SAVANNAH—Discounts, entertainment, free parking, a diverse selection of 100-plus shops, restaurants, and crisp new landscaping are enticing new shoppers to Savannah Mall’s cool indoors.

“Savannah Mall’s new owners are big thinkers and big doers. They are delivering more and better shopping experiences, and funding cost-free entertaining experiences for Savannah area shoppers,” said Senea Crystal, marketing manager at Savannah Mall. “Mall merchants have caught the spirit to embed more fun into the shopping experience, evidenced in recent and upcoming events at Chick-Fil-A, Bass Pro Shops and Waldenbooks.

“Most of us are thrilled to receive more for less, especially in this economy. More and more, the message is reaching Savannah area residents that Savannah Mall is a central place to stretch precious dollars to purchase real needs, and at the same time enjoy a sociable, personally enriched lifestyle,” Crystal added.  

“Seniors, young families and singles come and walk the Mall for exercise, meet up with friends and take part in zero-cost events. It’s cheap, safe, accessible, more comfortable and energizing to get out, mingle and socialize,” Crystal said. “The feedback reiterates that we’re on the right track to establish Savannah Mall as a good neighbor, not only within the Mall’s immediate community but also as we reach out and network to sponsor feel good business and social events, such as the Savannah Sand Gnats and the upcoming Small Business Chamber training.”    

On July 26, the mall’s support of health and fitness comes to the fore with “Let’s Dance, Savannah!” (10 a.m.-2 p.m.), a half-day of free dance demonstration and participation in the newly expanded Center Court.   Fox 28’s Coastal Idol (American Idol tryouts, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.) is happening in the conference center (near the Playtime area).  At 4 p.m., the hot alternative rock group, Saving Jane, is playing in Center Court.

New 54-inch televisions in the food court and various points in the mall offer a safe, public neighborhood experience where one can slow the pace and multi-task also with Wi-Fi access.

From July 21-Aug. 24, the traditional pop up event to “Stuff the Bus” begins. Shoppers are invited to literally pack a school bus with needed school supplies and clothing.

“Our goal is to stuff the bus full of school supplies to help children in our area get the necessary supplies for the beginning of the school year,” Crystal said.

Customers can bring the supplies to customer service.  

Georgia’s highly anticipated “Tax Free Weekend” is July 31-Aug. 3.  The state Department of Revenue Web site offers clarification — during the sales tax holiday period, a sales tax exemption applies to purchases of tangible personal property in the following categories:

• Articles of clothing. The exemption applies to articles of clothing and footwear with a sales price of $100 or less per item. Clothing accessories such as handbags, umbrellas, cuff links, handkerchiefs, jewelry, key cases, wallets, watches and watchbands and ponytail holders and/or similar hair products are not exempt. See list of exempt items — http://www.dor.ga.gov/salestax/holiday/index.aspx.

• Personal computers. A single purchase of $1,500 or less of personal computers and/or related accessories is exempt. If the single purchase exceeds $1,500, the entire transaction is taxable.

• General school supplies. The exemption applies to the purchase of general school supplies with a sales price of $20 or less per item. See list of exempt items.

On Aug. 1, the “Twilight Series” at Waldenbooks begins at 9:30 p.m. for a costume-and-trivia-filled party celebrating the release of “Breaking Dawn,” a new novel from Stephenie Meyer.

“Tax free weekend is a great time to stretch shopping dollars and earmark a few for Stuff the Bus purchases,” Crystal said. “We encourage and invite community groups and businesses to propose events to be hosted at Savannah Mall.”

A form is located on the Mall’s Web site — SavannahMall.com — to make your request http://www.savannahmall.com/go/eventproposal.cfm or you may call Customer Service at (912) 927-7467 for additional assistance.