Retailer maintaining a place of business in this State, or any similar term, includes any retailer having or maintaining within this State, directly or by a subsidiary, an office, distribution house, sales house, warehouse or other place of business, or any agent operating within this State under the authority of the retailer or its subsidiary, regardless of whether the business or agent is located here permanently or temporarily or whether the retailer or subsidiary is admitted to do business within this State.
S.C. Code § 12-36-80