Archive for the ‘Tax Free’ Category

In the rush for back to school clothes, this weekend is the annual tax-free weekend that lasts from 12:01a Friday through midnight on Sunday. The qualified purchases are clothing and shoes below $100 in price.

Expect better sales this year compared to last year as the economy and retail sales are down across the board.

Also, to keep to your budget, here are some tips for staying on track:

1. Use extended hours to shop when crowds aren’t so big.

2. Make a list after you’ve inventoried what’s already in the closet and what still fits.

3. Have a budget and stick to it.

4. Research offers before you go. Sales are better than average this weekend.

5. This isn’t just for school kids. You can stock up on diapers, pajamas or a new bathing suit.

I’m not a shopping mall person by any stretch of the imagination. There’s really very little there that I care for. Sure, there’s the occasional Cinnabon and North Park does have Maggiano’s (but I don’t have to enter the mall to eat there)…  Other than that? Not much of interest for me.

Except pants. A lot of pants and places to buy them is what the malls have. And today was day two of the three day tax free weekend.

Consarnit, a man needs pants!

Supply and demand conspired to put me and my lovely wife (fresh from receiving her new highlights earlier in the day) smack dab in the center of shameless commerce alongside a ridiculous number of hot, sticky Texans. Since we rarely go to the mall, The Wife suggested: “Let’s do the whole thing. One end to the other. Let’s see what they got.”

“In for a penny, in for a pound?” I asked.

“Yeah,” Her eyes narrowed, determination etched sternly on her face. “Yeah.”

“Okay,” I nodded, a fearful tremor in my voice.

Bracing ourselves, we went in.

It was a decision we would come to regret.

The stores were overwhelmed with customers. Lines stretched long outside the fitting rooms. And when you got inside? Piles of discarded clothing from earlier customers littered the floor

I am convinced that there was a couple having sex in one of the changing rooms. While a line of us were waiting to try on our items, the two of them exited appearing rather rumpled, red-faced, and embarrassed. Fortunately, I was able to score an alternative room, presumably free of recent carnal activity.

No joy.

The quest for pants continued.

We prowled the entire crowd choked place in our quest for pants pausing only for fruit smoothies.

There are many stories to be told here… The woman who had apparently never before been outside… The scarey Charlie Manson look-a-like with a groovy flair for fashion… That weird maple syrup smell that permeated the entire center…

Another time.

At the end of the afternoon, we returned to the parking garage. Tired, beaten, yet successful. We emerged with trousers in hand.

But at what cost, I ask.

At what cost?

It’s that time again, mon frere!

That’s right, this is it.

Tax Free Weekend is this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday - August 17 - 19.

Now, this whole thing started as a way to make back-to-school affordable for families. This explains why items such as shoes, pants, shirts, and - this year - backpacks are on the list. I don’t quite understand why pajamas are approved for State sales tax exemption, though.

It’s been awhile since I’ve been to school, but as I recall sleeping in class was frowned upon. I always had to sneak my naps. Showing up in PJs is rather telling regarding one’s intent to sleep, don’tcha’ think?

I find it puzzling that bicycle helmets are excluded. When you think of how many kids ride their bikes to school, it seems organic that we’d want to protect their brains. I mean, what good’s all that fancy book learnin’ if the student receives some kind of traumatic brain injury.

As a man without children, I appreciate that I get to buy my sneakers sans sales tax each year at this time. It’s a tradition here. But, Governor Perry, could I prevail upon you to add beer and cigars to the list?

That’d be great.

I’d be awfully appreciative.