Mid-August, it would seem, is a great time to buy.

From Sunday, Aug. 12 to Saturday, Aug. 18, College Park will benefit from two different initiatives aimed at keeping customers happy and cash registers clanging.

The first is the city's 2012 Buy Local and Independent Week, a council-backed effort urging consumers to spend their dollars in College Park—particularly with locally-owned and independent businesses.

As part of the program, restaurants and retailers around town are pitching two-for-one deals, 50 percent markdowns, and other special offers. A flyer listing 20 participating businesses can be found here.

The second is Shop Maryland Week, a statewide program that exempts most clothing and footwear priced under $100 per item from the normal 6 percent sales tax.

Accessory items—including jewelry, watches, watchbands, handbags, handkerchiefs, umbrellas, scarves, ties, headbands and belt buckles—do not qualify. Click here for a full rundown of what's covered.

How will you take advantage of either offer? Let us know in the comments.