TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – East Texas residents are flocking to store shelves and shopping during the tax-free back-to-school weekend.

Samantha Smith, a Jacksonville resident, went shopping with her daughter Annmarie at the Academy in Tyler on Saturday before Annmarie’s fifth-grade year begins. They were looking for clothes and, most importantly, shoes for back-to-school.

“With the kids going back to school, it’s always nice to save a few dollars,” Smith said.

Casey Busby, a teacher at Hawkins High School, also searched the shoe department.

“Because after thirty years your feet get a little tired,” said Busby.

Busby has thirty years of experience as a teacher and knows how important it is for parents to be able to save some money when their children start school.

“Especially in light of inflation and similar circumstances, it is important that parents have the opportunity to save some money,” said Busby.

Busby also uses the tax-free weekend as an opportunity to find opportunities to help students.

“I usually buy the kids’ school supplies, so I save some money too,” Busby said.

As stores compete for customers, they have introduced special promotions, according to Frank Estrada, a logistics manager at the Corsicana store who helps out at the Tyler store during the tax-free weekend.

“The academy is here for our community and wants to help everyone prepare for returning to school because the costs are high and everyone wants to save,” Estrada said.

As East Texans continue to shop throughout Sunday, Smith has a reminder for her fellow shoppers.

“Just be patient with the employees. There are a lot of people everywhere. Be patient with each other and be friendly while shopping,” Smith said.

The tax-free weekend in Texas lasts until midnight Sunday.

Qualified items can be purchased in-store, online, by mail or any other method as long as the sale occurs within the tax-free weekend.

All rights reserved.