Black Friday Deals

As Mary Williams of Bassfield checked sizes on polo shirts for her son Rhoderick, she clutched a JCPenney sales circular that touted a coupon for $10 off a $25 purchase.

Taking a break to examine the shirts she's picked so far, she said the state's sales tax holiday is one she uses to get the best deals.

"It's a good buy. They have shirts that are $7.99, and if I spend $25 I can get an extra $10 off," she said.

Other shoppers flocked to stores in the Pine Belt on Friday during the state's third annual sales tax holiday in search of bargains in addition to an automatic 7 percent saving.

The popular back-to-school event waives the sales tax on specific items.

The items exempt from sales tax include clothing and footwear items that are meant to be worn next to the body and cost less than $100 per item.

Accessories such as jewelry, handbags, wallets, watches, backpacks and similar items do not qualify. Cleats and items worn in conjunction with an athletic or recreational activity or other sample items are not eligible. School supplies and computers also are not tax-exempt.

"Every year, this is my plan to take more advantage of the tax-free holiday," she said. "Every little bit helps."

Sabrina Ratliff of Tylertown took advantage of sales while shopping for her three children.

"I've done some shopping already but there are good sales and I also found good deals at Old Navy," she said.

Most stores are offering big sales like Aeropostale's 50 percent off everything in the store or like JCPenney with sales prices dotted throughout the store.

Bryan LeBlanc, Turtle Creek Mall manager, said he expects heavy foot traffic Saturday and said mall hours were extended Friday and today.

"We're open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today," he said.

Roy Viator, store manager at JC Penney at Turtle Creek Mall, said the store will open at 8 a.m.

"It will be a busy two days, especially with some schools starting back next week," he said. "This is our biggest weekend for back-to-school shopping.

"And whatever you can't find in the store, parents can order it for the sale price and have it shipped," he said.

Don Jenkins, manager at Da Remix on Broadway Drive, said the store saw an influx of shoppers during last year's sales tax holiday and he expects the same this year.

"We offer our five tops and five bottom deal for our Authentic school uniform brand for $59.99 and the same deal for Dickies but for $79.99," he said. "We are expecting a lot of people to come in."

A Friday afternoon rain dampened spirits slightly but Jennifer Schreck, owner of Polly Esther's Closet vintage clothing store said the 7 percent off served as an incentive for shoppers.

This is the store's first sales tax holiday since opening its U.S. 49 location.

"We haven't had anyone not buy something. That gave them some incentive," she said. "It's exciting."