Advertisement

What's happening in Tampa Bay shopping: Tax-free hurricane supplies, Amazon lockers at Stein Mart

 
In this 2006 photo, generators are shown at Tampa’s Northern Tool during the Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday. The holiday will kick off again Friday, running through next week. [Times (2006)]
In this 2006 photo, generators are shown at Tampa’s Northern Tool during the Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday. The holiday will kick off again Friday, running through next week. [Times (2006)]
Published May 29, 2019

BE PREPARED: Tax-free holiday

Not to be a Debbie Downer, but hurricane season is upon us. Stocking up on supplies early is a really good idea. I recall the fruitless daily searches when Irma was heading towards us when I almost lost faith in humanity. The Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday runs Friday through June 6. Eligible items include reusable ice packs, portable, self-powered light sources, batteries, coolers, radios, items to help you fortify the house and generators. Pro tip: it won't be tax free, but stock up on that water while you're shopping. Find more information at floridarevenue.com/disasterprep.

RETAIL NEWS: Amazon partnerships

Retailers competing with Amazon are finding ways to partner with the tech giant. Kohl's has announced it will start accepting free Amazon returns in all stores starting in July. Stein Mart recently announced it will install Amazon lockers in nearly 200 stores. The St. Petersburg, Seminole, Clearwater and Tampa locations already have them. The self-serve kiosks eliminate worry about your package being stolen from your doorstep. You can also make returns at the kiosks. For Kohl's and Stein Mart, the hope is that more traffic will bring more sales. And Amazon owns Whole Foods, so Prime members get discounts there, too. Visit amazon.com for more information.

SIP AND SHOP: Blooming Kindness

Receiving a nice flower arrangement always lifts the spirits, but Rutgers University found flowers actually improve mood and long term episodic memory in elderly patients. Random Acts of Flowers recycles blooms into bouquets and delivers them to health care facilities throughout the country. Support them this weekend at Syd Entel Galleries' sip and shop benefit event, Blooming Kindness. There will be a fashion show from local boutique the Edinburgh Fringe and a trunk show from jewelry artist Pat LaFaye. And fittingly, gallery show "Art in Bloom" is on display and includes Maya Eventov's piece, pictured . $10. 5-7 p.m. Thursday. 247 Main St., Safety Harbor. (727) 725-1808. sydentelgalleries.com.