Shoppers taking a sales tax holiday in Gainesville

GAINESVILLE - The state's sales tax holiday is underway - a weekend designed to give consumers a break on back-to-school shopping.

Tax-free holiday sales began in Gainesville Thursday with mixed reviews on the results. Downtown, Saul's clothing store owner Lorrie Schrage said it's not helping him that much; it's probably better for computer retailers.

Renee Gerrell does not sell computers at the Dress Code on Pearl Nix Parkway; she sells school clothes and school uniforms. Gerrell expects to do a third of her yearly business this weekend.

"It's like Christmas for us," she said.

Through Sunday the 4 percent sales tax is waived on many clothes and school-related items. In addition, all counties will waive their local sales tax.

Sherry Franklin was buying for her daughter at the Dress Code.

"You don't have to pay any tax and with school starting next week, we've got to get school supplies," she said.

Georgia Retailers Association President John Heavener said he hopes the weekend will be a win-win for customers and retailers.