CT Tax-Free Clothing Week: What To Know

CONNECTICUT —The state’s clothing and shoe tax holiday kicked off Sunday, and retailers are experiencing an increase in sales.

The tax-free week lasts through April 16. Clothing and footwear items priced under $100 are exempt from the state’s 6.35 percent sales tax. Typically, the state has a tax-free week during the summer during back-to-school shopping season, but an additional week was added as part of a bill to help Connecticut families with inflation.

The big difference is that the tax break applies to athletic apparel and shoes, which typically aren’t included in the summer tax-free week.

A tax holiday always increases sales, even for items that aren’t eligible, said Stephanie Blozy, the owner of Fleet Feet shoe store in West Hartford.

“Sure enough, this morning, we had lots of people waiting for us to open at 10 a.m.,” Blozy said during a news conference. “So we're super excited for the buzz and the energy.”

The timing was also beneficial since West Hartford schools are on spring break this week, she said. It also coincides with the switch to spring sports, such as track and field.

The Milford Connecticut Post mall typically experiences a 20 to 25 percent uptick in foot traffic during a tax-free week, General Manager Ken Sterba said. About 30 to 40 percent of the mall’s stores are local mom-and-pop shops.

“It really helps our retailers out, but more importantly, it helps the whole state of Connecticut and anyone that is having some financial struggles during our rough economy,” Sterba said.

The tax-free week along with the suspension of the 25-cent state gas tax and free bus service through the end of June will help Connecticut families that are struggling with inflation, Gov. Ned Lamont said.

“I hope that makes a big difference,” Lamont said. “We are always trying to find ways to make it easier. There’s always an appetite to try and do more. But, I want to make sure we stay within our budget parameters.”

A typical tax-free clothing week saves Connecticut taxpayers about $4 million. This week will likely save $4.1 to $4.2 million, Department of Revenue Services Commissioner Mark Boughton said.

“It’s a drop in the bucket for some folks,” Boughton said. “But, it really means a lot statewide to those people that are often struggling, especially with all the inflationary pressures that are going on right now.”