Where to Shop for Tax-Free Weekend

This weekend is the second biggest shopping day of the year after Black Friday. Tax-free weekend helps save hundreds of dollars on back to school shopping. From Friday to Sunday, August 4th-6th, shoppers won’t be charged sales tax on specific school-related items. The tax break includes school uniform items, paper and writing supplies, clothing/footwear under $60, backpacks, and added this year are personal computers under $750. Stores are expected to get lots of traffic for the special weekend. If you’re in town, where should you go?

Silver Sands Outlet Mall has over 110 designer and name-brand outlet stores including American Eagle, Pac Sun, J. Crew, GAP, and more. The outdoor mall is a major attraction to the Gulf Coast with great deals as well as convenient restaurants and dessert stops. Destin Commons is another open-air mall and boasts over 90 stores and restaurants including H&M, Forever 21, Charming Charlie, and Belk. At the end of your shopping day, catch a movie at AMC Theatre or grab a bowling lane at Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl & Grill. Right past the Commons going west, you’ll find Old Navy and Ross, then Marshall’s is less than a mile down the road. Across from Destin Commons is Best Buy and Office Depot where you can find school supplies and computers/accessories.

If you want some unique threads, you can check out the 30A store for some great hats and recycled 30A shirts including “Mermaid in the Shade”, “Sunday Funday”, and “BEach Happy”. Their flagship store is located in Seagrove Beach near more unique shops and fun boutiques. 

The weather has been perfect so be sure to get your beach time in before school is back in session. South Walton beaches have soft, sugar white sand and Emerald blue-green waters often clear to the bottom. The busy season is slowing down which means more beach space for yourself. Happy shopping everyone, it’s going to be a great year!

Published on Wednesday, August 2, 2017