(ARA) - Rising gas and food prices are putting the economic squeeze on most American households, and it's already time to begin back-to-school shopping. Families with school-age children are expected to spend over $500 on back-to-school merchandise, according to the National Retail Federation.

Savvy shoppers, take note. The stroke of midnight Aug. 1 will mark the kick-off of South Carolina's annual sales tax holiday, designed to reward consumers with tax breaks on their back-to-school purchases. Certain items, including computers, clothing and shoes, will be exempt from state taxes.

Madera children woke up early Saturday for a 7:15 a.m. shopping spree at Mervyns department store before it was opened to the public. Mervyns Childspree program provides 25 young people with $100 gift certificates to purchase new clothes prior to the start of the new school year.