Mass. Retailers, Shoppers Looking Forward To Sales-Tax Holiday
BOSTON (CBS) - The traders have some good news to make them optimistic. Retail sales were up last month.
Massachusetts retailers are hoping that trend continues this weekend when the state waives the sales tax.
Retailers preparing for the tax-free weekend said they expect a big turnout.
"We've seen a lot of people pre-shopping to see what's out there," said one Target worker.
And in a vulnerable economy, some say the savings add up.
WBZ-TV's Alana Gomez reports.
"I think a lot of people are just feeling the pinch and needing to save money in any way that they can. You know, cost of living is going up and a lot of people aren't getting raises," said Kathleen Hall, a shopper.
Facebook Poll: Will you take advantage?
The Massachusetts Retailers Association predicts sales will increase 2% from last year's tax-free holiday.
As long as the item is less than $2,500, the price you see is the price you'll get.
WBZ NewsRadio1030's Bernice Corpuz reports from New Hampshire, where there is no sales tax all year:
Podcast
Big ticket items and back-to-school necessities top the wish list for many, but this week's wild ride on Wall Street and fears of another recession are causing some shoppers to tighten their budgets.
"It really makes me think twice about what it is that I am shopping for and what I go and get and more than anything, it's really made me look at my retirement and all the investment funds that I have going," said Noe Fernandez, a shopper.
The Massachusetts Department of Revenue predicts the weekend will cost the state more than $20 million.
