Small businesses reaping benefits of tax-free weekend

ATHENS, Ala. (WHNT) — Across Alabama this weekend is a tax-free weekend, meaning many are getting a small break on their bills for eligible items.

Small businesses in the Tennessee Valley are reaping the benefits of more customers coming through their doors.

Toodlebugs in Athens sells mainly children’s clothing meaning a lot of parents are stopping by to get their child ready for school.

Shop owner, Melissa Anderson, raved about the tax-free weekend saying it brings more than just customers through her door but business to the entire square in Athens.

“We are doing 10 percent off storewide and then we have the additional tax break so that encourages foot traffic which helps our business,” said Anderson. “Athens is one of the fastest growing cities around so we’ve got a lot of first-time people coming in that have never seen our shop and they are like I want to come back and look and then they are asking questions about some of the other businesses around the square.”

Tax-free items this weekend include clothing that is less than $100 per item, school supplies that are less than $50 per item and computers and equipment that are less than $750.

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Anderson said the tax breaks provide families the ability to buy more.

“People can come in and buy their school supplies and their clothes, which can be a pretty large bill, especially if you have more than one child,” said Anderson. “Just having that tax break is a great incentive and it helps you be able to afford more.”

Alabama’s tax-free weekend runs through midnight on Sunday.

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