One-Week Window

With a half-dozen exceptions, every city and county in New York has opted to join the state in suspending sales taxes on purchases of clothing up to $100 for one week, starting Monday. One goal of the suspension is to boost retail sales, in particular of back-to-school clothes, though shoes and sneakers, important items for school kids, are not included.

Here on the East End a savvy shopper will be able to save up to $8.25 per $100 during the one-week window. There is no limit on the number of purchases, which may be rung up separately in order to qualify for the exemption.

This would seem to be one of those rare exceptions to the no-free-lunch adage. In fact, a sales-tax exemption proved so popular when it was tried out in January that the State Legislature has decided to make it permanent at the end of 1999. The only ones who might object are retailers in the State of New Jersey, which has no tax on clothing and often draws New York shoppers because of it.

Everyone benefits from this action, consumers and merchants on Main Street or in the big malls. Don't miss the window.