MEMPHIS, TN -
(WMC-TV) - The countdown is on for mid-south students heading back to class. Parents in Mississippi and Arkansas are getting a tax break while stocking up on supplies.
The cost of supplies really adds up so shopping tax free was a nice break today.
It's the shopping day other than Black Friday that most parents dread: back to school shopping. The stores were swarmed with families trying to get those last minute deals, while supplies lasted.
Natalie Williams is enthusiastic about going to kindergarten but her mom is not so excited about the store crowds on tax free weekend.
"I don't know if I'll do it next year," said Amber Williams.
Families filled the aisles Saturday at the Walmart on Winchester near Hacks Cross.
Parents were able to shop tax free for school supplies and clothing totaling $100 or less and purchase computers under $1,500.
"It's nice to save $15 it is, things are tight these days," Williams stated.
Herman Dickey braved the crowds with his daughter Markia.
"This is probably the smallest crowd that we've seen in the stores since we've been out today," Dickey said.
Parents say it's hard to find everything they need on their supply list in one store, especially when the schools require name brands.
And sometimes it's the kids that want name brands.
"Especially the Hello Kitty backpack and lunch that she has been dying to have," said Dickey.
A single father of two, Howard Williams says times have definitely changed.
"It's unbelievable the stuff that they need because when I went to school all I needed was a paper and a pencil and that was it, we were through," said Williams.
Williams said his grand total was $168.24.
Not all items were tax free so Williams went home with about $10 extra in his pocket. And most parents say it was all worth it.
"We found everything else that we needed except like I said specific brands but other than that we got and we're good," said Williams.
Memphis City and Shelby County Schools head back to the classrooms this coming Monday. August 5th is the last day for the Tennessee & Arkansas tax free weekend ending at 11:59 p.m.
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Natalie Williams is excited about starting Kindergarten!
The cost of supplies really adds up so shopping tax free was a nice break today.
Natalie's mom, Amber was not so excited about the store crowds on tax free weekend.
Parents say it's hard to find everything they need on their supply list in one store.
