OTTUMWA —
Parents whose children seem to outgrow everything in their closet every few months can snag cheaper back-to-school clothes during this weekend’s state tax-free holiday.
The annual holiday is held the first Friday and Saturday of August, with no sales tax collected on clothes or footwear listed at less than $100.
Staci Shettler, manager of Quincy Place Mall, said in addition to no sales tax and sales throughout the mall, Dizzy the Clown will do face painting from 10 a.m. to noon and a bounce house will be available all day Saturday “for kids to burn off that energy while they’re shopping.”
“There are some great deals out there, and with the added bonus of a tax-free weekend, people can save a lot of money on back-to-school supplies,” Shettler said. “Partnered with any sales stores might be having, and clearance merchandise, these are great ways to save a little bit more.”
Shettler said the mall always sees a large increase in traffic Friday and Saturday, since the weekend marks the unofficial kickoff to back-to-school shopping.
“And obviously, we want to encourage everybody to shop locally, versus driving out of town,” Shettler said.
All businesses open on these days are required to participate in the tax-free holiday, and since Walmart is open 24/7, that gives shoppers more hours to save.
“It’s a good opportunity for people to come in. We see a slight lift [in customers], but it’s nothing like the holiday season,” said Jay Bickford, Ottumwa Walmart store manager.
Teri Leonard, Ottumwa Target senior team lead, said the store isn’t extending store hours but she hopes to see people out to take advantage of the holiday this weekend. Leonard said Target does see more people through its doors on this holiday every year.
Kmart will also be open regular hours and expects an increase in shoppers, as well, a spokesperson said.
Tax-free holiday basics:
• The exemption period lasts from 12:01 a.m. Friday through midnight Saturday.
• No sales tax, including local option sales tax (LOST), will be collected on sales of an article of clothing or footwear having a selling price less than $100.
• The exemption does not apply in any way to the price of an item selling for $100 or more.
• The exemption applies to each article priced under $100 regardless of how many items are sold on the same invoice to a customer.
• “Clothing” means any article of wearing apparel and typical footwear intended to be worn on or about the human body.
• “Clothing” does not include watches, watchbands, jewelry, umbrellas, handkerchiefs, sporting equipment, skis, swim fins, roller blades, skates, and any special clothing or footwear designed primarily for athletic activity or protective use and not usually considered appropriate for everyday wear.
Local News
Kicking off back-to-school shopping
Local stores prepare for tax-free holiday shopping sprees
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