Shoppers, Retailers Welcome NY Sales Tax Break

NEW YORK(CBSNewYork) -- The New York State sales tax exemption for clothing and shoes under $110 is back. Customers began paying four-percent less Sunday.

The move is good news for shoppers and retailers who say that business suffered for the last year and a half while the tax break was suspended.

Merchants said that a move last year to roll back the tax on items under $55 didn't help.

Sammy Salem, the manager at Shoemania told CBS 2's Carolyn Gusoff that customer regularly complained about the tax, even as they were making a purchase.

"Even when they come to register they always say, why should I pay this amount of money when I go to New Jersey and pay less for taxes," he said.

Residents of neighboring states questioned the need for New York to impose the sales tax on articles of clothing.

"I think things should just be across the board for everybody, it should be equal for everybody," said Mary Martino of Cranford New Jersey.

Lawmakers say that they are making good on a promise and hope that people will take advantage of the exemption.

"We encourage people to take advantage of this exemption and shop at their local businesses. The sales tax exemption will not only aid working families, but will provide a boost to local economies," said State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.

Will you be shopping for more clothing now that the tax is gone? Let us know in our comments section below...