For most Americans April 15 has become synonymous with Tax Day, a not always pleasant reminder of the large lump of change we all fork over to the government each year. But for certain retailers in Milwaukee, Tax Day is becoming synonymous with savings.

Although they are unable to ensure everyone of a hearty tax return this year, business owners in the Third Ward have organized a way to reward tax-payers' pocketbooks, should they find themselves shopping Saturday.

For the last three years, Lela Boutique has offered customers tax-free shopping on April 15, and last year the promotion grew to become neighborhood-wide. This year, about 20 boutiques, salons and shops in the Third Ward are offering the day-long tax-free discount.

"The savvy women retailers of the Ward have all experienced New York City's tax-free week during Fashion Week, so yes, we copied the Big Apple," says Lela co-owner Stephanie Sherman (wife of OMC President Jeff Sherman).

"As small businesses, we all pay, pay, pay to Uncle Sam. Tax Free Day is a way to make a painful-to-the-pocketbook day a lighthearted and fun event."

Sherman says the Third Ward is ideal for this type of collaboration because of the neighborhood's walkability. Plus, she says, the event serves as a good way to meet many of the business owners, as they are most often working behind the counter of their shops.

Lela, 321 N. Broadway, is currently featuring the entire spring collection from local designer Shanel Regier, which was recently featured in the "Parisian Roots: Performance in Couture" fashion show at Flux Design. Other participating businesses include:

• A Woman's Touch, 200 N. Jefferson St., Suite 101
• Ayeshaz, 517 E. Menomonee St.
• Blush, 249 N. Water St.
• Broadway Paper, 191 N. Broadway
• Cranston, 250 N. Water St.
• Freckle Face, 407 E. Buffalo St.
• Fred, 524 N. Water St.
• Hers, 309 N. Water St.
• J. Bird Boutique, 415 E. Menomonee St.
• Metro Eye, 301 N. Water St.
• New World Wine, 322 N Water St.
• Moda 3, 320 E. Buffalo St.
• Pieces, 240 N. Milwaukee St.
• Private Gardner, 190 N. Broadway
• Rubin's, 224 E Chicago St.
• (shOO), 241 N. Broadway
• Sprout, 320 E. Buffalo St.
• Urban Kitchenwares, 151 N. Water St.