Consumers can purchase clothing & shoes and not pay the 6% Md. sales tax.
Frederick, Md (KM) Two downtown Frederick retailers had some very important customers Wednesday morning, Governor Larry Hogan and State Comptroller Peter Franchot paid a visit to Wind in the Willow at 23 East Patrick Street, and Shabby Chic at 9 West Patrick Street. They came to launch Shop Maryland Tax Free Week which takes place August 14th through August 20th.
During Tax Free Week, customers who purchase articles of clothing and shoes which are under $100 each do not have to pay the state’s 6% sales tax. “It’s a big shot in the arm for the state’s economy. It’s turned into–because it’s so popular–the second busiest shopping week of the year after Christmas,” said Comptroller Franchot.
“I think it’s just wonderful to kind of get to think about coming back downtown and spending money with the small businesses,” says Governor Hogan. “And to let to them know it’s a great time to go out and shop. Like he {Franchot} said, it’s the second busiest shopping week of the year. And I think you can get some great bargains when you’re trying to get some clothes and shoes for the kids to go back to school.”
Even though back to school shopping is taking place, Comptroller Franchot says anyone can take advantage of this tax holiday. “It’s anybody’s footware and clothing: underwear, belts, anything that you as an adults wants; shoes,” he says.
And Governor Hogan says retailing is a significant industry in Maryland. “One out of every five jobs in Maryland is a retail job. Small businesses are responsible for about 70%^ of the jobs in the state. It’s helps them stay in business and helps them maybe hire more employees,” he said.
Also accompanying Governor Hogan and Comptroller Franchot were County Executive Jan Gardner, Mayor Randy McClement, County Council President Bud Otis and Councilman Billy Shreve.