Families got the back to school clothes they needed and merchants benefited from extra business this weekend during the annual tax-free holiday on shoes and clothes.

Tax free weekend was held across the state Friday and Saturday, and many families took advantages of the 7 percent markdown while the businesses used the holiday to have even larger sales on merchandise in their stores.

Hobie’s Outdoor Sports took some of their clearance merchandise outside under a tent erected in front of the store. Carolyn Bradley, a local teacher and mother, was shopping with her children Saturday.

“We’re looking for new school shoes,” Bradley said. “Tax free always helps. Every little bit helps.”

She said she shopped Friday afternoon too, and when she got to Hobie’s, the parking lot was packed.

“There were no parking spots over here,” she said.

Clerk Michelle Coccaro said shoes and uniforms have been the hot items of the weekend.

Even though extended hours weren’t planned, the store ended up staying open a little later Friday night and opened a little bit early Saturday morning to accommodate customers.

“We were here probably an hour later last night than normal just because it was still so busy outside,” Coccaro said. “We started a little early this morning because people were here and we were ready.”

She said she has seen less people this year compared to last year, but she thinks that can be attributed to the fact that the store just had a huge sale for Fathers Day weekend, which likely depleted their stock.

“We don’t have as many shoes because of that sale. I think that’s the difference,” Coccaro said.

The Outlets at Vicksburg was another shopping destination for those looking for a deal. The sales brought shoppers from near and far.

The Bennett family came from Clinton to shop at the Outlets.

Wayne and his son Matthew waited on a bench while his wife Sandra and daughter Addison shopped at The Children’s Place.

“I’m sure she found some (deals),” Wayne said.

Sandra bought her daughter some shirts and shorts for school.

“We always come here to the Vicksburg outlets,” she said.

Markassa Reece, sale associate at The Children’s Place, said it had been a busy weekend, and the big sellers were uniforms and book bags.

“Friday was really busy, and we’ve had a steady flow today,” she said. “Its been going pretty good. We’re almost cleared out of our uniforms.”

The Outlet’s weekend customer service representative Tiffany Green said there was a noticeable increase in shoppers this Saturday compared to a typical weekend.

“They’ll know more Monday once the numbers come in,” Green said.