TIPS FOR A HAPPY SALES TAX HOLIDAY

Please click on this link to the Vermont Grocers site for a list of the participating stores and locations to drop-off donations for the Sales Tax Holiday Food Drive.

KNOW THE RULES
Make sure that all employees (including the boss!) know the details and rules of the sales tax holiday. Disputes on the floor and at registers can spoil an otherwise happy day for both customers and retailers. The Vermont Retail Association and Vermont Tax Department have sales tax holiday information on their websites. Train your employees well in advance and give them condensed “bullet point” copies of the rules and regs.

STAFF UP
Sales Tax Holidays have been major shopping events in some states, even rivaling “real” holidays. Given the economy, it’s hard to predict how busy our July sales tax holiday will be. But you know the old saying: those who fail to plan, plan to fail. Think seriously about adding additional staff for the holiday and perhaps have some staff available on short notice if you’re suddenly swamped with shoppers.

EFFICIENCY VERMONT
If you sell appliances, work with a retail account manager from Efficiency Vermont. They’ll provide specific information and promotional materials for Energy Star appliances. Helping your customers understand the full value of the sales tax break and any rebates offered by Efficiency Vermont can boost sales.

PROMOTION POWER
Many larger chains are offering special incentives to customers who spend economic stimulus checks in their stores. Smaller retailers can follow suit. Promotions that stretch customers’ dollars will be especially powerful this year.

SMALL MARKDOWNS = BIGGER SALES
For items priced slightly above the $2000 tax-free threshold, consider reducing the cost to $2000. Lowering a price from $2050 to $2000, for instance, saves the customer a whopping $120 in sales tax (and even more in towns with a local option tax.) and could boost your sales significantly.

GET DOWNTOWN
If you’re located in a downtown, village or other shopping district, consider working with your local downtown organization or chamber to create entertainment or events in the downtown area. Events that draw tourists and residents downtown will bring them into stores, which is key. Remember that about one third of purchases are impulse buys.

2008 is our 40th birthday, and to celebrate, we’re giving new members a present. For a limited time, join VRA for a very special low rate.

For information contact:mail@vtretailers.com or 1-800-649-1698. Happy Birthday to you!

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