Tax-Free: Not Just for Back to School Shoppers

"Looking for clothing, shoes, bags everything. I want it all." And it is all for sale at forty, fifty, even 70 percent off plus tax-free on some back to school items.

"We just feel very confident we are going to have a very good weekend," says Tanger Outlet Manager Jackie Sewell. Through Sunday shoppers can buy certain items with out paying city, county or state sales tax and that can certainly put a dent in what you pay at checkout. "We have a 9 percent sales tax so depending on how much you spend its a lot," says retail assistant manager Kimberly Truax.

But there is not a lot of back-to-school shopping going on. "We've done most of our back to school shopping already to beat the crowds," says Nicole Malone. With most clothes tax free, this weekend has turned into a extra bonus for retailers. "They have everything 40 percent off plus you get the tax break which you are getting a good deal," says Malone.

"It's the last big sale event that we have before school starts," says Truax. "And then after school starts it dies a lot. So it's a last big chance to get our sales up."

It seems to be working. "Sales are up for the year. They have had a great summer. Our region has done very well this summer and then to be able to end it with a bang with tax-free is just wonderful for everyone," says Sewell.

272 Alabama cities and counties are taking part in the tax free holiday weekend. The Alabama Retail Association says that will represent a two to three percent increase in retail sales over the same time last year.