By Tonya Whitaker
NDG Staff Writer
Texas residents on the hunt for those last-minute school supplies will have a break this weekend when the 13th annual Sales Tax Holiday takes place Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Aug 19-21.
State Comptroller Susan Combs said Texas families have a big opportunity to save money when they shop.
“On that weekend, shoppers will pay no state or local sales tax on many school supplies, school backpacks and most children’s and adults’ clothing and shoes priced at less than $100,” Combs said. “The tax break helps out when the kids’ back-to-school lists are long and money is short.”
In Dallas, retailers such as Wal-Mart are preparing stores and employees for the anticipated holiday.
Daniel Morales, director of community relations for Wal-Mart, said the retailer’s goal is to help Dallas customers receive all their back-to-school and back-to-college shopping needs in one place.
“Back to school is one of the busiest times of the year. When we talk about back to school, we know what customers are looking for. We want our customers to get what they are looking for and get it for less.
“Our Dallas customers are shopping wiser because of the recession. They are sticking to their lists.”
Dallas-area Wal-Mart store managers have arranged their back-to-school displays down the center aisle in an effort to make shopping easier for customers. Furthermore, each Dallas-area store has updated school supplies lists for shoppers to reference, “so mom can get in and out of the store.”
Morales said in the addition to in-store sales, Wal-Mart.com will feature deals.
“With the busy lifestyles families hold, we want to offer flexible shopping options for our customers. Therefore, individuals who shop online at WalMart.com can have their purchases shipped to their local store free of charge,” Morales said.
In addition, he said if customers find an item advertised at a lower price from a Dallas-area competitor, they can bring in the advertisement and the retailer will match the price during check out.
“We want to be customers’ one-stop shop. At the end of the day, we want them to leave fully satisfied and their lists are completed,” Morales said.
This year, Combs predicts shoppers will save $62.1 million in state and local sales taxes during the Sales Tax Holiday.
Lists of apparel and school supplies that may be purchased tax free can be found on the comptroller’s website at www.texastaxholiday.org.
