Stand Tall, Shop Small for OKC over the sales tax holiday weekend

Heading out to take advantage of the annual "sales tax holiday" this weekend to do some back-to-school shopping or to just fill out your fall wardrobe? This weekend, purchases of "any article of clothing or footwear designed to be worn on or about the human body" that is priced less than $100 is exempt from sales taxes. As an extension of our "Stand Tall, Shop Small for OKC" summer campaign, we'd just like to remind you to not forget about supporting the local businesses that help make OKC unique when doing so. When you shop at a locally owned business, 67 cents of every dollar stays in the community and benefits much more than just the business itself, as it supports employment for friends and neighbors as well as those that provide services for the business and our overall quality of life. Plus, oftentimes they're just cool.

“It is no secret that small business plays a huge role in the economic vitality for any community. In fact, statistics show the majority of new jobs are generated by small businesses. So, it is critical that we, as Oklahoma City-area residents, do what we can to help our local small businesses, especially after what they experienced and fought through during the pandemic,” said Chamber President and CEO Roy Williams at the launch of the "support local" campaign.

Williams reminded Oklahoma City residents that those employed by small businesses are often people they know personally, including friends and family members. If you need any ideas, check out the stories we've recently published on VeloCityOKC.com highlighting some of our local districts. Get out there and #ShopSmallForOKC!

Note that "accessories, special clothing or footwear primarily designed for athletic activity or protective use that is not normally worn when used for athletic activity or protective use" are not tax-exempt, so if you were looking forward to a discount on some earrings, track spikes or a new athletic supporter, you're out of luck on those. Check oklahoma.gov for more info.