Bianca Moorman/The Meridian StarChestina Ingram, left gets help shopping for school uniforms from Mary Allison Saul at The Liberty Shop in Meridian on Thursday.  

Robert Loeb is excited for this weekend, because it will give him a chance to make money while also giving back to the community.

“It’s a busy weekend, “said Loeb, of Loeb’s clothing store on Front Street in Meridian. 

Loeb is one of many local business owners preparing for the tax free weekend, which runs Friday, July 27 until midnight on Saturday, July 28. This year, The Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience is partnering with Loeb and Hope Village for Children, an agency that helps children in need. 

Shoppers can stop by between 8 a.m. on Friday until 5 p.m. on Saturday. Residents can come into Loeb’s and donate their backpack, which will be given to children at Hope Village. In return, shoppers will get $20 toward a new backpack as well as $5 admission to the Max.

Loeb also said children at Hope Village will be able to get $5 admission to the Max as well.

This year is the first time Loeb has has done something like this, but he’s excited to see how it will come together.

“Anxious to see how this works,” said Loeb.

Over at the Liberty Shop on 22nd Avenue, Clinton Hales said that shop is usually busy on tax-free weekend. 

 “It’s always a good time,” said Hales.

Hales said they also partner with local organizations like the United Way before the school year starts. This past year, the Liberty Shop,which specializes in school uniforms, was part of Stuff the Bus. 

At the Fred’s store on 22nd Avenue, Bobbi Alday, the store’s manager, said she is excited about the weekend.

“It brings a lot business to the store,” said Alday who noted the tax free holiday only applies to clothes and shoes.

“The busiest day for us is the day before school starts, that’s our busiest day,”said Alday.

According to the Mississippi Department of Revenue, sales tax will not be collected on clothing and shoes that cost less than $100.