Alabama retailers, consumers enjoy tax holiday

The state of Alabama suspended its 10% sales tax on emergency preparedness supplies last weekend, and hardware stores stocked up on fire extinguishers, flashlights, batteries, coolers, tarps and anything else that qualified, according to an article in the Anniston Star.

At Ace Hardware in Oxford, Ala., first aid kits were on display, along with carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.

Even construction supplies such as plywood were on the list. Shoppers could make a single purchase of a portable generator up to $1,000, tax-free.

The tax holiday ran from Friday, July 6 to Sunday, July 8.