Texans take advantage of tax free weekend amid rising inflation
Texans take advantage of tax free weekend amid rising inflation
Families are taking advantage of tax-free weekend as they begin to cross off that school supply list, but things are looking more expensive this year because of rising inflation.
HOUSTON - Families are taking advantage of tax-free weekend as they begin to cross off that school supply list, but things are looking more expensive this year because of rising inflation.
"We just really need some new shoes," said Janice Crucian. "Their feet grow really quickly, but yeah we are trying to find the best prices."
MORE: Back to School: Texas Tax-Free Weekend Guide
Items such as school supplies, backpacks, clothing, and shoes are sales tax-free this weekend only if the item is under $100.
"We’re already seeing the traffic throughout the store," said Academy Sports and Outdoors store director Jose Deleon. "People are excited, and they want to get in and get the product before we start to run out or they can’t find what they need."
Back-to-school shopping advice
Tax free weekend is here in Texas. Some items may be difficult to find. And others may have higher prices. Retail analyst Hitha Herzog has some strategies that can help families tackle back-to-school shopping.
Academy has many sales going on throughout the weekend, but for many parents, the overall cost is a heftier price tag this year thanks to inflation.
"Yeah there’s always trepidation that you have to buy new things every three months and not keep up with their growing demands," said Hilarie Fisher.
MORE: Houston's Back to School Fest is Saturday, Aug. 13
The National Retail Federation says families with kids between elementary and high school plan to spend an average of $864 on back-to-school necessities, which is nearly $170 more than in 2019.
"Unfortunately, necessities are necessities," said Oren Gelber. "If they’ve outgrown something you have to go out and get it, so you just make do with that you can and get the things that you absolutely need to. You just have to prioritize."
Ways you can save some bucks on back-to-school shopping
FOX 26 Consumer Reporter Heather Sullivan has some smart sense on ways you can save some money while shopping for back to school items.
For those looking to save a few extra dollars, the tax-free weekend goes until Sunday, and there is the option to shop online, by telephone, or by mail.