RALEIGH -- Local stores are still battling with internet retailers, most of whom do not collect state sales tax.

Andy Ellen with North Carolina Retail Merchants Association says this is a basic fact of life for store clerks every day.

"I've had many retailers say to me that a customer comes in looks at an item, hits it with their phone and "showrooms it" and says,'Well the internet retailer is selling this for a lot cheaper.' and the retailer says they will match their price, and [the customer] will say, ' But you can't match the sales tax.'"

Ellen says he is pleased to see that Amazon is starting to collect sales tax on North Carolina purchases, which is estimated to bring in about $250 and $450 million a year.

Andy Ellen appears on this weekend's edition of Carolina Newsmakers.