Retailers are getting ready for a rush of shoppers when the state's fourth annual tax-free holiday weekend starts Friday.

Stores will have back-to-school merchandise stocked and on sale for buyers eager to avoid the 5 percent state sales tax.

The state hasn't changed the guidelines of the holiday this year, so shoppers can again buy -- tax-free -- folders, pens, clothing, notebooks, computers and more. The holiday ends Sunday.

Shoppers likely will save more than 5 percent on their purchases because many stores offer promotions on top of the tax holiday, said Jim Hatchell, president of the S.C. Merchants Association.

Even so, he said, "Nothing gets people excited like saving 5 percent."

Shoppers saved -- and the state lost -- about $3 million in taxes during last year's holiday. The savings translated into about $59.9 million in tax-exempt goods sold at S.C. stores. Total sales were higher because not all items sold during the holiday weekend were tax-free.

Local retailers expect sales to be just as good this year.

"It's not nearly like the day after Thanksgiving, but it's big," said Matt Turner, a manager at Target on Harbison Boulevard.

Many stores said they will add staff and expand hours this weekend to accommodate shoppers, like they do during the Christmas holiday season.

"We will have a heavier-than-normal weekend" in terms of staff and sales, said Cynthia Robbins, assistant manager at Kohl's department store in Northeast Richland.

The retailer moved to the Midlands after the holiday last year, so this will be its first tax-free weekend at its Northeast and Lexington stores.

Retailers who've been through the holiday said they love it. The holiday gives them a sales boost at the end of summer, which usually is slow.

Some malls are holding special teen-themed events over the weekend to build on that enthusiasm.

"We're excited about it," said Jen Mackie, marketing manager for Columbiana Centre. "It's amazing. The 5 percent discount, for some reason, it just draws everybody."

Back-to-school shoppers at Columbiana Centre will get special savings Friday night. "We've got a lot of participation from our stores, which indicates they are excited about it as well," Mackie said.

Columbia Place also will have teen-themed events over the weekend.

Marketing manager Colleen Boysen said the weekend should be especially good this year because many schools start classes so soon after it. "That's one of our biggest back-to-school weekends."

Like last year, North Carolina and Georgia also will give sales-tax breaks this weekend.

S.C. stores bordering those states reported slower sales last year because of the sales in neighboring states, but the competition apparently hasn't had too much of an impact statewide. Sales last year were above the year before.

Like last year, the sluggish economy also could be a factor in total sales this weekend. But Hatchell said, "We think we'll hold our own this year.

"If we can stay within 90 to 95 percent of last year ... we'll do great."