In the wake of Washington State’s announcement of its retail sales exemption to residents of BC and Ontario, effective July 1, 2010 - coinciding with the implementation of HST in BC, Shelfspace, The Association for Retail Entrepreneurs believes BC’s retailers are resilient, creative and innovative and will continue to attract customers into their stores.

“Cross border shopping isn’t a new issue for BC’s retailers” notes Mark Startup, President & CEO of Shelfspace, “competition from the merchant across the street as well as those south of the border has always been strong.”

He notes that this is the time to get back to their capacity of influence. “Quality retail entrepreneurs focus on excellence by serving their customers, providing unique product offerings and creating the best overall experience they possibly can” believes Startup. “Since BC’s retail entrepreneurs have no control over this exemption, they will instead embrace creativity and be razor sharp when it comes to their own retail prowess and that of their team”.

Come July 1st Washington State's Department of Revenue will consider sales tax in BC to be zero, since the harmonized tax is "value added," (VAT) rather than a straight sales tax. Washington gives its retailers the option to waive the state's 6.5 % sales tax for residents living in areas with sales taxes below three per cent.

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For more information:
Mark Startup
President & CEO
Shelfspace
604-970-0489
1-800-663-5135 ext.307
mark@shelfspace.ca  
www.shelfspace.ca  

About Shelfspace, The Association for Retail Entrepreneurs
Shelfspace is the epicentre of the excellence revolution in the retail world. We highlight and promote excellence in the retail industry, advance the retail profession, and partner with our members in BC and Alberta to achieve greatness. www.shelfspace.ca