A Less 'Taxing' Weekend

Shopping at "big-box" stores is typically seen as a bane rather than boon for homegrown businesses.

But there could be a trickle-down effect toward the mom-and-pops during the back-to-school shopping extravaganza as the state lifts its sales tax today through midnight Sunday. 

"If they're coming to town, they're likely going to be buying gas and lunch — to me, those are the benefits," said Greater Summerville Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce board Chairman Will Russell, adding that many people think of Walmart and Target first when it comes to back-to-school shopping.

"I hope there's fallout for the smaller businesses as well."

And who knows: Perhaps some of the back-to-school shopping can happen right in downtown Summerville.  

Although it may be hard to shop for pencils and paper in a downtown store, Russell said that clothes shopping could be done with small businesses with a little effort. 

And a "little effort" is the unofficial motto for the tax-free holiday.

"There are a lot of people who will go take advantage of the tax savings," Russell said. "There are people who love it."

But then there are those who are unaffected by the offer to save a few bucks — balking at large crowds.

"There are people who wouldn't go shopping this weekend to save their life," Russell said. "It's a lot like shopping the day after Thanksgiving."

For more information on the tax-free holiday, click here.