Tax-free weekend is another 'Black Friday' for shoppers

However, their plans quickly changed when they learned that stores will offer certain items at reduced prices this weekend as part of the seventh annual tax-free shopping holiday.

“Especially with gas prices and grocery prices, it adds up (and) this will help,” Vick said.

Other items include life-jackets, ballet shoes and diapers for babies and adults. Roller skates and helmets under $50 are also on the list.

Some retailers, like Belk at Crabtree, are trying to sweeten the deal by heaping on extra sales.

“We have nicknamed it ‘Black Friday’ for the back to school for the summer season,” said Travis Groome, with Belk.

Black Friday is a good term in retailing, referring to the day after Thanksgiving, when retailers look for shoppers to move them into the black for the year.

The National Retail Federation estimates the average American will spend $594 on back-to-school shopping. More than $230 will be spent on clothing, $151 on electronics and $110 on shoes. The average person will spend less than $100 on actual school supplies.

The state will offer another tax break to consumers during the first weekend in November. Purchases of efficient Engery Star appliances – including refrigerators, washing machines and air conditioners – will be exempt from sales tax during that time.