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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WACH, AP) -- Shoppers will get a little bit more of a bargain this weekend in South Carolina.

The state's sales-tax holiday started Friday. Through midnight on Sunday shoppers can buy a variety of back-to-school items without paying the state's 6 percent sales tax. Those items include everything from school supplies to computers, clothing and footwear.

A sales manager at a local Target said, “Clothing is our biggest ticket item and because of back to college being right after there is a lot of school supplies as well as computer systems.”

With the return to school approaching quickly, parents are feeling the financial pinch when it comes to supplies.  According to the 2011 Huntington Backpack Index,  those supplies will cost about 25% more this year.  The report says that the average supplies for elementary and middle school students will be $530.00, with high school nearly doubled at $1091.00.

While shoppers save, the state takes a bit of a loss for the three days. The state Revenue Department says the tax holiday costs about $3 million in lost tax revenues.

Some stores along the state's western edge are expecting shoppers from Georgia. Merchants report Georgia shoppers crossed into South Carolina after their state eliminated its tax holiday last year.

A complete list to the exempt and non-exempt can be found HERE.

We would like to know how much you have budgeted for this years return to school?  Are there any tips that you can recommend to other parents?  Leave us a comment here, or on our Facebook page. 

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)