Tax Free Weekend Returns to Pandemic Market

The Berkshire Eagle reports the state's annual tax-free weekend has extra meaning this year for local businesses because of the economic slump brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.

But because of a variety of circumstances, some local businesses are taking different approaches to this year's sales tax holiday, which takes place Saturday and Sunday.

The two-day tax holiday, which Gov. Charlie Baker made an annual event two years ago, after approving legislation co-sponsored by state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier, D-Pittsfield, allows consumers to buy items up to $2,500 without having to pay the state's 6.25 percent sales tax.

But this year, retailers are subject to occupancy restrictions because of the pandemic, which has limited the number of customers allowed into stores.

Despite the challenges retailers are facing this year because of the pandemic, Berkshire business organizations are hoping that consumers still take advantage of this weekend's savings.