Retailers in Massachusetts are expecting brisk business in the days leading up to a 25 percent increase in the state sales tax.
The increase — approved by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Deval Patrick — goes into effect Saturday. The sales tax will jump from 5 percent to 6.25 percent.
Massachusetts Retailers Association president Jon Hurst said that many stores are trying to generate as much business as possible before the hike goes into effect. He’s predicting more sales than what would be normally expected for the last week of July, but expects August to be a very slow month for retailers.
Hurst also says he expects more people to shop on the Internet or head to New Hampshire to avoid paying sales taxes. (AP)
