Oklahoma retailers gear up as back-to-school approaches

The Fourth of July is typically a transition period for retailers that sell clothing, school supplies and electronics. But there are two sales drivers more important than the calendar: weather and sales tax holidays, said Michael Niemira, chief economist for the International Council of Shopping Centers, which predicts total back-to-school sales in the U.S. to be $40.4 billion this year, a 2.5 increase from 2011.

A bout of cooler weather in July or August could stimulate fall clothing purchases, he said. That's not likely in Oklahoma. The National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center says above-average temperatures are expected through August.

The state will have a sales tax holiday again this year, set for Aug. 3-5. During those three days, clothing and shoes priced under $100 will be sold tax-free. School supplies and backpacks are not included.

But Oklahoma City Public Schools students will be back in class Aug. 1 — two days before the state sales tax holiday, a time many parents use to stock up on school clothes and shoes.

Paula Ross, a spokeswoman for the Oklahoma Tax Commission, said the Legislature hasn't considered changing the date to accommodate parents whose children start school earlier.

The holiday is meant to give everyone a tax break, she said, not just parents with school-age children. There are many items included, such as diapers, wedding apparel, lab coats and uniforms, that aren't traditional back-to-school items.