Wal-Mart Supercenter Manager Scot Bowman summed up his projections for the holiday shopping season in just one word.

"Explosive," Bowman said. "That's what we are anticipating with the tax-free weekend helping business."

For the first time ever, holiday shoppers won't have to pay the state sales tax for their holiday items.

Bowman also believes his sales figures will get a boost with the local outlet mall's early opening.

"A lot of customers will shop there at midnight until 3 or 4 and then come here," he said.

Other local merchants are also optimistic about the holiday shopping season, which officially kicks off today.

"I think we will do well," Big Lots Manager Ron Brock said.

Sales have jumped 20 percent this month at the local store, according to Brock.

"Business has been great," said Belk Manager Jim Tyler, whose store opened at 4:45 a.m. this morning. "We had a great October and we feel that business will be good."

Exciting deals are bringing in the customers.

"We've got some of the best prices I can remember," Tyler said.

Especially this morning when shoppers flocked to more than 150 "door buster" and "early bird" bargains.

Prime Outlets - Gaffney welcomed in the holiday shopping season at midnight with hourly drawings, giveaways from Coach Factory Store, Pottery Barn Furniture Outlet, KB Toys and Nike Factory Store.

There was entertainment from 12:30 a.m. until 2 a.m. by News Channel 7's Tom Crabtree and the Rock and Roll Reunion Band.

"Overall, we are expecting a wonderful holiday season," said Prime Outlets in a news release. "We have lots of new stores open to help people find just the right gifts."

Just what are those right gifts?

Electronics are at the top of the most people's Christmas lists, Bowman said.

Tyler said cameras, jewelry and cosmetics were selling well at his store.

Analysts expect robust holiday sales gains for the overall retail industry, though the pace is expected to be slower than a year ago.

The National Retail Federation projects a 5 percent gain in total holiday sales for the November- December period, less than the 6.1 percent in the yearago period.