Georgia shoppers are increasingly coming to Aiken for Tax Free Weekend back-to-school deals

Store managers in Aiken are pointing out a trend in back-to-school shopping this Tax Free Weekend – Georgia residents are increasingly visiting during the tax-free holiday for deals on school supplies, while Aiken families are bringing in less traffic.

“Georgia did not offer tax-free shopping statewide this year, so I think a lot of those shoppers from out of town have been coming across the border and supporting the tax-free weekends which helps benefit all the locals,” said Vikki Woody, owner of Vikki’s … A Unique Boutique.

South Carolina's Sales Tax Holiday began at midnight on Friday, Aug. 2, and continues through Sunday, Aug. 4.

Many school supplies, including notebooks, pencils, earbuds, headphones, backpacks and flash drives — along with clothing and shoes — will be exempt from the Palmetto State’s 6 percent sales tax and any applicable local taxes.

Other tax-free items will include computers, printers, pillows, towels, bedding, blankets and purses.

Digital cameras, smartphones, jewelry, sports equipment and eyewear are examples of items that won’t be tax-exempt.

Georgia discontinued tax-free holidays in 2016, and with public schools in Richmond and Columbia counties starting back in August, Peach State shoppers are taking advantage of tax-free savings in Aiken.

“I think we’re getting traffic from Georgia because their school starts on Monday,” said Fred Blevins, manager at Target.

Woody said that Tax Free Weekend has looked different since the Aiken County Public School District has implemented a modified calendar which brings students back to the classroom in July.

“We have seen shoppers, but it’s all still very different,” she said.

Tiffany Walden, the assistant manager at Staples in Aiken, said that Tax Free Weekend has been less eventful with Aiken County public school students already having bought supplies.

“So far, it has been a little bit less busy than previous years … from what we’re seeing right now, it’s slower than it was last year,” she said.