Sales tax free weekend starts Friday morning running through Sunday night. Many stores have been planning for this weekend for months now because they can do two weeks worth of business in just three days.
"It has been a huge event ever since it started. We are anticipating big crowds," says Ron Kise, JCPenny Store Leader.
Retailers say this weekend gets bigger each year and it's about as busy as Black Friday.
"People love it. It's one time a year that you don't have to pay taxes and it will be busy," says Kise.
Customers can save on clothes and shoes for back to school or everyday use. The rules say the item can not be more than $100. The Oklahoma Commission says you can spend as much money as you would like, just make sure that all your items are under a $100.
According to the Oklahoma Tax Commission, people shopping last year in Oklahoma saved almost 7 million dollars during the three day event. But a big reminder, school supplies no matter the amount, are not on the list of tax free items. No matter what is on the list, retailers say they are ready.
"We have extra people coming in. We have looked at the staffing. We know exactly where the areas peak, where it's going to be busy. We have additional people scheduled there. We have people to take care of line management because the lines will back up," says Kise.
The best advice is to start early but some have been shopping today to miss out on the craziness.
"It's chaotic, says mother, Shanna Laws, " and I have already done all my shopping."
Laws brought her daughter out to get school uniforms. Something that will be a hot item for a lot of Tulsa families. But there is some good news if you come to JCPenny and they are out of your size.
"If we run out of a size or color you can always buy it on jcp.com and get the tax savings," says Kise.
Many local stores will be allowing you to shop online and save. Just make sure your items meet the rules. All stores have to participate in tax free weekend and most of them are excited.
"It's a fun time. Retailers like it busy because when it's not busy we are dusting racks and worry about what to do when it does get busy. We have everybody trained to just take care of the customers," says Kise.
Several stores will have extended hours this weekend. JCPenny will be open from 9 A.M. till 10 P.M. on Friday and Saturday. Then on Sunday they will be open from 10 A.M. till 8 P.M. They are also offering free haircuts to children in kindergarten to sixth grade the whole month of August. Just make an appointment with their salon.
