LAKEWOOD, Ohio — Tim Comerford says Ohio's annual tax-free holiday feels like a celebration.
He works at Spin Bike Shop in Lakewood, a bicycle shop that has served the community for more than 20 years. He says he's excited about the chance to help Ohioans save money during the state's expanded sales tax pause.
While most consumers associate the holiday as a way to save on school supplies, shoppers can save on even more this year.
"Customers can save on accessories," he explained. "So if you were looking to upgrade (to) a new helmet, if you're helmet's a little old, things to clean your bike, all kinds of bike gearing, and stuff like that."
Parents can also purchase children's bicycles in the shop because most of the bikes for youth are less than $500 — the threshold for items during the tax-free holiday.
2024's sales tax holiday is the biggest one yet in Ohio — 10 days this year compared to seven days in 2023. More items also qualify, including dining inside a restaurant.
"This helps to give everybody a little bit of a break," Beth Keenan, owner of FunktiniLand in Ohio City, tells 3News. "I know everything is so expensive these days that even just 8% can help people save a little bit."
FunktiniLand is part of City Goods, a community of small metal buildings filled with items made by local creators. Keenan serves as retail manager
"It's important to support your local makers, your local businesses, local restaurants," she added. "We really don't exist without the local community gathering around us."
For Comerford, buying local makes a big difference in the community.
"When you buy from a small business, you're investing into the local school system and into the community."
Ohio's annual tax-free holiday began Tuesday and runs through Aug. 8.