Back to School savings before, during Florida's sales tax holiday
MANATEE -- For most kids, going back to school is a bummer. But parents are getting excited about Florida's annual sales tax holiday and area back-to-school sales.
The sales tax holiday will run from Friday to 11:59 p.m. Aug. 16. Items that will be tax-free include clothing, footwear, wallets and bags that cost $100 or less per item, school supplies that cost $15 or less, and the first $750 of the cost of personal computers and related accessories.
Some shoppers and families aren't waiting for the sales tax holiday, though.
"We go when we can, because we're so busy," said Chrissy Placek. She, her daughter Sansara and husband Tony were doing some back-to-school shopping Friday at the Mall at UTC. They live in North Port but drove to UTC for the selection -- and food.
"We like the Journey's here because they have a better selection than the one closer to home," Chrissy Placek said. "And now we're headed to Kona Grill; we like the restaurants better here, too."
The Placeks might venture out again during the sales tax holiday if there's more they need to buy.
Another shopper was a bit more hesitant about the busy tax-free holiday. Carol Yoder's daughter is 2 and isn't enrolled in school yet, but Yoder is still quite familiar with the tax-free holiday.
"They did it back home," Yoder said. She moved to Florida from Kentucky in January. "And the craziness isn't worth what you save, especially when kids are along."
For those who are willing to brave the crowds to take advantage of the tax savings, local stores make an effort to help parents save even more. Keaton's Office and Art Supply began putting art kits together for area high schools, middle schools and State College of Florida about 10 years ago.
"School budgets have been really reduced, so we partnered with the schools to pass on savings by selling the items together," store manager Frank Perry said. "And it helps when parents are trying to go to 9,000 different places to get supplies."
Staples has a teacher rewards program with 2 percent back in rewards and free shipping from its website. Office Depot and Office Max host teacher appreciation days, with 25 percent off of a purchase and a free calendar with savings from Aug. 1 to Aug. 4 and Aug. 29 to Sept. 1.
Families could save up to $40 per child on back-to-school shopping, based on numbers released from the National Retail Federation.
The Mall at UTC's Talbots, Edward Beiner Eyewear, Aveda and Vera Bradley stores are teaming up with Seasons 52 to host a fashion event just for teachers from 4-7 p.m. Aug. 21. Models will showcase apparel from the stores and hairstyles from Aveda to inspire teachers' 2015-2016 school year looks.
Bealls Florida department stores will host their own tax-free holiday celebration with extended hours 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, and Sunday, Aug. 8, and then 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Aug. 9.
"We understand that parents are looking to stretch their budgets this back-to-school season. They also want their kids to be confident with the clothes they wear," said Jesse Blount, divisional vice president of marketing for Bealls Florida department stores. "Bealls is the ideal choice for both the brands kids desire and the value parents require."
Ellenton Premium Outlets will also offer back to school deals. Adidas offers buy one, get one 50 percent off storewide through Sept. 3; Aerosoles offers 25 percent off of everything through Aug. 31; Asics offers tiered discounts through Sept. 7; Converse offers sneakers at buy one get one 50 percent off through Sept. 7; Gap Factory Store offers an end of season clearance with 50 to 70 percent off of original prices through Aug. 8; Levi's Outlet Store offers $30 off of a purchase of $200 or more through Aug. 9; Oshkosh B'Gosh offers 30 percent to 50 percent off in-store only and $6 and up doorbusters through Aug. 19; Reebok offers buy one get one 50 percent off or buy two get one free and two for $39.99 toddler footwear through Aug. 5.
For more information on any back-to-school sales at Ellenton Premium Outlets, call the mall at 941-723-1150 or visit their website at premiumoutlets.com/ellenton
Other area back-to-school sales at The Mall at UTC include: Gap Kids offers 30 percent off of all school uniform items; Kate Spade offers tiered discounts through Aug. 30; and Jackie Z Style Co. offers 20 to 50 percent off of select merchandise. Jeans are buy one get one 50 percent off through Aug. 15
For more information on any back-to-school sales at the Mall at UTC, call 941-552-7000 and connect to your store of choice through the automated system or visit the Mall at UTC's website at mallatutc.com
Other stores
Best Buy offers a series of student deals, including up to $80 off of the purchase of a Microsoft Surface 3 tablet. See what other savings are available at BestBuy.com/StudentDeals
Keaton's Office and Art Supply offers art supply kits for certain schools and classes. Some of the kits are ready ahead of time, but usually it's best if students wait until they go to school and talk to teachers about what they need.
Online purchases count for the tax-free holiday as long as they are made during the sales tax holiday period.
Janelle O'Dea, Herald business reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7095
This story was originally published August 2, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Back to School savings before, during Florida's sales tax holiday."