VIDALIA — Planning on making a large purchase? If you buy in Louisiana this weekend, you won’t have to pay state sales tax.

The sales tax exemption applies to the first $2,500 of a purchase, and applies to items previously placed on lay-away and will also be applied to items placed on lay-away during the tax holiday.

The holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday and ends at midnight Saturday.

Eddie Reynolds, owner of Reynolds’ Jewelry, said he had been unaware of the sales tax exemption until Tuesday, but that he hoped it would bring some business into his store.

“If you make a big purchase, it could save you a good deal of money,” Reynolds said.

The state sales tax is 4 percent of every purchase, or $0.04 for every dollar paid. If a consumer makes a purchase of $2,500 or more, they will save $100 in taxes.

The manager of RRUS and Company, a home and fashion store in Vidalia, Jessie Chandler said Friday and Saturday are the busiest days at the store anyway, and that the business already has some sales in place.

“I think the tax holiday will probably have some (positive) impact on our business,” Chandler said.

Vidalia Mayor Hyram Copeland said he believes the tax holidays stimulate the local economy.

“I think it has a tremendous impact on the local area, especially at this time of year with the sale of things like air-conditioners,” Copeland said. “I don’t think it could come at a better time with the price of gas where it is. I wish they would have more (tax holidays).”

Local sales taxes will still be in place during the holiday.

Vehicle and meal purchases are exempt from the tax holiday, as are non-tangible services such as hotel room rentals and home repairs.