Editor’s note: One in a series.





Holiday sales could bring a slew of shoppers to area clothiers and shoe stores this weekend.

No, it’s not THAT holiday. It’s a three-day holiday from having to pay sales taxes on clothing and shoes.

Oklahoma’s second annual back-to-school sales tax holiday runs Friday through Sunday. Shoppers and retailers say it’s like Christmas in August.

“It’s insanity, nuts,” said Gwen Clemmer, manager of the Rainbow clothing store at Arrowhead Mall. “Last year, everyone and their dog was out here shopping for back-to-school.”

People still will have to pay sales tax on things for their dog.

Clemmer said she worked at a different store during last year’s tax-free holiday, and sales were about as brisk then as on the day before Christmas. She said she’s getting extra help and stocking up for this weekend’s crowd.

Linda Sacks, manager of The Shoe Dept., at River City Shopping Center said the store ordered a bigger shipment of footwear “to keep us prepared.”

“Back-to-school in retail is our second Christmas season,” she said.

Shelley Wacker said she spends about $400 on shoes and clothes for her daughter, Briana, who is going into the seventh grade at Ben Franklin Science Academy. She said she saved about $100 when she shopped at last year’s tax-free holiday.

Wagoner mother Nenah Yochum said she saved “quite a lot of money last year.

“And it seemed that stores had more selection,” she said. “They knew people were coming.”

Oklahoma Tax Commission Communications Director Paula Ross said Oklahomans saved about $6.4 million during last year’s tax-free weekend. However, overall sales tax collections for August were no lower than usual, she said.

“Last year, the sales tax holiday performed exactly as many of us predicted: It boosted retail sales by a whopping $100 million for the month of August,” said State Sen. Jay Paul Gumm, D-Durant, who authored the enabling legislation in 2007. “The holiday will do the same this year.”

Ross said that, although the holiday is tagged as a “back to school” event, shoppers do not have to have children in school to take advantage of it.



About the event

When is the holiday?

• From one minute after midnight Friday to midnight Sunday.

What is tax exempt?

• Any clothing or footwear costing less than $100.

Not tax exempt:

• Accessories.

• Special clothing or footwear primarily designed for athletic activities.

• Rented clothing or footwear.

• School supplies.



FYI

For information, contact the Oklahoma Tax Commission at www.tax.ok.gov or call (405) 521-3160.