Westwood-Area Businesses Gearing Up for Tax-Free Weekend

Consumers in Massachusetts aren't the only ones poised to take advantage of the tax-free holiday this weekend.

A number of businesses in the Westwood area say they will strongly benefit from what they hope will be an increase in customers as a result of the tax break.

"We're doing a huge promotion this weekend," said Michele Buchanan of Buchanan Fireplace on Providence Highway, which will be open for extended hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. 

Buchanan says a large number of customers have walked through the store this week preparing for this weekend's sales, and such decided to hold off for the big-ticket items. In other words: customers have mostly been window shopping, waiting for the weekend to take their choice purchases home.

The tax-free holiday was cancelled last year due to economic difficulty and low tax revenues in the state. But this year the event has returned, and as such consumers can purchase anything on Saturday, August 14 and Sunday, August 15, without the normal 6.25 percent sales tax.

But local small businesses, like Buchanan Fireplace, are also reaping the benefits. Because of the nature of the business, and the fact that consumers will be looking more to purchase fireplaces for the winter as autumn approaches, Buchanan is excited to see higher sales than through much of the summer.

"We really do expect a great weekend," Buchanan said. "It really jump-starts our season. This really is crucial to our industry because it's been such a tough year. The mom-pop stores that have been struggling with this economy, it's just such a huge boost for them."

Consumers will find a number of discounts and sales at the fireplace outlet, such as free thermostat remotes for every new gas fireplace, stove or insert purchased, as well as a free blower/fan with every new wood fireplace, stove or insert purchased. Clearance items at the store will be discounted 40-to-70 percent off regular prices on factory new discounted, overstock and custom-made products.

Likewise, Dolabany Jewelers, located in Lambert's Plaza, is opening for an extra day this weekend. The store will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, when the doors are normally closed, and will hold discounts for several items of jewelry.

"Everything in the store is discounted for the occasion except for Pandora Jewelery," said owner Sam Dolabany. "We cannot discount that item no matter what's going on (due to a contact with the company)."

Dolabany added that normal foot traffic in the store has actually decreased this past week, as he assumes customers are waiting to purchase big-ticket items until the weekend.

"What's happening is people are holding off this week," he said. "I find that to be interesting. People hold off their purchases and people come Saturday and Sunday. So, this week is quieter than normal."

Dollarama, also located in Lambert's Plaza, is offering 25 percent off the total purchase for everything in the store, with the exception of phone cards and tobacco products. The store will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

On the flip side, Central Vacuums is not planning to host any sales or discounts or extend open hours in lieu of the tax-free event. But that doesn't mean customers can't get a break on something they're looking to purchase.

"You can always make somebody a deal when they come in, and ask them what they want to do," said owner Wayne Jilman. "And if they want to get something, you can give them a discount."

Meanwhile, Westwood Cabinetry, when asked how the tax-free weekend will affect business, said there wouldn't be much of an impact. Instead, employees at the business deferred comments to the business's sister company, Vanity World, which has locations in Norwood, West Roxbury, Avon and North Attleboro, and sells a variety of household vanities.

George LeSavage, operations manager of Vanity World, says the stores will be open on Sunday, when they are normally closed, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"Mostly the hours are remaining the same with the exception of that Sunday," he said.

While the business does not plan to hold special discounts at the moment, LeSavage said discounts may be given on the spot to customers for certain items, depending on how sales are through the weekend.

 "We're going to see what happens," he said.