Aug. 22--If the long lines of shopping buggies full of book satchels, pens and paper, lunchboxes and new clothes are any indication, the economy in Southeast Texas is beginning to bounce back.

Shoppers filled the stores Saturday during the second day of the state's Sales Tax Holiday/Tax-Free Weekend looking for bargains before the first day of classes.

Chris Akins, store manager of the Port Arthur Target, said he was pleasantly surprised to see the number of store customers shopping this weekend.

"We're seeing a lot of traffic." Akins said. "What we are seeing here is a very favorable comparison to last year. We've not had a big drop off in sales -- an indication that the economy in the Port Arthur area is very resiliant."

Akins said this was the first year the state added actual school supplies to its list of allowed items for tax savings. The move, he said, brought a lot of people into the store.

Crystal Swafford, 25, of Groves was among the throngs of school shoppers in Port Arthur's Target store Saturday morning. While 7-year-old, Becca Loupe, beamed about her new shorts, shoes and shirts, her mother boasted about the savings.

"This is the first time for me to shop on tax free weekend. In the past, my paycheck did not fall right, so I'm excited that it did this year," Swafford, said.

In addition to the tax savings, Swafford said she was amazed at some of the sale prices.

"There is just a lot of stuff marked down that I have been surprised to see," she said.

While some shopped on the special weekend for the first time, others considered themselves veterans.

Shana Abate, 40, and her two sons, 9-year-old Camron, and 6-year-old Ryan, all of Groves, were finishing their school shopping Saturday.

Though the family planned to be out early, the boys overslept, their mother said.

"We always like to finish up on tax free weekend. We've still got shorts and shirts to go before we're through," Abate said.

Things were just as hectic in JC Penney, where school shoppers made a bee-line for school uniforms.

Jeanette Muhammad, 62, of Port Arthur, initially arrived at Penny's to shop for herself, but saw the uniforms, placed a quick call to her daughter to confirm sizes, and became a school shopper herself.

"I came in to shop for myself, but ended up shopping for the grandkids. These buys are just too good to pass up -- especially when you've got a coupon to cheapen the purchase even more," she said.

David Alonge, Penny's store manager, said bad weather Friday afternoon kept some customers away, but sunshine Saturday brought them out to take avantage of savings.

Big sellers, he said. were the school uniforms, young men's and junior size jeans along with basics like socks and underwear.

"With the economy like it is, we have been surprised at the amount of people shopping. We are beating our plan, and pleasantly surprised to do so," Alonge said.

Tax free weekend continues on Sunday.

According to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, the law exempts most clothing and footwear priced under $100 from sales and use taxes. The exemptions save shoppers about $8 on every $100 they spend. Additionally, parents can also buy some backpacks tax-free. This year employees can also take advantage of the holiday. Included in the tax exemptions are suits, slacks and many other work attire items.

High priced items such as computers, luggage, accessories or athletic gear will not be included in the exemption.

skoonce@panews.com

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