Bargain hunters cross state lines to shop tax-free on Black Friday

Ken Bowen went shopping at the Tanger Outlets in Rehoboth Beach, Del., earlier this month even though it’s two-hour drive from his Maryland home.

It wasn’t just the Nike, Under Armour, Hollister and Hot Topic stores that attracted Bowen. Rather, it was the lack of a sales tax in Delaware, compared with the 6% he pays in Maryland.

"I've saved thousands of dollars, for real," Bowen said. "Even gas is cheaper there."

He's one of many who will travel across state lines this holiday season to do their shopping in states like Delaware, Alaska, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon to avoid paying sales tax. Other states like Minnesota, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Vermont have exemptions on some clothing items.