New Hampshire Seeks Out-of-State Shoppers

New Hampshire is ramping up efforts to attract out-of-state shoppers for tax-free holiday shopping with a variety of lodging deals that include everything from gift wrapping supplies to a 4 a.m. ride to the mall.

Year-round "shop and stay" packages are common across the country in states with large outlet malls and shopping centers, but New Hampshire hotels and inn operators claim an extra advantage in the state's distinction as the only one in New England without a sales tax. They hope out-of-staters planning to cross borders to shop on "Black Friday" will consider arriving a night early or sticking around for the weekend.

That could be a tough sell in this economy. With consumers squeezed by tight credit and rising unemployment, economists don't expect to see significant spending until well after the holiday season.

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Lorraine Day, general manager at the Highlander Inn in Manchester, said that by Monday, there weren't many reservations for the hotel's "Black Friday Shopping Frenzy Package," which includes overnight accommodations for two, a coupon book, shuttle service to the Mall of New Hampshire and a boxed breakfast for $110. But she's hoping for an influx of last-minute guests.

"They don't have to worry about parking or gas, and they get their breakfast to go as well," she said. "We want it to be as easy as possible for the guest."

In North Conway, the Cranmore Mountain Lodge urges couples to use its outdoor hot tub after a long day of shopping. For just under $200, the "Shop Till You Drop" package includes a two-night stay, breakfasts, and a purse full of coupons, energy bars and samples from area stores. In Concord, the Courtyard by Marriott offers a 1-night stay for $119 with a coupon book and $25 gift guard to the Tanger outlet mall in Tilton.

Elise Conlon, owner of the Dudley House Bed and Breakfast in Alton, will have a house full of family this weekend, but is offering a 25 percent discount to all out-of-state shoppers starting Sunday and continuing through Christmas Eve. To get the discount off the regular rates of $115-$125, guests will have to show a receipt as proof that they bought something.