Do You Support a Sales Tax for Online Purchases?

The Marketplace Fairness Act was approved in the U.S. Senate, and is headed for the Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives. The bill would require merchants to collect sales taxes on online purchases.

It's called the "Marketplace Fairness Act" and supporters say it levels the playing field between online retailers and brick-and-mortar stores by requiring online merchants to pay sales taxes to the states, counties and localities where they have done business. Opponents include anti-tax activists and retailers who say it will be overly burdensome—in fact, nearly impossible, they say, to keep track of the tax rates and tax requirements for the myriad of taxing agencies where they may be doing business. The Marketplace Fairness Act passed the U.S. Senate 69-27 on Monday. Next up, the legislation goes to the GOP-led House. President Barack Obama has previously said he supports the bill. Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill, a Democrat, voted for …

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PaulRevere

12:20 am on Monday, May 20, 2013

Let me commend you on your typing abilities. In 1986 the US congress passed "new laws" for immigration. Even though we had hundreds of laws stating exactly how to deport those breaking the laws. None were followed. The Govt just did not follow the laws. Amnesty took place with maybe under 6mill illegals kept in this country. So now we have over 14mill new illegals. So now in 2013 congress wants …   more ›

Business Spotlight

West County Center Extends Hours for Holiday Shopping

The mall is one of five in the greater St. Louis area that has pushed back hours through Dec. 24.

Those looking to do some last-minute shopping at West County Center have even more hours to find the perfect holiday gift. West County Center, along with four other malls owned by CBL & Associate's, has extended its hours through Monday Dec. 24. Holiday shopping hours are: Other CBL properties are: More Stories About West County Center:

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Ask the Patch Pro: Local Experts Answer Your Holiday Budgeting Questions

Our panel of experts are waiting in the comments to answer your questions about shopping and maintaining a budget during the holidays in the latest installment of Ask the Patch Pro.

It's time for another edition of Ask the Patch Pro, where each week we tackle a different topic and open up the comments section for questions. Our team of experts stop in to help you out and answer your questions. This week we're talking about sticking to a budget for the holiday shopping season. Patch wants to help find the answers to all your questions about wise holiday spending, but we needed a little help.  We've compiled a team of experts to help us out. Meet the experts:

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Holiday 2012 Shopping Guide: Video Games

Need to find something for the gamer in your life? Check out our handy holiday shopping guide.

If you’re unfamiliar with the world of video games, stepping into the games section of a Best Buy or entering a Gamestop can be a bewildering experience. Perhaps you're a parent wanting something fun and wholesome for your kid, a girlfriend wondering what her refuses-to-grow-up boyfriend might like or a grandparent trying to impress a grandchild with your grasp of technology. Have no fear, Patch has complied a list of some the holiday’s best and biggest games, along with some recommendations for who might enjoy them. "Call of Duty: Black Ops II" $59.99, Mature (Xbox 360, Playstion 3, PC, Nintendo Wii U) – For some seasoned parents of video game-obsessed kids, this name may sound familiar, and it should. The “Call of Duty” franchise …

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Business Spotlight

Kirkwood's Craft Caboose to Close Doors Dec. 23

News of the announcement triggers outpouring of support for the kids craft studio.

After nearly two years of providing children with do-it-yourself fun, Craft Caboose will close its doors in Downtown Kirkwood Dec. 23. The locally owned and operated business at 105 East Argonne Rd., posted the following to its Facebook page on Tuesday: Closing Our Doors: The Craft Caboose will be closing our business on December 23rd. We want to thank everyone for your business over the last two years. We will remain open December 1st through December 22 having our parties and walkin studio times. We are planning a storewide sale in January. Please pass the word to Parents, Scout Leaders, and Teachers. We will sell our craft kits, paints, craft supplies, and even furniture at a great savings to you. You can call and leave a message if you…

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Black Friday: News and Updates

Find the latest on Black Friday lines, deals and news as it happens. If you see something we should know about, send us a tip at Maggie.Rotermund@patch.com or tweet @UniCityPatch.

It's the biggest shopping day of the year. Share your stories with Patch.

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Where to Find a Nintendo Wii U in Kirkwood

The next-generation gaming console went on sale last weekend, but shortages are expected for those without pre-orders.

It's just past release day for the latest gaming console from Nintendo and only the quick or those with pre-orders are likely to find one in stores.  The Nintendo Wii U debuts at $300 and likely to be one of the most sought-after items of the holiday season with the company hoping to move 3.5 million units this year. However, national media is reporting that shoppers who haven't pre-ordered can expect day-one shortages.  Representatives from area locations of Target, Walmart and Best Buy said they would have some Wii U's on hand for those who didn't pre-order, but expected them to sell out quickly. "I would get here soon rather than later" was the advice of one electronics clerk. Video game retailer Gamestop said its St. Louis stores will …

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Sneak Peek at Walmart Black Friday Deals in Kirkwood

The retail giant will be open all day in Kirkwood on Thanksgiving Day, then Black Friday sales begin at 8 p.m. Here's what you'll find, plus how the store plans to handle security.

Holiday shoppers get ready! The holiday shopping season is getting underway. Walmart is beginning its Black Friday deals at its earliest time ever this year. St. Louis area stores will be open all day on Thursday and will begin running "Black Friday" sales at 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.  As the world’s largest retailer prepares for one of the most popular shopping days of the year, Patch got a sneak peak at some of the deals the store will offer shoppers, including the Kirkwood Walmart. (View some of the deals in the photo portion of this article). Walmart staff said the store is offering its best Black Friday assortment ever during three in-store events that begin Thursday night.  At 8 p.m., Walmart will kick off its Black Friday sale …

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68 West County Mall Stores to Open at Midnight on Black Friday

Other stores in the mall will open at 5 a.m.

More than 50 stores at West County Center will open at midnight on Black Friday, Nov. 23. The mall's other stores will open at 5 a.m., with times varying slightly for department stores. Here's a look at West County Center stores that will open at midnight on Black Friday. Temporary Tenants *List is subject to change. Contact stores for more information. Other department store opening times on Black Friday. jcpenney: 6 a.m. Nordstrom: 9 a.m. Information provided by CBL St. Louis Malls.

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2012 Veterans Day: Free Meals, Discounts

Local businesses salute our service men and women with special deals year-round, as well as on Veterans Day.

A number of local businesses are saluting veterans, military service men and women, and their families this Veterans Day by offering local discounts, specials and promotions. Here's a guide to specials in the Kirkwood area.  Two important notes: Free food: Store discounts: Free activities:

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Owen Skoler

8:14 pm on Sunday, November 11, 2012

Thanks Jack! I'll add it.   more ›