As expected, the promotions for tax-free weekend are flooding in.

Today's N&O is full of advertisements and I also heard from local businesses hoping to entice customers over the tax holiday.

Lots of the deals are from retailers selling tax-free merchandise. Other deals are coming from merchants who don't sell tax-free items but want to compete for shoppers' dollars. And I don't blame them. In these tough times, shopkeepers can't afford an entire weekend without customers.

Some of the highlights:

There's a party in the works at second-hand stores across the Triangle this Saturday.

Bargain hunters are scheduled to descend en masse at their local thrift stores and flea markets wearing  "I <3 Thrifting" t-shirts.

All in the name of promoting thrift shopping as hip and eco-friendly.

Pennies For Change, a thrift store that supports Durham Crisis Response Center, is opening a larger store Friday at 2715 Chapel Hill Blvd. The store will have women’s clothing and accessories in addition to home items such as home décor and furniture. Pennies for Change will keep its old store at 1826 Chapel Hill Road open with reduced hours.