By George Anderson
The official start of hurricane season begins tomorrow and consumers in South Florida have been stocking up with supplies during a special 12-day tax holiday.
The tax holiday, reports the Miami Herald, doesn't give consumers an across-the-board break but it covers items such as flashlights, storm shutters and generators that cost at least $1,000.
Many retailers have run short on stock while others are completely out of key items.
Rick Case, owner of Rick Case Honda Powerhouse in Miami, said he has sold more than three times (1,000) the number of generators his business moved last year (300).
"Nobody expected sales to be this good," he told the Herald. "We are used to having a constant supply. It's getting to be a problem."
Retailers are restocking supplies as quickly as possible to meet demand as the tax holiday comes to a close.
Many stores are finding that products beyond those covered during the tax holiday are moving briskly, as well.
Henry Taulien, manager of Outdoor World, said his store was out of stoves even though they were not covered.
"It's an excuse for a lot of people to get excited about getting ready for the season," he said.
Moderator's Comment: Do so-called tax holidays result in an incremental lift for retailers or do they simply shift sales from one period to another? - George Anderson - Moderator