Excited shoppers lined up hours before stores opened Sunday to enjoy the first day of Connecticut's tax free shopping week.

The promotion, which lasts until Aug. 22 cuts the state's six percent tax for purchases of clothes and footwear that cost less than $300. Shoppers say raising the tax exemption threshold from $50 to $300 gives them more flexibility in their purchases.

Store managers at Milford's Westfield Connecticut Post Mall say the tax free week has allowed them to promote sales and merchandise for the back-to-school season. Shoppers say they will take advantage of saving money for fall season necessities.