Most cities in Shelby County are giving families a break next weekend, from Aug. 6-8, by waiving the state’s 4 percent sales tax — basically giving all of us an automatic 4-percent-off coupon on school supplies you don’t have to clip out and remember to bring to the store.

We encourage all residents to take advantage of that break by shopping Shelby County for your child’s back to school needs.

For our local businesses, this weekend has become one of the most highly anticipated weekends of the year.

Business owners know it’ll be a busy weekend, but at the end, they’ll have brought in more profits and they’ll be more firmly entrenched as part of the community.

Our local businesses work hard to provide us with the quality merchandise we’re looking for along with the friendly service we want.

The best way to show our appreciation is to spend our dollars at these businesses, especially when it’s so easy for us to save a little bit — or a lot, depending on how many kids you have.

Chances are, too, you’ll pick up a few things that aren’t exempt from the sales tax — which only helps the store and helps the community.

If you spend that money elsewhere, that’s where it’ll stay.

Make every effort to shop in Shelby County next weekend — you’ll find it’ll make a difference.