KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Computers, school supplies, and clothing are tax-free this weekend to help those going back-to-school shopping.
The sales tax holiday in Tennessee started on Friday, with many shoppers flocking to West Town Mall.
“This weekend we will see a boost obviously in traffic,” said West Town Mall General Manager, Michael Martin. “I think its roughly 10 percent savings, maybe a little under that with the sales tax spiff that is being offered, so yeah we will see larger numbers this weekend for sure.”
People at the mall said the tax-free weekend is a bank saver when it comes to back-to-school shopping.
Fatal shooting in Seymour under investigation, one person in custody “Usually, we spend like 5-600 dollars on school clothes, but when it comes to tax-free weekend it’s probably like 3 to 4 [hundred], it helps us out a lot,” said a young shopper, Haven, accompanied by her mom.
From clothes to computers, the sales tax will be exempt from personal-use items, including school supplies.
“It helps us out tremendously, 10 percent is 10 percent, which you don’t normally get. Clothes, shoes, anything under 100 dollars,” said shopper Cassie Williams, who was shopping for her daughter.
All clothing and supplies must be under $100 per item to qualify for exemption, and computers or tablets must be under $1,500.
“Oh, it just is a blessing, especially for families with multiple children, and three in college, it really helps, so it’s a good thing for lots of families,” said shopper Julie Bently.
Knoxville Police: Man shot while playing video games in a shed The exemption benefits more than students. A local school teacher, Marcee McKinney, said tax-free weekend helps her find supplies for the classroom as well.
“It helps out with supplying some of the things that we need in a classroom, that you know aren’t typically asked on kid’s lists to bring in, so we can kind of pick up some of that extra stuff,” she said. “Usually like the glue sticks, loose-leaf paper, colored pencils are usually pretty cheaper, things like that.”
For many, this marks the beginning of the back-to-school season. One shopper said she starts school next week.
“It’s just really nice that it’s much cheaper on tax-free so I think we’re really excited to be here.,” said Praylee Swanson.
Tax-free weekend is a statewide sales tax holiday and also applies to stores online.
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