Northeast Tennessee Sees Surge in Back-to-School Shopping During Tax-Free Weekend

The tax-free weekend in Tennessee, held from July 25 to July 27, 2025, significantly boosted back-to-school shopping in Northeast Tennessee. Retailers across the region reported increased foot traffic and sales as families took advantage of the opportunity to save on essential items for the upcoming school year.

Popular shopping destinations included The Pinnacle in Bristol and Peoples Street in Johnson City, where families flocked to purchase both clothing and school supplies. This year’s tax-free weekend drew attention from local residents looking to maximize their savings before the school bell rings.

Several shoppers expressed gratitude for the savings provided during this event. For instance, shoppers in regions like Bluff City shared the positive impact of the weekend on their expenses, particularly highlighting the unexpected benefit of no sales tax on their receipts. Families utilized this opportunity to purchase athletic gear, school clothing, and personal-use computing devices without the burden of sales tax.

Details of the Tax-Exempt Items

During the tax-free weekend, specific items were exempt from sales tax. Generally, clothing priced at $100 or less, along with school supplies, was among the eligible purchases. The exemptions also applied to particular personal-use computers costing up to $1,500. Items that qualified included backpacks, crayons, rulers, and art supplies, all priced under $100.

However, certain items remained taxable. These included jewelry, handbags, and sports equipment, which did not meet the tax exemption criteria. Additionally, purchases of bundled items (like a pair of shoes sold together) could not be split to qualify for the tax exemption.

Comparison with Nearby Tax Exemptions

For families looking to capitalize on tax savings, Virginia’s tax-free weekend is scheduled for August 1 to August 3, 2025, providing additional shopping opportunities for residents in the area.

Background on the Tax-Free Weekend

The tax-free weekend is an annual event in Tennessee that encourages families to prepare for the new school year with budget-friendly options. The Tennessee Department of Revenue administers the program and sets forth the guidelines for eligible items to ensure that the event provides real savings to consumers.

Conclusion

This initiative not only aids families in alleviating back-to-school expenses but also promotes local businesses during a key shopping period. The increase in shopping activity illustrates the community’s engagement with this annual opportunity for economic relief. More information about the tax-free weekend can be found on the Tennessee Department of Revenue’s website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Features of Tennessee’s Tax-Free Weekend