Shoppers Braved Crowds, Heat to Save Money During Tax-Free Weekend

Shoppers hurried through the parking lot at Target on Wade Hampton Boulevard Saturday not because of a sale, but because of the heat.

At 2 p.m., it was already 95 degrees in Taylors.

But before shoppers unloaded their purchases into their trunks, many started their cars and cranked up the air-conditioning.

Anita Davis and her daughter loaded a buggy full of items into the back of their minivan. Stocked up with school supplies for Anita's granddaughter and items for the church's coffee shop, the two ladies were pleased with what they had bought.

"We wanted to take advantage of the tax-free weekend and to get stocked up," Davis said. "My daughter had a list of things to pick up for her child who is starting third grade this year and we also wanted to pick up some drinks and things for the church. "

Davis, who attends SpringWell Church in Taylors, said "every little bit helps." She said that being able to buy boxes of canned drinks and other items for the church and not have to pay the sales tax helps put money back in to the church.

Jay Jenkins wiped the sweat from his forehead after he and his family loaded up their car outside of Target.

Jenkins, who lives in Anderson, said that was this was his first and only stop of the day.

"We were getting my daughter's school supplies," Jenkins said. "You feel like you save a lot of money on days like today."

Tim Andorfer of Greer said it really wasn't the tax-free holiday that brought him out shopping on Saturday.

"We are buying school supplies for college," he said. "Laundry baskets, desk lights, things like that, but it wasn't the savings that got me out here. When you think about it, you are only saving about $6 for every hundred you spend."

Mary Ann Duncan of Travelers Rest said the trip was worth every penny saved.

"I waited until this weekend because it was the tax-free holiday," Duncan said. "I probably saved $30 or $40 in just this store buying school supplies and some clothing items."

Shoppers have until 11:59 p.m. Sunday to cash in on the tax-free weekend.