South Georgia retailers say the cancellation of Georgia's back to school sales tax holiday will cost jobs. Retailers say they'll offer specials to try to lure shoppers through their doors.

State lawmakers called off this year's tax free shopping period, saying it would cost the state $12 billion. But retailers say it could have meant more to the unemployed.

Georgia retailers say since the tax free holiday started in 2002, it has grown tremendously in popularity, and now July is the third biggest sales month for many stores. Retailers say they think canceling the program was the wrong thing for the economy, especially with a ten percent unemployment rate in the state.

Read more : WALB