Strategy important for optimum results

What you need is a good strategy.

That's the only way to get the most out the tax-free weekend.

Without one, you might end up cursing yourself -- and the state legislature -- when you're stuck in traffic at mall stop lights. Or worse, buying things you don't need, saving only a few dollars or purchasing items that aren't on the tax-free list.

Though shoppers are reining in spending, the tax-free weekend will take on a feverish pace. Retailers are slashing already-discounted prices. Many department stores and discounters are opening earlier and staying open later.

Finding deals -- even steals -- should be easier than ever, but at what cost?

I learned my lesson long ago about buying something just because it's on sale or you have a coupon. You end up with too much you don't need or don't use.

I figure out what I need for the year that's tax free and zero in on the best price at the best store. That's where you should start: Think through what you need throughout the year, the stuff that's not seasonal and rarely goes on sale. For me, it's running shoes. Since I'll run through one pair in six months, it almost makes sense to buy two pairs this weekend.

Usually, my running store, Fleet Feet, offers an extra discount on some merchandise on top of the tax break. Better still, the store will pay the taxes if you want a shoe that's more than the $100 limit. Last year, when I upgraded to a $135 shoe, Fleet sold it to me tax free, saving me $9.

I'll be back again Friday. (Store owner Bob Morris tells me the same deal applies this year.)

Same with jeans. I usually buy at least one pair a year. Last year, Uniquities, which doesn't stock much under $100, made everything in the store tax free. I ended up saving $9.45 on jeans.

Store owner Julie Jennings says she'll pay the taxes again this year on all merchandise that costs more than $100. She'll even throw in the alterations.

Bras and panties are another staple, and many women go through two bras a year. With many department stores offering additional sales on top of existing sales (did you get the 15 percent off coupon from Belk?), it might be the weekend to hit the lingerie department.

Likely my favorite score during the tax-free holiday is a laptop. Three years ago, I saved $94 not paying taxes. Dell kicked in free shipping, too.

I'm hoping for the same deal on a laptop this year -- as well as a free video camera.

Stock up

Small-business owners should be in line behind parents this weekend. Computer paper is tax free. Buy a few cases at Staples and they'll deliver it free. Need a printer? Buy two (under $250 each) and be set for the next few years. Ink? Stock up on that as well.

Two years ago, my husband and I were at Target before closing on a Sunday night during the tax-free weekend. Bic pens were 10 cents a package. Pencils were a penny each. Composition notebooks were 50 cents.

I think his office is still working through the office supplies.

A growing thing

The holiday started slowly, without much excitement from retailers or shoppers. By last year, both sides had done their homework. Stores knew how to pull in shoppers with bigger sales and savvier promotions. Shoppers love bargains -- and any excuse to shop.

As a result, expect traffic jams at Crossroads and longer-than-normal waits at lights around Crabtree Valley Mall.

Even online retailers will honor the tax break. And some are offering Christmas-like deals with free shipping if you spend over a certain amount.

Like any busy shopping time, shop early or go late -- even consider Sunday night before the stores close. That's when you'll find me, combing through the loss leaders.