GRAND CHUTE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – For many in Wisconsin, Back to School starts today
A sales tax holiday on back to school items and supplies are bringing many to the stores on day one. Governor Scott Walker was in Fleet Farm in Grand Chute, and said while it may not seem like a whole lot, it ads up fast.
“A typical family with kids in school from kindergarten through 12th grade spends about $680 dollars a year on back to school.
He says the tax holiday results in over 30 dollars saving for doing what you normally do, and everyone can benefit.
“I don’t care where you come from, big city or small town, regardless of income, back to school is challenging.”
Walker was in Fleet Farm in Grand Chute and said while it may not seem like a whole lot, it adds up fast and has long-term effects.
Kris Keller of Shiocton told FOX 11, she normally spends about $50. But with the Northland Avenue Shopko sale prices and the tax free sales, Keller said she saved money.
“I would say if we bought it at the beginning of the year, versus now, we probably saved almost half. Good sales,” Keller said.
Tara Niemuth of Weyauwega said she typically spends a total of $400 in supplies and apparel, and the tax holiday increased the savings even more.
Niemuth said she saved “probably at least a hundred dollars or more, because we got clothes too, not just school supplies.”
But not all parents were impressed by the deal.
“(I’m) last minute shopping and not for the sales tax reason, because it only saves you about $5 and it’s kind of a headache with all the people around shopping,” said Kara Jansen of Kimberly.
“Nearly half of our store is tax-free today,” said the Shopko store manager, Mark Grasmick.
Grasmick said there’s been an uptick in business.
“Had to schedule extra heavy for register and floor coverage as well,” said Grasmick.
The tax free sales apply to only certain items, including clothing and school supplies that cost less than $75 per item.
Managers at Fleet Farm say the holiday will hopefully boost sales in products that are taxed.
“Any time foot traffic comes in the door, there’s opportunity to buy here at Fleet Farm, from consumable items to lawn and garden to everything we carry here,” explained Justin Kangas, the Fleet Farm general manager.
And while not everyone will profit from the deal, they say it’s going to be beneficial.
“It would have been great 25 to 30 years ago when I had little ones in school,” said Susan Schroeder. “I’m sure it’s going to be a real help for people.”
The sales tax holiday runs through Sunday.
“The idea is to get people to go to stores that are physically located in Wisconsin that hire people that are part of the workforce in the state of Wisconsin,” said Walker.
The holiday goes through Sunday.
