Retail outlets in Texas and Oklahoma are preparing for back-to-school shopping during the annual tax-free weekend, which takes place Friday, August 6 through Sunday August 8. Many businesses, including those that don’t stock qualified items, will have sales, door prizes, and other opportunities for customers to save on purchases.
Although there are limitations on the items exempt from sales tax, the Sales Tax Holiday could bring out the most shoppers per day until “Black Friday, which takes place on November 26 this year. Because of the increase in customers, businesses facing these limitations can take advantage of the weekend and have their own sales to capitalize on. Checking in with local business and other retail outlets about their promotions will provide a full scope of the money-saving opportunities for tax-free weekend.
Certain online orders will also qualify for tax exemption, which could impact local businesses that do not offer shipping in favor of online shopping . Childress business owners John and Erica Lott say there is an atmosphere and event that comes with in-store shopping and certain customers are looking for that.
“They’re (shoppers) able to go into Ballyhoo and they’re going to be able to get a coffee while they shop, be able to ask questions, be able to try things on, which is more of an experience. You’ve got different types of customers; some are looking for an experience and we try to provide.” John Lott says.
Tax free weekend is a big weekend for small and local business. John Lott says they have been to market earlier this summer and have been preparing for the weekend for a while. Ballyhoo is one example of the many small businesses that have brought in new products and merchandise and will have sales that go along with tax free weekend.
“That’s one thing about trying to compete with online is that you almost have to make it worth their while to get in. And we want to (make it worth their while),” says Erica Lott.
Making the choice to visit retail establishments during the on-going pandemic is a concern of many people as well, but businesses and shoppers are encouraged to take precautions. Erica Lott says the difference between this time last year and the present is like night and day, but local customers have been supportive and mindful of shopping local during this time.
“We just promote it here locally, have sales, and then hope they’ll come in before they leave town or shop online,” Erica Lott said. “It’s up to every shopper to shop where they want to; we just try to win them over with our service and kindness.”
Qualified items for tax-free weekend include clothing, back-to-school supplies, backpacks, and shoes with a purchase price of less than $100 per item. Detailed information can be found for Texas shoppers and businesses on the Comptroller’s website and for Oklahoma shoppers and businesses on the Oklahoma state website.