If you brave the crowds this weekend for the tax-free Back-to-School shopping, here’s a capsule collection of stores to get what you need without succumbing to the mall madness.
Sam Moon: To most ladies, this store is almost like Mecca. For an enormous selection of handbags, tote bags, backpacks, belts, scarves, wraps, rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and hair accessories of all kinds, you can’t beat the options and the prices in Sam Moon.
(214) 297-4200
Blue Door Boutique: Located in historic downtown Frisco, the early-1900’s building sports original exposed-brick walls, a pressed-tin ceiling, and, a newer addition, a wood-framed, full-size house façade – painted blue, of course, to match the shop’s weathered exterior door. Inside the shop, vignettes display a variety of items including fashion-forward, and infinitely wearable, girl’s/women’s clothes and accessories, furniture and home accessories, gifts for all occasions, and even children’s clothes and baby gifts.
6975 W Main St Frisco, TX 75034 (map)
(214) 705-7701
BeTween Scene: BeTween Scene was founded deep in the heart of the south, allowing young fashionistas the opportunity to fit in during that “BeTween” stage. Bringing a unique fashion approach from Los Angeles and Dallas that fills the void of “Tween” clothing, the boutique specializes in helping young chicks and dudes pick out fashion-forward clothing for everyday wear, as well as “snazzy” special-event attire that suits their age, stage, and style.
6959 Lebanon Road, Frisco, TX 75034 (map)
(214) 436-5110
Ginny’s Underworld: In the Shops at Starwood, the family-owned shop (passed down from owner Susan Towle’s mother, Ginny Forseberg), offers personalized fittings for women of all ages and numerous sizes are always available. Find everyday bras from Natori, Chantelle, and Wacoal, or lacy things from Simone Perele and gowns from Bleu Clair by Claire Pettibone.
6959 Lebanon Rd, Frisco, TX 75034 (map)
Phone (469) 362-7711
Sussie’s: Back-to-school doesn’t have to be just for the kids. Ladies, Sussie’s is an absolute gem. It’s loaded with designer finds from Milly, Norma Kamali, Ella Moss and Tahari, plus the back section of the store is loaded with gorgeous shoes! And if you’re wavering on a purchase, be sure to ask the owner, Rory.
4760 Preston Road, Frisco, TX 75034 (map)
(972) 335-2792
Here are some tips for your tax-free shopping and a few handy reminders on saving $8.25 for every $100 you spend:
- Clothing and footwear under $100 as well as backpacks under $100 for elementary and secondary students are eligible for the tax exemption. Now, a couple of catches:
- Your sales tax will ONLY be excluded if the item you’re purchasing is under $100.
- Your sales tax WILL be included if you’re buying an article of clothing “primarily designed for athletic activity or protective use.” That means: soccer cleats = sales tax; tennis shoes = no sales tax.
- Your sales tax WILL be included if you’re buying accessories—think jewelry and purses. Unfortunately, they don’t count as clothing. Swimsuits, hats, scarves, ties and belts, however, are tax-free.
To really save money, make sure you shop with a plan which means making a list before you leave your house. If you see items your kids like, consider buying in bulk since the deals are everywhere. Finally, go early. Not only to beat the heat, but the quicker you get started, the more likely you’ll have an abundant selection in sizes and colors of items. Happy Hunting!
