Winchester Business Owners Mixed on Tax-Free Weekend

Some Winchester business owners hope to bring in additional revenue this Saturday and Sunday during Massachusetts’ sales tax holiday weekend.

During the tax-free weekend, the state will not collect the usual 6.25 percent tax on most single items costing up to $2,500. Motor vehicles, meals, and tobacco are not included in the tax-free weekend.

“In terms of retail, it’s got to be a shot in the arm across the board,” said Cathy Alexander of the , noting that August is a tough month for most retailers.

“For Winchester Center, any additional perk will help,” Alexander said.

Beth Jordan, owner of , is thrilled to see the return of the tax-free weekend and expects to see more customers in her store this weekend.

“Usually, it’s a pretty busy weekend for us. A lot of people will hold off on purchases, especially larger ones, and they will spend on that day. They look forward to it,” Jordan said.

Even if people don’t buy anything, Jordan said, the tax-free weekend brings them in the store and gets them thinking about things they may want to buy in the future. And some customers get a jump on their holiday shopping on the tax-free weekend.

But down the road at the toy store, , owner Deran Muckjian isn’t expecting much from the special weekend.

“To be honest, it does nothing for my business,” he said. “I’m not going to run down the street to save six perecent on a toy.”

In the past, Muckjian has tried enhancing sales on tax-free weekends by promoting the savings, but found the promotion did not affect sales. Now he treats it as just another summer weekend.

“August is a slow period and kids are at camp,” Muckjian said. 

However, Alexander hopes anyone shopping the tax-free weekend will consider staying in town.

“I strongly hope that people will keep their dollars in Winchester and support retail business,” Alexander said.

For full details on the tax-free weekend, see the Department of Revenue’s website.