Chicago Sun-Times

Aug. 3, 2010

By SANDRA GUY

Shoppers who love early-bird specials may head out to local retailers opening as early as 6 a.m. Friday to promote their back-to-school deals and Illinois’ first sales-tax holiday.

The sales-tax holiday starts Friday and continues through Aug. 15 on select items. Shoppers will not be charged the 5 percent state sales tax on qualifying supplies, clothing and footwear.

“Illinois’ sales tax holiday, which proponents are touting as a much-needed break for budget-strapped families, sharply reduces the sales tax that stores must charge on back-to-school items,” said Bonni Pear, spokeswoman for Woodfield Mall.

Local sales taxes, such as those charged by the county and city, remain in effect. In Chicago, total sales tax is 9.75 percent, so it will be 4.75 percent during the state holiday. In Woodfield, it will be 1.25 percent rather than the usual 6.25 percent, Pear said.

Most of the early openings take place on weekends.

Sears stores open at 6 a.m. Friday — four hours earlier than normal — for the tax holiday.

Woodfield Mall lists a variety of stores opening at staggered times, starting at 6 a.m. Friday with Gap, GapKids, Gymboree, Ragstock, The Buckle, Charlotte Russe, Spring, Finish Line, Crocs, followed at 8 a.m. by Macy’s and Lord & Taylor.

Kohl’s stores open at 8 a.m. on Friday and 7 a.m. on Saturday.

In some cases, the largest retailer will be the only store inside a mall to open early, such as JC Penney’s early opening at Ford City Mall.

Local JC Penney stores hold their early hours on both weekends, starting at 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and on Aug. 13; 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Aug. 7 and 14; and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Aug. 8 and 15.