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Massachusetts Oks sales tax holiday Aug. 10-11
Boston – Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick has signed a bill authorizing a sales tax holiday in Massachusetts for the upcoming weekend of Aug. 10. The bill gives consumers a one-time break on the state’s 6.25% sales tax on any ordinarily taxed retail items individually worth up to $2,500. The break does not extend to vehicles, motor boats, tobacco, meals and utilities.
Massachusetts did not offer a sales tax holiday in 2009 but otherwise has designated one weekend in August as a sales tax holiday every year since 2004. -
Brand Keys: Back-to-school sales to decline; Amazon and Wal-Mart strong
New York -- Households with school-age children (pre-kindergarten through 12th grade) plan a big cut-back in back-to-school spending. Results of the 2013 Brand Keys Back to School Report Card show that there will be a year-over-year decrease of 10% in back-to-school spending, or an average spend this year of just more than $600 per household.
However, not every retailer will experience a decline in back-to-school profits. This year, the eight retailers showing the greatest increase in consumer intent-to-shop were:
1. Amazon