Oklahoma Shoppers Take Advantage Of Sales Tax Break

By Jeffrey Smith, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Oklahoma shoppers are opening their pocketbooks for tax free shopping. The annual sales tax "holiday" began just after midnight Friday and continues through midnight Sunday.

With the start of school soon, parents are out trying to find the best bargains. The National Retail Federation reports the average family will spend $550 for back-to-school necessities. That's about $50 less than last year. 

Many families are shopping at consignment stores to get the double bonus of discount clothes, tax-free.

Julie Rivera is a single mom and she has been saving for this weekend all year long.

"I've heard a couple people say, that's not really a good deal. But the more you buy for, it definitely makes a difference, every little penny counts," said Julie Rivera, a shopper.

8/6/2009 Related story: State's Sales Tax Holiday Kicks Off Friday

There are a lot of pennies changing hands at Plato's Closet. The South Tulsa consignment store is popular with adolescents and young teens going back to school.

Moms and dads know that this weekend, they're saving eight and a half percent on taxes. Plus, consignment stores offer the double bonus of selling used clothes on the cheap.

"I got him a pair of American Eagle shorts, it probably would have cost $40, $50 at the store, for $12 dollars," said Shellie Benton, a shopper.  

This is the third year for the sales tax holiday. The Oklahoma Tax Commission reports shoppers averaged $6.5 million in savings the first two years.

Shoppers should expect some Arkansas families heading to the Sooner State this weekend.

Arkansas voted down a "tax-free holiday" measure earlier this year. That has many people driving across the state line to take advantage of a good deal.

Even towns just over the state line, like Poteau and Sallisaw, expect to see a big jump in sales from out of state shoppers.

The list of items included in the sales tax holiday:

• Aprons, household and shop
• Athletic supporters
• Baby receiving blankets
• Bathing suits and caps
• Beach capes and coats
• Belts and suspenders
• Boots
• Coats and jackets
• Costumes
• Diapers, children and adult, including disposable diapers
• Ear muffs
• Footlets
• Formal wear
• Garters and garter belts
• Girdles
• Gloves and mittens for general use
• Hats and caps
• Hosiery
• Insoles for shoes
• Lab coats
• Neckties
• Overshoes
• Pantyhose
• Rainwear
• Rubber pants
• Sandals
• Scarves
• Shoes and shoe laces
• Slippers
• Sneakers
• Socks and stockings
• Steel toed shoes
• Underwear
• Uniforms, athletic and non-athletic
• Wedding apparel