Current Conditions
No Tax Free Holiday for Back to School Shoppers Save Email Print
Posted: 5:14 PM Jul 24, 2008
Last Updated: 8:52 PM Jul 24, 2008
Reporter: Alex Denis


A | A | A

With a tough economy most parents are looking for back to school deals, and this year things are even tougher.

Because of budget shortfalls, the state is not holding its 10 day, back to school, tax free holiday. Shoppers in Walton County say they're doing everything they can to save more money.

Outlet malls and discount stores are seeing more business from shoppers who used to pay full price. With no tax break and little relief at the pump in sight, consumers say they have to find other ways to save.

Sarah Smith, a shopper, said, "We're looking for the clearance racks. We don't want to spend a whole lot of money on things."

With the start of school only a few weeks away stores are offering their own relief to bring in the crowds.

Traci Stokes, Marketing Director, said, "Consumers this year are looking for great value. They still want those names. We see that they're still shopping they're looking a little bit more closely at prices, so our stores are running more value sales and promotions to draw them in."

One walk around the outlet malls and it's easy to see; 70 percent off signs line store windows and others advertise only $6 for back to school clothing. Even with these deals, some shoppers say it's not enough.

Ben Durham said, "We pay enough in taxes. They should give you a free weekend to go out and shop."

So what should customers do? David Crow says he knows where to go for the deals.

David Crow said, "The 50 percent off most of the time.”

Experts say this is the first time in many years they've seen parents scrimping on items for their children.

More Stories
Holmes Officer Shot

Traffic Death May Be Medically Related

Yoga

Shadow Bay Trial

Gulf Coast Increases Tuition, Enrollment also increases

Local's Search for Missing Orlando Girl

Arson Blamed for Highway 79 Fire

Boil Water Notice has been rescinded at Mid Afternoon Sunday Except for Panama City Beach

Post Your Comments
First Name:
Location:
Enter Comments: characters left
Email (optional):
Email will not be displayed on site. For station contact purpose only.
Read Comments
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: Andrea Nicols Location: Tallahassee, FL on Jul 25, 2008 at 09:55 AM
My consuming confidence has declined as well because of the tough economy and high prices. Instead of cutting back on essential back to back to school spending I have been shopping through bargain hunting websites like Unodeals.com to buy the same items at huge savings.

AP Online Video