Shopping for more than back to school

LITTLE ROCK, AR - According to the National Retail Federation, consumers are spending an average of nearly $700 on back to school shopping this year.

This weekend is tax free on all apparel and accessories like jeans, shoes, notebooks, and pencils and also includes cosmetics. JC Penney is even offering free haircuts for kids. Manager Theresa McGavran says for the tax exemption on clothes, items must be under $100 dollars, and for accessories, under $50.

This is the first time JC Penney has offered free haircuts, and the promotion lasts the whole month of August. Students from kindergarten to 6th grade are eligible. Parents like Belinda Woods love the idea. "I know several people who have brought their children in to get their hair cut. That's one less thing you have to pay for."

McGavran says the salon at JC Penney at the Shackleford Crossing did at least 100 hair cuts Saturday.

Woods says tax free weekend is a huge savings for people. "Especially, when there's more than one kid in the family. I raised 3 daughters and there are 6 grandchildren, so when there is more than one kid in the family, you do what you can."

Even for those not heading back to class there are savings on other items like cosmetics. Stefanie Ballard doesn't have kids and isn't in school but is still looking to cash in on savings this weekend. McGavran says the Sephora counter is very busy. "Those items never go on sale, so anything to save there is a good thing."

JC Penney is open on Sunday from 11am until 7pm for another full day of tax free shopping.