Georgians Take Advantage of Sales Tax Holiday
Shoppers are already taking advantage of Georgia’s sales tax holiday. During the next two days, shoppers can purchase clothing, computers and school supplies under certain dollar amounts tax free. WABE’s Michelle Wirth spoke with shoppers about the holiday.
It’s around lunchtime and Lenox Square appears busier than a normal for a Friday afternoon. John’s Creek resident Shelly Brown walks quickly and confidently through the mall with her two children. Brown says she’s on a mission for school clothing.
“It’s just a great incentive with kids. They’re constantly growing, so you constantly have to buy new sizes, so it’s a great incentive to save money.”
The main thing Brown purchased are shoes for her 11-year-old son T.J.
“I got Nikes and Jordans.”
And Brown says she plans to shop throughout the weekend.
“We’re going to take advantage of it as long as we can.”
Others like Tucker resident Mike Caven weren’t aware of the holiday. That’s why he had a smile on his face as left the Apple Store clutching a small white bag.
“I was pleasantly surprised. It caught me off guard, because this past week I’ve been too busy with my work to pay attention to what’s going on outside in the rest of the world.”
Caven estimates he saved between $10 to $12 on a pink iPod nano he plans to give to his wife for their anniversary.
“My wife would be very proud of me that I’m saving a little bit of money. All savings are good savings.”
And in an effort to attract more shoppers like Caven and Brown, Lenox Square is staying open an hour later and a few stores are opening an hour early.
A number of stores are also holding back to school sales.
Elyse Berger is Assistant Director of Marketing and Business Development for Lenox Square.
“We’re staying open longer so that our retailers and our customers can take advantage of the tax free holiday, and I think we’re going to see higher traffic because of the holiday.”
But the National Federation of Independent Business is hoping Georgians don’t just shop at shopping centers and large retailers this weekend.
NFIB State Director Kyle Jackson says this weekend’s sales tax holiday could be a big benefit to small businesses struggling amid a soft economy.
“It’s a great opportunity to really support somebody who’s actively involved in their community. What we tell folks all the time is there’s nothing wrong with big box retailers, but if given the choice, if you support a small business you’re really supporting your own community.”
State officials estimate the tax holiday will cost Georgia between $38.7 million and $52.5 million.
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