The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) is urging Alabamians to shop local during this weekend’s sales tax holiday in an effort to support companies harmed by the coronavirus pandemic.

“The pandemic is affecting all kinds of businesses, but it’s been especially hard on small, independent businesses,” NFIB state director Rosemary Elebash said in a release.

Alabama’s annual back to school sales tax holiday occurs this weekend and will last all of Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The Alabama Department of Revenue has prepared a list of items that will be exempt from sales tax that can be accessed here.

“Supporting small business is especially important now when local merchants, who already are trying to recover from the economic shutdown, are investing in additional supplies and equipment to protect their customers and employees from the pandemic,” Elebash added.

The NFIB director pointed to a study done by American Express that showed that 67 cents of every dollar spent at a local business stays in the community where that business is located.

With regards to further coronavirus precautions, Elebash advised, “Small businesses are also focused on customer service, offering curbside pickup and, in many cases, allowing customers to order online.”

Alabamians can check if their city or county is participating in the sales tax holiday here.

Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: henry@new-yhn.local or on Twitter @HenryThornton95