Marylanders increase back to school shopping during shop free tax week

Alexis Absher from Salisbury is taking advantage of Maryland Shop Tax Free Week by buying clothes and shoes for her oldest daughter Tinley.

“It helps us save a lot of money on the taxes part of shopping so it’s the week to go out there and get it”.

Maryland Shop Free Tax week doesn’t only help consumers like Alexis with her school shopping, it jump starts the Maryland economy and gets people back into the shopping mood.

Jeff Zellmer of the Maryland Retailers Association says spending has steadily increased over the years and expects it to do even better this year.

Comptroller Peter Franchot says that typically people begin buying now and the trend continues right into the Christmas season.

Even though Maryland loses about 6 million dollars in direct tax revenue over the week Franchot says the state makes up for it and then some because spending increases by an estimated 10%.

Franchot says stores often run sales to double up customer savings.

“The stores put sales on top of the tax free incentives so the consumers get a much needed break.”

It also help parents get kids some much needed items for back to school.
Heather Massey, manager at the Salisbury Vernon Powell Shoes says parents flock to the store this week.

“We’ve had lots of grandparents, shopping for their grandchildren multiple grandchildren and parents bringing in children to get ready for school,” says Massey.

Stephon Price, of Salisbury is one of those grandparents.

“well it’s saves a lot of money,” says Price “It’s great you don’t have to travel to Delaware where you don’t have the taxes you keep that money home in the community”.

And helping the community is another advantage. Tax free week can help those who can help those in need.

“Families that can’t afford to go school shopping for they kids while you’re out doing school shopping for your own family,” says Price “You can pick up one or two things for those less fortunate”.