SHARE

Norwalk's Duff Promotes Tax-Free Week As Boost To Shoppers, Local Economy

DARIEN, Conn — Connecticut’s upcoming tax-free shopping week is the perfect time to stock up on back-to-school supplies, according to Darien Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Susan Cator.

Several officials and representatives from Darien businesses recently posed for a photo in front of Helen Aison on the Post Road to promote Connecticut's tax-free shopping week.

Several officials and representatives from Darien businesses recently posed for a photo in front of Helen Aison on the Post Road to promote Connecticut's tax-free shopping week.

Photo Credit: Jay Polansky

Her advice to shoppers? “Have a list and make a plan,” Cator said.

By arriving to the sales with a game plan, “you don’t ware your children out and you can get the most for your money,” she said. “And that’s why tax-free week is a great time to get it all done.”

The week runs from Sunday, Aug. 21, through Saturday, Aug. 27. During that time, sales or purchases of clothing or footwear costing less than $100 per item are not subject to Connecticut sales and use taxes, according to the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services.

This one-week exclusion applies to clothing sales made by in-state and out-of-state retailers to Connecticut customers, according to the state.

The exclusion applies to each item of clothing or footwear sold, regardless of how many items are sold to a customer on the same invoice. But sales tax applies to the entire price of any item that costs $100 or more, according to the state.

Aside from customers seeking a good deal, the week is also good for small businesses and helps to fuel the local economy.

Cator said one study found that for every $100 spent locally, $68 goes back into the local economy. But for every $100 spent at a big box store, only $43 goes back into the local economy. Darien does not have any big-box stores, according to Cator.

Local legislators applaud the tax-free shopping week. State Sen. Carlo Leone, who represents Darien and Stamford, encourages shoppers to take advantage of the week and support local businesses. 

"Shopping local is all about supporting your town, your local businesses and reinvesting your hard-earned dollars into your community, " Leone said.

State Sen. Bob Duff, who represents Darien and Norwalk, added the week provides an extra “boost” to both small businesses and back-to-school shoppers alike.

"It gives business a boost that normally might be slower during the August months...it also gives families a boost as well when they're planning their back-to-school shopping," he said.

For more information on which items the state excludes from sales tax during tax-free week, visit the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services' website here.

to follow Daily Voice Norwalk and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE