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NORTH ATTLEBORO

Carmelo Carpino had a problem.

His living room entertainment center was incomplete, thanks to a broken DVD player.

So the Mansfield resident set out to buy a new one, waiting until Saturday - the start of the state's tax-free holiday weekend - to make the purchase.

Getting a break on the 5 percent tax was just too good to pass up. So, how much did he save?

"About a dollar," Carpino joked, shopping at Bernie's in North Attleboro. "It's better than nothing."

In truth, he probably saved somewhere $5 to $10, not enough to shout out loud, but still an appealing discount.

This is the fourth time the state has allowed a tax-free holiday - eliminating sales tax on purchases under $2,500 for a weekend - giving consumers a financial and mental break from taxes and giving retailers a chance to draw in some extra customers during what is normally the industry's slowest period.

The holiday's estimated cost in lost revenue for the state is around $30 to $50 million.

Bernie's was buzzing all day Saturday, with customers busy selecting large TVs, washers, dryers, dishwashers and other appliances.

Typically, most people splurge on major appliances, furniture, home-repair necessities, big-ticket jewelry and computers during the weekend.

While Carpino might have waited a bit to replace his DVD player, some consumers schedule their big purchases around this weekend.

Although the state never guarantees a repeat tax holiday from year to year, this is the fourth consecutive summer it has passed muster on Beacon Hill.

Saving that 5 percent - instead of most store sales that offer discounts more in the realm of at least 20 percent - might also be a mind-set incentive for consumers. "I guess it's the tax thing," said Barbara Janelle of Swansea, who wasn't sure, but was seriously eyeing a flat-screen television. "We'll probably buy. We've also bought furniture (other years)."

Greg and Donna Camara of North Attleboro were in the market for a washer and dryer.

They've needed a new set since April, and since they weren't in any real rush decided to wait until now.

This is the first year they've taken advantage of the tax holiday.

"We really need it, and we're just looking to save that extra 5 percent," Donna Camara said. "They take it from us the rest of the year."

Bernie's manager Bob Fiske said the store really benefits over the weekend.

He expected to see about 10 times the normal business that he does on a summer Saturday.

The store opened early at 8 a.m., and provided extra sales staff for the weekend. There were special sales and promotions to compliment the holiday.

"It wasn't a stampede by any means, but we had a decent-sized crowd," Fiske said. "We've had a steady flow all day. It's going very well. We look forward to this every year."

Pina Barrasso, of Needham, estimated she saved around $30 on the TV stand she bought Saturday, a purchase she'd been putting off for a couple of weeks.

She's never made a big purchase during the tax holiday.

"The extra percent is good. Everything is so expensive," Barrasso said. "I'd rather save more, but I'm still saving something."

REBECCA KEISTER can be reached at 508-236-0336 or at rkeister@thesunchronicle.com.