Back-to-school spending is about to heat up Missouri's tax-free holiday, starting at 12:01 a.m. on Friday. This year, parents are expected to spend more than ever before.
"We're looking at about $76 billion is what consumers are planning to spend for this back to school and college season," explained Ana Smith, with the National Retail Federation. Smith continued to say that's up 11% from last year.
Missouri's tax-free holiday lasts until Sunday and is in it's 13th year. That's the same year Zona Rosa opened. The general manager of the shopping complex described it as Black Friday in August.
"Do people really get excited about saving 9%? But there really is something magical to the words tax-free that people respond to," said Rosemary Salerno, general manager of Zona Rosa.
What purchases qualify?
- Clothing and shoes under $100
- Computers under $1500
- Software under $350
- School supplies under $50
Things excluded:
- Ties
- Jewelry
- Scarves
- Wallets
- Purses
Some shoppers plan a big purchase around tax-free holiday. For instance, Gabrielle Grant recently graduated from Iowa State University and is getting ready to start a new job with the State Department.
"I'm not going to buy it the weekend before. I can save a little money by waiting for the weekend," said Grant.
So how much can you save?
41 Action News took the Lee's Summit school district back to school list through Staples at Zona Rosa.
If a family had a kindergartner and a fifth grader they would spend $130 in required school supplies at Staples. If they shop on the tax-free holiday, they will save more than $12.
There may be additional savings released only on the tax-free holiday at many stores in Zona Rosa, according to the manager.
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Belinda Post can be reached at belinda.post@kshb.com.
