Aug. 3 – Store managers in Aiken are pointing out a trend in back-to-school shopping this tax-free weekend – Georgia residents are increasingly visiting during the tax-free holiday for deals on school supplies, while Aiken families are bringing in less traffic.
“Georgia didn’t offer statewide tax-free shopping this year, so I think a lot of these out-of-town shoppers have been crossing the border and supporting tax-free weekends, which helps benefit all locals” , said Vikki Woody, owner of Vikki’s… A Unique Boutique.
South Carolina’s sales tax holiday began at midnight on Friday, August 2nd and continues through Sunday, August 4th.
Many school supplies, including notebooks, pencils, headphones, headphones, backpacks and flash drives – along with clothing and shoes – will be exempt from the Palmetto State’s 6% sales tax and any applicable local taxes.
Other tax-exempt items include computers, printers, pillows, towels, bedding, blankets and bags.
Digital cameras, smartphones, jewelry, sports equipment and glasses are examples of items that will not be exempt from tax.
Georgia stopped tax-free vacations in 2016, and with public schools in Richmond and Columbia counties starting in August, Peach State shoppers are taking advantage of tax-free savings in Aiken.
“I think we’re getting traffic from Georgia because school starts on Monday,” Target manager Fred Blevins said.
Woody said tax-free weekend looks different since the Aiken County Public School District implemented a modified calendar that brings students back to classrooms in July.
“We saw buyers, but everything is still very different,” she said.
Tiffany Walden, assistant manager at Staples in Aiken, said Tax Free Weekend was less hectic as Aiken County Public Schools students already purchased supplies.
“So far, it’s been a little less busy than in previous years…from what we’re seeing now, it’s slower than last year,” she said.
