Picture this scenario…you and your family are on your Smoky Mountain vacation, the summer is nearing an end, and the kids are excited and ready to get back to school. You are already familiar with the areas of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge and know that they offer some of the best shopping around. Now imagine this…a tax-free, back to school shopping extravaganza! An ever popular weekend at the area’s malls and outlets, Tennessee’s Sales Tax Holiday will be August 5th – 7th, 2011. You and your family can enjoy a tax-free holiday on your vacation, saving valuable money on clothing, school supplies and computers.
In Gatlinburg, visit The Village Shops to score some unique items only found here. Visit the Life According to Jake store for the original “Life is Good” t-shirts, hats and other apparel. The Hayloft boasts a wide variety of comfortable shoes and boots to keep your family (and their feet!) happy. Another clothing store in The Village Shops is Another Me Clothier, a two level boutique that boasts clothing from City Girl, Valentina and many other designers. In business for 25 years, their quality merchandise is sure to please the girls in your family. The Taylor Girls is another fun ladies apparel store, offering shoes, sweaters, jackets and more.
In Pigeon Forge, the tax-free holiday kicks off with Belz Outlet’s Back To School Weekend Sidewalk Sale. Already offering prices up to 75% off the retail price, this outlet mall has more than 50 stores for you and your family to explore. Visit the Nike Clearance Store to let your kids shop for a great pair of running shoes for their upcoming Physical Education class. The Izod store offers classic men’s and women’s apparel that will leave your kids stylish and ready for the first day back. For your girly teenager, Rue 21 offers inexpensive outfits, skirts, dresses and more.
In nearby Sevierville, stop by The Teacher’s Pet to pick up everything your children will need for this school year. Get your supply box “project-ready” by stocking up on construction paper, glue, foam boards and more. Purchase some index cards for vocabulary learning, and then finish your shopping spree off by buying the basic pencils, paper and binders that your kids will surely require.
The sales tax holiday offers easy to follow, reasonable guidelines. Clothing with the purchase price of $100 or less is exempt from sales tax, and you do not have to be a Tennessee resident to enjoy the tax-free benefits. Accessories such as jewelry and bags are exempt from the tax-free holiday, as well as recreational equipment, such as baseball gloves. School supplies are exempt from sales tax if the item has a purchase price of $100 or less. Items such as CD’s, printers, and ink cartridges are exempt from this sales tax holiday. Visit the Tennessee Sales Tax Holiday website for more information.