from staff reports
In a span of 48 hours on Friday and Saturday, shoppers in Mississippi were able to purchase clothing and shoes — under $100 an item — without having to pay the state's 7 percent sales tax.
The tax break was part of the state's back-to-school tax-free holiday legislation that passed the Mississippi Legislature this year.
Local stores, from larger retail spots like Bonita Lakes Mall to small mom-and-pop stores, saw larger than usual crowds over the two-day period, officials said.
"Yesterday and today have been significant days for us. They have been really, really good," Justin Dear, assistant buyer, sales manager at Loeb's in downtown Meridian said Saturday. "We're having a 75 percent off clearance sale ... but we haven't seen the traffic like it has been the past two days."
His only complaint: more time to prepare. That way, his store could implement sales, adjust store hours and promote the savings to customers in advance. Still, it was a win-win for state taxpayers, he said.
The shoppers who flocked to East Mississippi stores in the past two days weren't just Mississippians.
Linda Wright of Cuba, Ala., left the Bonita Lakes Mall parking lot Saturday with a bag full of clothes.
"I think I saved a little money," Wright said, adding that she purchased about $130 worth of clothes for herself. "I thought it would be a good time to get a few things."
It is unclear how much money the tax holiday saved customers this year; the State Tax Commission has estimated shoppers could save about $2.5 million, if Mississippi's numbers are in line with other states who have had similar tax holidays.
Aside from shoppers, the holiday also likely benefited local businesses. As shoppers went to stores for the tax break, retailers were happy for the boost in business as the summer winds down.
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