SAN ANTONIO \u2013 Families across Texas are using the state\u2019s tax-free weekend to stock up on back-to-school essentials, from shoes and clothes to backpacks and notebooks, while saving a little extra at checkout.<\/p>\n
On the second day of the three-day sales tax holiday, shoppers at a local Academy Sports + Outdoors said they were trying to beat both the crowds and the heat.<\/p>\n
Sofia Chaparro said she found \u201ctwo hoodies and some sweats\u201d while shopping with her mother, Selina Zertuche. The two said they originally planned a quick trip for shoes.<\/p>\n
\u201cInitially, we just wanted to come in for the tennies, and that was it,\u201d Zertuche said, laughing. \u201cWe did not want to be here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Zertuche said they were relieved the store was not as crowded as they expected. <\/p>\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s because it\u2019s early,\u201d she said. \u201cAfter this, we are heading home.\u201d<\/p>\n
For other shoppers, the weekend offered a chance to buy items they need now while avoiding sales taxes. <\/p>\n
Mary Fernandez said she and her husband were looking for work clothes.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s looking for still outer gear for the hot weather, since we still got about another two months of it,\u201d Fernandez said. \u201cHe works in air conditioning, so he needs it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fernandez said they saved about $20. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt covers lunch,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n