“It was supposed to be temporary, but it became permanent”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"After eight years of a 6.25 percent sales tax, some retailers are calling for a change. 

The Retailers Association of Massachusetts is looking to put a lower tax rate on the ballot, placing the rate in the hands of voters in the November 2018 election. 

Bill Rennie, the association’s vice-president, said retailers had been concerned about the government’s failure to pass a sales tax holiday. Beyond that, he said, the state’s store-owners must compete with tax-free New Hampshire and untaxed Internet sales. 

“The Internet is never going away, and we’re not under the impression that it will,” he said. “What smart tax policy can do is make sure we’re operating on a level playing field.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170806/voters-could-decide-on-lower-tax-rates

https://www.simonfurniture.com/

Free the grapes! (video)

In the midst of vacation season, wouldn't it be nice to be able to ship some wine back home to MA.

Massachusetts wine lovers still cannot purchase wines directly from out-of-state wineries. But the legislature is now considering House Bill 294, a favorable bill that would replace an unconstitutional law with a proven solution. However, some Massachusetts package stores and the politically powerful wholesalers remain opposed to consumers choosing their own wine 

2013 is going to be the year for consumer choice in wine, but we need your help:

Step 1: Spread the word: Tell your friends about us on Facebook (and share our page, Facebook.com/freethegrapes) 

Step 2: Write your legislator! This is really easy (and quick) to do online through our Action Alert! 

Step 3: Join our email list: You’ll need to know the bill number as soon as we have it, so join the email list and we’ll keep you up-to-date on the latest news.

For more information, you can visit the "Free the grapes" website
http://freethegrapes.org/massachusetts-2013/

Red Tag Outlet

In the former Hollywood Video store, next to Hometown Paint, the Red Tag Outlet has set up and opened for business.

Have you been in yet?
What is it like?


Franklin, MA

Big Lots! coming to Franklin

In the space left by TJ Maxx, Big Lots is coming to Franklin.  Currently, the closet Big Lot store is in Milford.

HELPING PEOPLE CONNECT WITH THEIR INNER BARGAIN HUNTER

Maybe it's the one-of-a-kind shopping experience. Or the unique and ever-changing mix of brand-name merchandise. Or perhaps it's just the thrill of the treasure hunt.

But one thing's for sure - once you get a taste of closeout shopping, you'll never look at traditional retail the same way again.

From everyday consumables and housewares to toys and seasonal goods, Big Lots offers amazing values that other stores just can't match. As the nation's largest broadline closeout retailer, we have the buying power to find and negotiate the best deals in the business.

The result? Unbeatable bargains, with something new to discover every time. Plus stores that are genuinely fun to shop. It's a combination strong enough to break old shopping habits - turning more and more consumers into Big Lots closeout shoppers..

One big difference with Big Lots is they do sell via their website where Ocean State Job Lots, Bldg 19 and other outlets rely on the physical building.

Thanks to CK for the pointer to Big Lots!


BTW - When I stopped by recently to take this photo, there was nothing posted on the door indicating when they would be open.

Updated 11/14/10 - word has it they are scheduled to open on Nov 19th!

Franklin, MA

Franklin's TJ Maxx to close

A reliable source amongst the Franklin Matters community passed along word that employees of the TJ Maxx store in Franklin were notified that the store will be closing Jan 16th.

With stores in Plainville, Milford, South Attleboro, Framingham and Natick currently on the map, Franklin will lose the convenience of having a location in town. Plainville, the newest store, likely would pick up some of the Franklin traffic.

If you have information to add to this story, please let me know.