Tax free week around the corner

SALISBURY, Md. – With back-to-school shopping quickly approaching, several local stores are offering ways to help families save money this year.

Marissa, a local shopper, said resale value makes all the difference.

“I love how it’s the resale value. You know, I’ve got growing kids, so it’s easy to trade stuff and get new stuff and not spend an arm and a leg – and still get great stuff,” she said.

She shared that she drives from Ocean City to shop at Kid to Kid because of its low prices and resale program. Store manager Abby Halpenny explained just how affordable the items can be.

“Right now, we’re looking at a lot of items priced around $5 each. We have some that are even lower. And we’re seeing a lot of shoes sell right now – we have over 3,000 pairs, all priced low for every customer,” she said.

Halpenny added that their coat unveiling event is scheduled for next Thursday, just in time for Maryland’s tax-free week.

Next door at Uptown Cheapskate, store manager Maddie Rogers said the store also caters to cost-conscious back-to-school shoppers, especially teens and young adults.

“We’re really excited. We’ve got everything packed with a bunch of jeans. All of our racks are fully stocked with back-to-school clothes,” she said. “We just finished a Lululemon drop and Gymshark, so we have tons of that still on the floor right now.”

Rogers highlighted the resale program offered at both Kid to Kid and Uptown Cheapskate.

“We take gently used clothes – as long as they’re freshly laundered – and we offer cash on the spot or 25% more in store credit,” she said.

Joe Wright, president of the Vernon Powell Shoe Co., emphasized that Maryland’s tax-free week is one of the best times to save.

“That’s the best time to shop because all the shoes and backpacks are tax-free. For backpacks under $100, the first $40 is tax-free,” Wright said. “It’s a great way to save every year.”