Sales-tax holiday

Shoppers looking for good deals on back-to-school items will be out this weekend for Missouri's sales-tax holiday.

Beginning Friday and continuing through Sunday, many items will be exempt from city, county and state sales taxes. Purchases include clothing of no more than $100, school supplies of $50 or less and personal computers of no more than $3,500. For a full list of eligible items, check out the sidebar from Monday's paper online at semissourian.com/story/1989774.html.

Those shopping in Cape Girardeau will save more on sales tax than in the previous four years. The city decided in May to participate in this year's holiday after having opted out since 2009. Jackson, Scott City and other cities and counties in Southeast Missouri also will participate.

This is an important weekend for retailers as many see sales jump significantly during the three days. While municipalities miss out on some revenue, by participating in the holiday they are encouraging shoppers to stay in town and potentially purchase items that are not sales-tax exempt. Restaurants also stand to do well thanks to the additional shoppers.

We hope you participate in this weekend's sales-tax holiday. It's an opportune time to find great deals, support your local economy and save a little money on sales tax.