HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) — Maryland state Comptroller Peter Franchot is in Hagerstown to promote an upcoming week of tax-free shopping.

His news conference Monday at the Hagerstown Premium Outlets kicks off a series of media appearances around the state in advance of Shop Maryland Week.

Starting Sunday and continuing through Aug. 18, purchases of qualifying clothes and shoes for $100 or less are exempt from the state's 6 percent sales tax.

The sales tax holiday is meant to encourage families to do their back-to-school shopping at Maryland stores.