Aug 2, 2008

Tax-free shopping drawing to storesBy Jennifer PalmerNewsOK.com

Consumers already coping with high gasoline prices and food costs say saving money during this year’s tax-free holiday was important.

Many Oklahomans were out taking advantage of the tax break on Friday, buying clothes and shoes for back-to-school at area malls. Mike Mudd and his wife, Stephanie, were at Sooner Mall in Norman, shopping for their two children, Lauren and Stephen.

“We used to go to Texas,” Mike Mudd said. “But with gas prices, it’s not feasible to drive to Texas anymore to save a couple of dollars.”

The couple said they combined the tax break, store sales, coupons and gift cards to save on purchases.

The tax-free weekend is being held in Oklahoma for the second year. It began as a way to encourage Oklahomans to shop in state instead of driving to Texas.

Clothing and shoes priced under $100 are required to be sold tax-exempt during the three-day holiday. A proposed bill to include school supplies failed to pass in the legislature last session.

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