Are you selling billboard spots for Tax Free Weekend?
Every year, retailers gear up for one of the easiest promotions to sell: Tax-Free Weekend. While shoppers are busy making back-to-school lists, billboard companies have a great opportunity to generate quick revenue by helping local businesses capitalize on the surge in traffic.
If you operate digital billboards, this is one of those seasonal events that almost sells itself.
Why It Works
Tax-free weekends create urgency. Consumers only have a few days (or, in some states, a few weeks) to save money on qualifying purchases. That limited window encourages people to shop now instead of later.
That’s exactly the kind of message digital billboards were built for.
Retailers don’t necessarily need a 12-month campaign, but it can lead to longer advertising.
When Does Tax-Free Weekend Happen?
While every state is different, most back-to-school tax holidays occur between mid-July and mid-August. Many states schedule them during the first or second weekend of August, while others choose late July or even extend them for an entire month.
Some examples include:
- Tennessee: Typically the last weekend in July.
- Texas: First weekend in August.
- South Carolina: First weekend in August.
- Oklahoma: First weekend in August.
- Arkansas: First weekend in August.
- Florida: Recently expanded to a month-long tax-free shopping period.
If your state doesn’t offer a sales tax holiday, neighboring states might. Retailers near state borders often advertise heavily to attract shoppers crossing state lines.
Who Should You Call?
The obvious retailers are just the beginning.
Start with:
- Clothing stores
- Shoe stores
- Department stores
- Office supply stores
- Electronics retailers
- Bookstores
- Children’s boutiques
- Discount retailers
- Furniture stores (where applicable)
- Local shopping centers and malls
Don’t overlook locally owned businesses. Many independent retailers assume only the big-box stores advertise these events. A simple digital billboard can help level the playing field.
Finding Leads Is Easier Than You Think
One of the best parts about Tax-Free Weekend is that businesses practically identify themselves.
Look in places like:
- Local newspapers and weekly shoppers
- Facebook business pages
- Instagram posts
- Retail email newsletters
- Chamber of Commerce member directories
- Community event calendars
- School district newsletters
- Shopping center websites
- Local radio promotions
If a business is already promoting Tax-Free Weekend online, chances are they’re already spending marketing dollars. A billboard simply becomes another piece of their campaign.
Keep the Creative Simple
Remember, shoppers are usually driving.
A strong Tax-Free Weekend billboard might include:
- “Tax-Free Weekend Starts Friday!”
- “Save the Tax. Save More.”
- “School Supplies Tax Free”
- “Back-to-School Savings This Weekend”
- “Tax-Free Shopping Ends Sunday”
Use bold typography, large product imagery, and one clear call to action. There’s no need to list every qualifying item. The goal is simply to remind drivers where they should shop.
A Seasonal Revenue Opportunity
Tax-Free Weekend only comes around once a year, but it consistently creates urgency for both shoppers and advertisers. It’s one of those promotions that checks all the boxes: it’s timely, easy to understand, and ideal for digital billboards.
With a little prospecting and a simple sales pitch, you can turn a three-day shopping event into a profitable week of digital advertising while helping local retailers make the most of one of their busiest shopping weekends of the year.
