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Starting today, it's like "Christmas in August." At least that's how State Sen. Bob Duff, a Democrat who represents Norwalk and Darien, describes Sunday's kick-off of sales tax-free week in Connecticut, which continues through next Saturday.
Duff was at the Helen Ainson store, 1078 Boston Post Road, Darien, Friday afternoon along with Darien Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Carol Wilder-Tamme and about a dozen local merchants to promote the initiative. Duff said it will save consumers about $4.2 million in state sales taxes on clothing and footwear costing less than $300 per item.
"For some shoppers, it is a nice savings," said Wilder Tamme, "and it means they might buy a couple 'extras' for others. It could mean grocery money might go a bit farther. For hometown retailers, folks doing extra shopping can help make up losses from the flat sales during last winter's ice and snow storms."
Duff said it is also a good time for parents to stock up on clothes for the coming school year.
"We wanted to get the word out, because a lot of people are out of town on vacation or busy preparing for school starting soon," said Duff. "It's very important for small businesses to promote sales-tax free week, but it's also good for Mom and Dad, as school starts for most kids the following week."
Duff said Darien merchants "stood shoulder to shoulder" at the Friday event urging people to come to downtown Darien and shop at local stores.
"At one point this year, Connecticut's tax-free week was going to be cancelled to help balance the state budget deficit, but the legislature decided to maintain it," Duff said. "That was a good decision for everyone."
Duff also encouraged Norwalk residents to take advantage of the savings.
Jennifer Katz of Norwalk, who was in Darien late Friday afternoon to meet a friend for coffee, said she was not aware of sales tax-free week, but now that she is, her credit card will come in handy.
"There are plenty of things our family needs, and it makes sense to get it done when there's less taxes," said Katz. "Even my husband can't argue with that."
What kind of items do you plan to purchase during sales tax-free week? Let us know in a comment below.
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