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Parents anticipate tax-free weekend bargains

Some know it as the weekend to stay indoors and avoid the crowds.

Others, like Bridget Griffin, a single mother of triplets, know it as the weekend to get as much school shopping done as possible.

Tax-free weekend in Texas is Aug. 21-23, and with the passage of recent legislation, the list of items qualifying for tax exemption expanded.

The weekend allows shoppers to purchase most clothing and footwear priced under $100 without paying sales or use taxes. The exemption saves participants about $8 for every $100 they spend.

Griffin, who works as a nurse in the critical care unit of St. Joseph Regional Health Center, said in years past, the tax-free weekend has been a great help to her family, saving her about $500 on back-to-school clothes and supplies.

Local businesses are gearing up for the rush as well.

"I think we understand how difficult it is for shoppers this summer, and we're thankful to offer them some relief and give them a chance to save some money," said Kelly Cheeseman, a spokeswoman for Wal-Mart.

She said the company's focus will be on having more school-related products on the floor in anticipation of the crowds.

Griffin's children -- Madison, Chase and Ashley -- are going into the third grade this year, and she hopes to get all their shopping done for no more than $2,200.

It'll be a challenge, she said, but tax-free weekend makes it a possibility.

In the years since Griffin's been participating in tax-free weekend, she said, she's noticed a gradual increase in the number of shoppers joining her.

"I know lots of people have kids and this really helps them out," she said. "I think more and more people are realizing the benefits."

The earlier you get to the stores, the better the selection, Griffin said. But she has to strike a balance between getting the good deals and making sure her children can keep pace.

"I don't want them to be miserable," she said. "I'd like to get it all done at once, but we'll just have to do as much as we can with the time we have."

Griffin has just one suggestion for improvement.

"I just wish they could do this twice a year," she said. "It's hard to go out and buy a winter coat when it's 100 degrees outside."