Today second, final day for tax-free shopping in Coweta
By JOHN A. WINTERS
john@newnan.com
Area stores were reporting “significant” sales increases Friday on the first of a two-day tax-free weekend.
School supplies, clothing, computers and other electronic devices were listed as the top sellers based on a survey of various stores.
“It’s been pretty good, we are up about 45 percent,” said Joann Barnes, assistant manager at Walmart on Bullsboro Drive. “It’s been a lot of electronic stuff, Nooks and laptops.”
Clothing and footwear with a sales price of $100 or less per item are tax-exempt, along with personal computers and computer related accessories with a purchase price of $1,000 or less. Also, general school supplies to be used in the classroom or in classroom-related activities with a sales price of $20 or less per item are free of the sales tax.
“We are seeing more people ... purchasing PCs and accessories and school supplies,” said Keith Leigh, store manager at Office Max, adding the store has seen “significant” traffic. “We expect to see more tomorrow.”
At Target, customers were focusing on clothing, school supplies, calculators and electronics, according to Lauren Eaves, assistant manager.
“Sales are definitely up and guests are excited about it,” she said.
In a press release, Gov. Nathan Deal said, “The reinstated sales tax holiday is an opportunity for Georgia families to fulfill some of their needs as our students go back to school. This tax exempt holiday could not have been possible without the responsible leadership of the General Assembly, and it is my hope that Georgians get out this weekend and take advantage of this opportunity.”
The Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget estimates the two-day holiday will save Georgians up to $66 million.
