MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The tax free holiday kicks off today in Tennessee and Mississippi.
It begins August 6th in Arkansas.
That’s good news since back to school shopping is in full swing.
“I am getting a few things for my nephew Brayden,” said Cassie Thompson.
Deronai Sims told WREG, “Today I’m college shopping.”
Sims heads off to school in a few weeks, but she’s practically finished with her list.
“I have a mirror, couple of cleaning supplies, a basket hangers.”
The Turnbow family is doing the same.
“I have some pens, pencils, pencil pouches notebooks,” said Olivia Turnbow.
“My daughter Olivia and I are school shopping. She’s starting University of Memphis next month, so we thought we’d get a jump on getting the school supplies,” said Olivia’s mother, Angela.
The Turnbows are also getting a jump start on the crowds waiting to shop during the tax-free weekend.
But, just because you’re not paying sales tax, doesn’t mean you’re getting the best bargain.
Retailers bring in big bucks over the tax-free holiday.
According to the National Retail Federation, sales spiked by more than 40% in Tennessee during the holiday two years ago.
Tennessee and Mississippi were two of the highest performing states.
So, it’s important for consumers to stick to a strategy for saving.
Tips for Getting the Best Bargains During Tax Free Weekend
- Know what’s tax-free, not everything is exempt
- Compare prices ahead of time. Websites like Price Grabber and MySimon can be helpful. My Memphis Mommy put together a chart of recent prices.
- Use technology. If you forget to check prices before leaving home, use apps like Shop Savvy to scan barcodes while in the store.
- Check price history. CamelCamelCamel has Amazon price history. Slick Deals has a similar tool for several retailers.
For example, WREG found a laptop on sale for $279.
The same product is $14 less at another retailer, but more importantly, the News Channel 3 Investigators found a price history chart showing it was even cheaper three weeks ago!
- Price match. If you find an item for a lower price at a certain retailer this weekend, get the store you’re shopping into price match.
- Stack coupons for even bigger savings.
- Don’t forget about the clearance rack.
- Look for surprise savings-It’s a good time to find items unrelated to school supplies, but still exempt.
For example, in Arkansas, everything from aprons to wedding apparel is exempt, so why not take advantage of those deals.
List of exempt items across the Mid-South: