WINSTON-SALEM — Thousands of shoppers will hit the stores this weekend hoping to take advantage of North Carolina's tax free weekend.

Officials say as the bargain hunting gets under way there are ways to make every dollar go further. Goodwill stores are gearing up for North Carolina's Tax Free Weekend.

“It's a big weekend. We've got a lot of stuff for kids going back to school. We've even got a lot of new items, including polo shirts, and they're all new,” said Jamie Eichorn with Goodwill Industries.

Officials say they have the shelves stocked with plenty of new and gently used items. They point out there are advantages shopping in a Goodwill store.

“You get great deals, and it's likely not going to be as crowded as the mall because that's where everyone is going and expects to go. You're also going to be spending money somewhere that goes back to job training and placement services and it stays right in the community,” said Thomas Royal with Goodwill Industries.

The Department of Revenue said the state is expected to lose about $13.6 million during the tax free weekend. However, that boils down to savings for savvy, back to school shoppers.

“Not only are you getting a really good deal, you're getting some name brands; not paying sales tax, and you're really helping someone who needs help finding a job or get some training,” said Royals.

In northwest North Carolina alone, that is more than 47,000 people receiving assistance.