NEWBERRY COUNTY — August is officially here which means school is right around the corner and many parents and guardians will need to go back to school shopping.
This weekend many shoppers could save money back to school shopping with South Carolina’s tax free weekend.
Every year during the first weekend in August, the state eliminates all sales and user taxes on specific merchandise. The tax free weekend begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday and runs through midnight Sunday.
“Take advantage of tax free. Who does not love some incentive to shop? You have to shop for your kids anyway to go back to school, so why not do that now,” said Michelle Long, executive director of Newberry County Chamber of Commerce.
While many people may use the tax free weekend for school supplies and back to school clothes, they may not know that many other items are tax free.
According to the S.C. Department of Revenue items like adult diapers, antique clothing, baby diapers (cloth and disposable), bow ties, bridal gowns and veils, costumes, towels and wet and dry suits, are all tax free.
Not everything is tax free this weekend. All clothing must be purchased. If you rent anything like a costume or a tux, it will be taxed. Items that will be taxed this weekend include cameras, cell phones, cookware, cosmetics, drapes, eyewear, golf clubs, jewelry, toilet paper, wallets and wigs.
For a complete list, go to dor.sc.gov/resources-site/lawandpolicy/Advisory%20Opinions/RR10-7.pdf.
In Newberry County, both businesses and shoppers alike are gearing up for the weekend.
Armfield’s Office and School Supply will be open Friday and Saturday, with extra employees on hand for the crowds. Armfield’s owner, Christie Armfield, said that they do very well on tax free weekend.
“We have a lot of parents and teachers, probably more parents this year because we are doing, if you buy everything off your school list, we give you 20 percent off,” she said.
Armfield said that typically people could save around $10 to $12, which can be a lot for a parent needing back to school supplies.
“They go for the school supplies children need. We sell a good many book bags, and that is where they can save good bit, because they are kind of expensive,” she said. “And we have a lot of teachers that will furnish their classrooms that will come in.”
Randy Berry, owner of Books on Main, said that the tax free weekend usually helps his business. While he will not be open on Saturday or Sunday, Berry will have his store open Friday. Every tax free weekend Berry does a sale to encourage shoppers to stop in.
“We will do the same thing we have done on other tax free weekends. Since we are not open Saturday or Sunday, we give a 10 percent discount on anything,” Berry said.
Typically books on the summer reading list are the best sellers. This year, a new Harry Potter book came out and Berry foresees people coming in to buy the new book with the tax free discount.
Newberry locals and visitors alike are gearing up for the tax free weekend.
Newberry resident Sarah Dougherty said she is ready to purchase school supplies for her rising kindergartner.
“I will be taking full advantage of this upcoming tax free weekend. My kindergartner and I will be seeking out class supplies, new threads and shoes. Back to school shopping always gets Koen pumped for the new year,” she said.
Newberry resident Jessica Alayne is looking for clothes and technology during this year’s tax free weekend.
“Tax free weekend is something I look forward to every year. I enjoy it even more now that I have nieces and nephews to take shopping for all their school needs. Clothes and technology will be my main purchases this year, but I always remember to sponsor a local classroom,” she said.
Stephanie Horne, who is getting ready to move back to Newberry, said she is excited for the chance to have a shopping spree.
“When I get to go shopping during tax free weekend I ultimately feel as if I have had the best shopping spree ever. You do not realize how much money you save when the taxes are not included.” she said.
South Carolina residents are not the only ones who are prepared for tax free weekend.
Alex Holshoe, an out of state visitor from Michigan, said this will be a great opportunity to get some extra clothes and shoes, along with outdoor gear.