North Texas shoppers brave the heat to save a buck

For the Chavezes, the tax-free shopping spree started and ended at Sears in the Parks at Arlington mall. They walked out of the store and into the searing midafternoon heat, loaded with bags containing mostly back-to-school clothing and shoes.

“It’s really hot, but it’s worth it,” said Bianca Chavez, a junior at South Grand Prairie High School, accompanying her mother, Elizabeth, and sisters Andrea, 11, and Rebecca, 8.

They’re saving money, and “it’s cold in there,” Chavez said, gesturing toward the mall.

Shoppers across North Texas braved the heat Saturday — it was 103 for the fourth consecutive day — during the annual back-to-school shopping holiday, flocking to shopping centers and malls to stock up on clothes, shoes, backpacks and more.

The three-day tax-free weekend ends Sunday. Shoppers are expected to save an estimated $87 million in state and local sales taxes, according to the state comptroller.

Those going out on the final day will once again be greeted by sunny skies and triple-digit heat, according to the National Weather Service. Sunday’s high is expected to reach 104, and a heat advisory remains in effect for North Texas until 7 p.m. Monday, when the high is expected to hit 105.

Brittany Jones of Haltom City was among the shoppers Saturday at Alliance Town Center in far north Fort Worth, but she wasn’t looking for back-to-school clothes. Instead, she was searching for a bridesmaid’s dress for her big day with her maid of honor, Andrea Brown of Keller.

“It’s convenient and it’s tax-free weekend,” Jones said. “And we got here early enough that it’s not too busy or too hot.”

Some shoppers got out early when temperatures were creeping from the 80s to the 90s.

“It’s not that bad of a day — in the shade,” said Kellie Ferrantelli of Saginaw, who saved on work clothes for her and her husband.

Later in the day, things got busier. And hotter.

Not everyone thought that the shopping was time — or money — well spent.

“I didn’t feel like it saved enough to make it worth my time,” said Nora, as she loaded her car in front of the Wal-Mart at Little Road and U.S. 287 in southwest Arlington.

Nora, who declined to give her last name, said she tried tax-free shopping a couple of times during the first years it was available, when her children were younger. But she said her family didn’t have enough money to stock up on eligible items.

“We were buying what we could afford,” she said. “It’s a nice gesture, but unless you’re spending a lot of money, it’s not worth it. You can save more by doing coupons.”

An older couple pushing their cart nearby waved off a question about the tax holiday, but the woman said they didn’t know about it “until we went in there.”

“I thought it was next weekend,” Leslie Darrough said.

Esther Wallace saved money at the Big Lots store at Interstate 20 and Green Oaks Boulevard — but with sales, not tax relief. She spent $122.94, mostly on furniture cushions. She paid the full $9.11 in sales tax.

“That was a good sale,” said the Fort Worth resident, ushering her grandchildren into the car. “I bought a fan for $19.99, so I saved a couple bucks there.”

This story was originally published August 8, 2015 at 7:45 PM with the headline "North Texas shoppers brave the heat to save a buck."