesday and will not receive any severance pay, parent company Compass Diversified said.

Lichtenberg partnered with luxury platform Mytheresa on two designs honoring the connection between mothers and daughters.

The miner announced plans to recommence open-pit mining at Kagem.

Michel Desalles allegedly murdered Omid Gholian inside World of Gold N Diamond using zip ties and then fled the country.