How Inflation Could Impact Tax-Free Weekend In Oklahoma

Oklahomans are taking advantage of Tax-Free Weekend before going back to school, but some local businesses say inflation is causing fewer people to shop.

Certain retail items under 100 dollars will be tax-free.

That includes clothes, shoes, backpacks, and school supplies.

Some shoppers try to utilize it as much as they can.

"We try to, it helps with back-to-school shopping and everything," says shopper Melissa Westfall

But some businesses say it feels like just another weekend for them.

Tim Dreiling is the co-owner of Fleet Feet, a business that specializes in running shoes,

He says although this weekend is still important, inflation has decreased business over the past few years.

"It's a busy weekend but it's not overwhelming," Dreiling said.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says consumer prices have increased by 4.7 percent from February 2020 to June 2021

Dreiling says Tax-Free weekend used to be by far the busiest weekend of the year, but because of the 100-dollar limit, he says it just hasn't been the same.

"It would be, you know wise for the state to take a look at that and perhaps raise that threshold so that more products that smaller, specialty businesses sell could fall underneath the threshold," Dreiling said.

For more information on Tax-Free Weekend and what exactly will be tax-free, CLICK HERE