Residents will save 7 percent this weekend
This weekend represents an opportune time for St. Charles Parish shoppers to save some money — and in some cases, quite a bit of it.
Friday and Saturday mark the parish’s annual sales tax holiday for its residents, which provides a reduction in state sales tax and an exemption from St. Charles Parish sales tax on the first $2,500 of the purchase price of most individual items.
The holiday extends from 12:01 a.m. Aug. 4 through 11:59 p.m. Aug. 5. and applies to two percent of the state sales tax and five percent of the St. Charles Parish sales tax. Three percent of the state sales tax will still be collected, but customers will still see 7 percent of their usual sales tax on purchases wiped away.
It’s usually a highly anticipated weekend for local retailers, who often see a tangible bump up in customer traffic for the two-day event—the desired outcome for an event aimed at driving sales.
“It is a big weekend,” said Maison Décor owner Shane Matherne, whose Boutte store’s selection of outdoor fountains could be a strong target for customers given the tax savings. “Especially with some of the real big purchases … you say ‘We’re gonna do away with the sales tax on a $3,000 purchase,’ they like that.’ For us, it covers everything in the store.”
Matherne said there will be additional sales this weekend. Kristi Brocato, owner of The Basketry in Luling, called the holiday a great opportunity for customers — and one Brocato says she’ll be taking full advantage of when out shopping herself.
“Any time you can save money makes for a good event,” Brocato said. “We’ll have a few sales on some of our best sellers.”
She added, however, that promotion of the event is key in maximizing its effectiveness in stimulating the local economy.
“As long as it’s promoted, I think people will spend money in the parish, stay in the parish and take advantage of the sales tax holiday,” Brocato said. “It’s a great weekend where you often see people buying school supplies, making big groceries trips or taking advantage of the chance to make some bigger purchases.”
With its selection of appliances and big ticket items, Sears Hometown Store in Luling also annually sees elevated customer interest.
“We’re getting ready for the tax reduction sale,” said store owner Kathy Witmer. “We will be ready on the 4th and 5th to give our customers an opportunity to save an extra 7 percent. It’s always a good sale. It’s one of our busiest weekends of the year.”
The exemptions apply to all consumer purchases except vehicles subject to license and title, meals furnished for consumption on the premises where purchased that include to-go orders, property not used in a business, trade or profession.
Ineligible items include purchases of taxable services such as hotel occupancy, amusement, recreation and athletic admissions, repairs on property, laundry, cleaning, pressing and dyeing services, vehicle parking, furnishing cold storage space, printing services and telecommunications services.
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