Save taxes on most clothing, shoes
Austin — Edna Antillon plans to do some back-to-school shopping for her two daughters this weekend to take advantage of the state’s tax-free holiday, but with her small income and increasing gas expenses, she said doesn’t plan to spend much.
“I don’t think I’ll be able to buy a lot of things for them,” she said.
Next weekend, Friday through Sunday, is Texas’ 10th annual tax-free weekend. It allows families to save on items like clothes, shoes and backpacks that cost less than $100.
With rising gasoline and grocery prices taking an increasing toll on family budgets, stores in El Paso are getting ready for an onslaught of shoppers looking to save on back-to-school clothing, shoes and backpacks.
“Our hopes are that we’ll be at least doubling our traffic on Friday, Saturday and Sunday,” said Debbie Griesinger, general manager at the Outlet Shoppes at El Paso.
The 79 outlet stores will be open until midnight Friday and will have extended hours the rest of the weekend, she said. And they are planning fashion shows, gift-certificate giveaways and free concerts to entertain the hoped-for throngs of shoppers, Griesinger said.
At the Target on Sunland Park, executive team leader Bobby Ramirez said all his employees will be on deck next weekend to handle an expected 20- to 30-percent increase in customer traffic.
