Shoppers heading out during SC’s tax-free weekend

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Shoppers will get a little bit more of a bargain this weekend in South Carolina.

The state’s sales-tax holiday started Friday. Through midnight on Sunday shoppers can buy a variety of back-to-school items without paying the state’s 6 percent sales tax. Those items include everything from school supplies to computers, clothing and footwear.

While shoppers save, the state takes a bit of a loss for the three days. The state Revenue Department says the tax holiday costs about $3 million in lost tax revenues.

Some stores along the state’s western edge are expecting shoppers from Georgia. Merchants report Georgia shoppers crossed into South Carolina after their state eliminated its tax holiday last year.