“We wanted to take advantage of the sale,” Allyson Cyr said as she loaded several bags into the truck. “We have one for third grade, one for sixth grade and one for eighth grade.”

Dad Chris Money was very calm as he loaded everyone in with their purchases.

“I think we have pretty much everything,” Money said.

Her family, like hundreds of others, is shopping in Texas this weekend. Although the numbers won’t be available for a week, the tax-free weekend is usually one of the busiest times for retailers. According to Texas Comptroller Glen Heger’s office, Texans saved about $481.3 million in sales tax in 2023, and they expect that number to grow in 2024.

The list of items affected by the “VAT exemption” ranges from clothing and shoes to school supplies and certain sporting goods.

Tommy and Gracie Allen were walking back to their car at Wal Mart on Lowes Boulevard in Killeen when their three children talked about what they needed for school.

“It makes no sense that special shoes that schools require for participation in athletics competitions are not tax-free,” said Gracie Allen.

“It’s hard enough to make sure they all have a decent pair of shoes to run and play in,” Tommy Allen said. “But if they’re playing sports, they’re probably going to need cleats, too.”

Allen’s dilemma is common among parents whose children return to school sports.

A parent of a middle school student had a unique suggestion.

“I usually find cleats and other athletic shoes at secondhand stores or flea markets like Goodwill,” said Terri McMillan. “But you have to look first. The deals can be great.”