Retailers are hoping for a weekend revenue bump thanks to the 4% state sales tax holiday Friday and Saturday. With consumer spending on a two-month upswing nationally, the timing seems right to move plenty of merchandise. At least one shopping destination plans to sweeten the offer by covering the rest of the sales taxes on goods up to $2,500 while promotional funds last. “It’s going to be a completely tax-free weekend here,” says Monique Hester, marketing director for Cortana Mall. “We are all about values. That’s what everybody’s looking for in this economy.”
Hester says Cortana, like other retail hubs, has seen the recession take a bite out of sales, but she’s optimistic that back-to-school shopping would help lift the numbers for the mall’s 100-plus stores.
At the Super Target on Millerville Road, the hope is to cater to LSU students by selling school supplies and furnishings to fill out dorm rooms and apartments, says Latosha Wilson, a store employee. “We are making sales (expectations) as of this point,” she says. “It fluctuates. For forecasted sales, it’s kind of hit or miss.” Wilson says Target expects more than $140,000 in sales Friday and more than $225,000 on Saturday.—Todd R. Brown
