If you have back to school shopping to do, this week may be the time to do it.
Connecticut's tax-free holiday is now underway and people are already taking advantage of some savings.
"I think yesterday tax free week started, so I am here just shopping to take advantage of the deals. I am a college student so wherever I can save a little bit of money, I try to," said Ashley Duarte while shopping in West Hartford.
For students like Duarte, the savings of Connecticut's annual tax-free holiday are huge. That is because clothing and shoes under $100 are exempt from the state's 6.35-percent sales tax.
The week is also good for Connecticut businesses, which welcome the increase in customers.
"Folks will say, yeah we know we get busier this week and busy is good for business in the state of Connecticut," said Brian Flaherty, the Senior Vice President of the Connecticut Business and Industry Association.
Flaherty said another benefit is that more people head to brick and mortar stores rather than only shopping online.
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"We have Connecticut residents that get up every morning and go to work in those stores. Whether it's the mom-and-pop retailers, a Target or a Walmart, so there are Connecticut jobs that are supported by every resident that walks in those doors and conducts commerce right here in our state," Flaherty said.
The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services estimates shoppers will save close to $5 million in taxes, which means they will be spending about $75 million this week alone.
For customers like Duarte, the savings mean more money for more books.
"It seems small but once it adds up, that can buy me like a textbook for a class so it's really nice," Duarte said.
Connecticut's tax-free week runs through Saturday.
