Tax free weekend in Texas is this coming weekend, August 5th-7th.
Most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks priced under $100 are exempt from sales and use taxes this weekend.
If you are one of the brave souls planning on venturing out this weekend to snag those last-minute, right before school starts deals, this is the guide for you! We have compiled a list of some money (and sanity) saving tips, along with a list of stores and their tax-free weekend sales.
Tips for Saving this Tax Free Weekend
Plan Ahead
Tax free weekend always falls right before school starts, but your kids grow throughout the year. Make a list of things your child may grow out of the coming year. Buy shoes in multiple sizes, if next season’s clothing or last season’s clothing is on sale, buy a size larger and store until they are ready to wear.
This is also a great time to stock up on office and school supplies, especially items you or the children burn through faster. Think notebooks, printer paper, and pens. Buy these items in bulk while stores have them marked down this weekend and store until needed.
Shop Early
Many stores offer early bird discounts for customers who arrive at the store before a certain time (i.e. Macy’s, Kohls, etc.) Plan out your route the night before and hit these stores bright and early. Shopping early will also offer more selection of shoes and clothing. You will get to pick through the clothing and shoe racks before anyone else! This is really nice on a busy shopping weekend, being one of the first in the store, the clothing is still organized and easy to pick out the right size and color of the items you are wanting to purchase.
Take Advantage of Big Purchase Markdowns
Even though tax free weekend only applies to items under $100, many stores mark down their big items as well to catch the shoppers who are out shopping. It is a great time to purchase electronic items such as computers, printers, TVs, and household items including refrigerators, washers, dryers, and mattresses. Planning a camping trip or lake trip next spring? This is a great weekend to check out sales on outdoor equipment. Everything from tents to life jackets will be on sale!
Shop Smart
Just because it’s tax free weekend, doesn’t mean prices will be at their lowest. Clothing and shoes that may regularly be on sale, may not be on sale this weekend. Saving $8 tax free on a $100 purchase doesn’t beat the normal 40% off of a $100 purchase when the everyday sale is on. Make sure you are shopping sales and items that don’t normally go on sale in order to make the most of this tax free weekend.
Know Where to Go
This list does not include all of the stores in the Coastal Bend that will have tax free weekend sales, but it is definitely a place to start! We will be updating the list as more sales are added throughout the week, so be sure to check back often to ensure you get the best deals this tax free weekend!
Academy
Kids shoes under $40, school uniforms under $10, great deals on backpacks, lunch boxes, athletic gear for kids and adults, and outdoor, fishing and hunting equipment.
Bealls
Best Buy
Students save an additional $150 on MacBook and iMac. Big sale on camera accessories, movies and TV shows, televisions and appliances.
Carter’s/OshKosh
25% off your purchase of $40+ or 15% off your entire purchase. (Printable in-store coupon, or save to your phone and show upon check out)
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Dillard’s
Gymboree
40% off entire store and up to 75% off clearance.
JCPenney
Kohl’s
Macy’s
Office Depot
Many items on sale for a penny with $5 minimum purchase. Tons of dollar deals on school supplies. Big sale on electronics, backpacks and office furniture.
Old Navy
Back to School Sale- up to 60% off. Styles from $4!!
Target
Many back to school supplies are 99 cents! Sale on kid clothing and shoes, school uniform necessities are buy one get one 60% off, athletic shoes for the family are 20% off.
Walmart
TONS of back to school sales!!
Don’t Wait Until the Weekend
Many stores are offering sales all week leading up to tax free weekend, especially on already marked down items.
Save Online Too!
Braving the crowds during tax free weekend not your thing? Consider shopping online where you’ll also be able to take advantage of tax breaks!