Fun – and savings – at this weekend’s Summer Sidewalk Sale on Devine Street, Five Points

Benjamin Franklin said there were only two things certain in life: death and taxes. Well, come this weekend only one of those things will be certain – at least for a short window of time.

South Carolina’s tax free weekend is Friday, Aug. 5 through Sunday, Aug. 7. During this 72-hour spree, you can get clothing, shoes, school supplies, electronics and other select items without paying the state’s 6 percent sales tax.

While some of you already may be drooling at the idea of purchasing pricey electronics at big box national chains, don’t forget about local retailers, many of whom are offering sales, refreshments and other things to entice shoppers. Retailers on Devine Street and in Five Points, for example, are offering their third annual summer sidewalk sale, with weekend-only specials, markdowns up to 90 percent and, back for another year, a free trolley to shuttle you and all your bags between districts.

“Last year we had more than 3,000 people shop the sales of Devine Street and Five Points,” said Jennifer Suber, the Devine Street Association marketing coordinator. “When you shop local, the money stays local. That means stays right here in Columbia. When you shop at national chain stores, a lot of that money leaves our community. So by shopping local, you are helping your friends and your neighbors who own local stores.

“In addition to the fiscal reasons, let’s face it, you can find much more unique items at local stores than at the national chains.”

The biggest point to drive home when shopping local is that everything you can find in a mall you can find right outside your door, at the sidewalk sale.

“There is something for everyone either on Devine Street or in Five Points,” said Suber. “Need a new mattress set? Got that. How about a new suit for work? Yup, got it. Need new shoes for the kids for school? Sure. How about getting a head start on holiday shopping by picking up some fantastic jewelry? Check, check, check!”

A few highlights from the sale include:

Devine Street

Half-Moon Outfitters: Additional 10 percent off

Just the Thing: Up to 90 percent off sale merchandise

Monkee’s of Columbia: 50 percent to 70 percent off spring/summer clothing and accessories

Pink Sorbet: Discounted Lilly Pulitzer

POUT: Up to 90 percent off makeup and skincare favorites

Strictly Running: More than 20 shoe models 25 percent off; select clearance shoe models 40 percent off; all new clothing 15 percent off; select clearance clothing 35 percent off; cross country spikes 10 percent off

Wiseman Family Chiropractic: Free massages at Half-Moon Outfitters 1-3 p.m. Saturday

Za’s: Live music and wine specials at 5 p.m. Friday, with $4 select wines by the glass and 2 for $9 mimosa specials

Five Points

2G’s Clothing: Up to an additional 70 percent off storewide, plus 25 percent off accessories

Bohemian: 40 percent off storewide

Good for the Sole Shoes: Complimentary drinks, plus additional 10 percent off storewide, including clearance

Hip-Wa-Zee: $5 bins and mark down racks

Petal: BOGO $25 and under racks, $1-$3 jewelry tables, goodie bags, drawing for a $50 gift card

Revente: 20 percent off regularly priced items

Sid & Nancy: 20 percent off regularly priced items

OOPS! Co.: 30 percent off red tags

Vestique: 15 percent off storewide, extra 40 percent off clearance

Wildflower Boutique: 15 percent off entire purchase

This story was originally published August 3, 2016 at 12:01 AM.