'Sales tax holiday' a hit with consumers - Brief Article

DSN Retailing Today, August 21, 2000 by Debbie Howell

"Many of the electronics big-box stores sold out [of computers]. They couldn't get the stock quick enough. I think [the event] was much better than they ever expected it to be," said Jim Hatchell, president of the South Carolina Merchants Association.

Hatchell said the weekend was most likely the third largest for retailers in that state, adding, "people came out in droves and bought."

For Gadzooks, which has stores in 36 states and includes four that had tax holidays this month, the difference in sales between stores in states with and without tax breaks is clear. Szczepanski wouldn't mind seeing more states follow suit, bringing tax savings for citizens and higher revenue for retailers.

"It's definitely a real boost," he said of sales during tax free holidays. "I find it incredible that stores can run 10% to 50% off on things [at other times], but there's just something about beating Uncle Sam out of 8%."