Sales tax holiday kicks off today

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Local business owners are hoping to see a sales boost with this weekend’s sales-tax holiday.

The state’s sales-tax holiday runs today until 11:59 p.m. Sunday. It allows for tax exemptions on purchases of clothing and footwear up to $75 per item; and all school materials, such as pens, pencils, scissors and paper and instructional materials, up to $20 per item.

Ohio retail industry leaders say consumers will spend about 10 percent more than last year at brick-and-mortar and online retailers.

“The past couple of years we have seen an increase in sales,” said Rose Liguore, owner of Children’s Loft in Boardman, about the holiday. “I feel like they should do more than three days.”

The Eastwood Mall Complex in Niles is celebrating the tax-free holiday with a family friendly event.

Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman will be visiting from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. The superheros will be in Center Court for autographs and photos. Children wearing their favorite superhero costumes will have the chance to win an Eastwood Mall gift card.

“Aside from the holiday season, the back-to-school season is the biggest time of year for a lot of the stores,” said Joe Bell, spokesman for the Cafaro Co., which owns the Niles mall. “Whenever you do a tax-free weekend, it’s just an added incentive.”

Southern Park Mall in Boardman will have a back-to-school arts, craft and home-based business show through Sunday. Vendors will be in Center Court.

“The sales-tax holiday will likely bring more consumers to shop in the Mahoning Valley during this time,” said Sarah Boyarko, senior vice president of economic development for the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber. “The savings will lead to increased buying and spending, and some retailers are offering additional discounts to encourage and entice even more shoppers and spending.”

Senate Bill 9, the legislation for the tax-exemption holiday, passed with bipartisan support in both the Ohio Senate and Ohio House. Senate Bill 9 was signed into law by Gov. John Kasich on June 13.

The National Retail Federation’s annual survey of national consumer purchases projects total spending for K-12 and college necessities will hit $83.6 billion, up about 10 percent from last year’s $75.8 billion.

“With 58,000 new jobs added in Ohio since last June, consumer confidence is rising,” said Gordon Gough, president/CEO of the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants, in a statement. “Ohio’s sales-tax holiday adds to that confidence by providing great bargains for everyone in the market for clothes, shoes or school materials.”