 "Photo: Larissa Mueller")
Austin resident Neela Reed avoided the rush and crowd of shoppers taking advantage of this weekend's tax-free holiday by shopping Thursday.
Though none of the items she purchased were tax-free, she did take advantage of the newly expanded Buffalo Exchange on the Drag, which will officially reopen today in conjunction with the beginning of tax-free weekend.
The store will not hold any promotional sales to commemorate the opening, but will instead rely on this weekend's large crowds to bring in extra business.
"We have tax-free weekend; we can't add onto that," said store manager Regina Conway.
Texans have saved almost $388.1 million since the holiday was approved by state legislators in 1999, and saved $52.1 million last year, according to a release from Sen. Rodney Ellis' office.
The law exempts most clothing and footwear priced under $100 from state taxes, which could save shoppers about $8 on every $100 they spend, according to the state legislator's Web site.
Other stores on the Drag are also expecting larger crowds for the weekend. Tyler's manager Jake Keathley said extra staff will be working at the store for the occasion.
"It does get pretty intense. Game days here are just off the chain," Keathley said. "I don't think it'll be like a game day, but it will be a lot busier than usual."
Cream Vintage is also expecting larger crowds and hopes to promote its new location on South First Street by offering coupons this weekend for the new store's merchandise, said employee Charli Brickner.
Most retail shops on the Drag are not providing additional sales in conjunction with the tax-free weekend, but Chipotle Mexican Grill is giving away free burritos Friday through Sunday to customers who bought food Tuesday or Wednesday.
"We felt so bad that everyone gets to play on tax-free weekend and we don't," said Niles Boggs, manager of the Guadalupe Street location.
Restaurants are not technically included in the holiday, but Chipotle will give returning customers the same order they bought during the week for free, if they return with their receipt.
"You know what it's like when students get free food," Boggs said. "I do hope we're busy, busy, busy."
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