Summer is coming to an end, and for many students that means back to school and back-to-school shopping.

Many residents tackled their school supply lists early this year by heading to Kohl's in Norwalk and Staples but others waited until the last minute.

Though some shoppers say they are waiting until school starts to buy supplies, many say they prefer to shop early.

"We're usually last minute, so we want to get ahead of the game," Marie Emilcar says. 

Victoria Germann was shopping for her daughter who is going to college.

"I'm buying dorm stuff for my daughter, who is going to college in the fall," she says. 

She says her daughter stayed on top of it.

Shalini has a son going into eighth grade, and one starting college.

When it comes to school supplies, she's waiting until school starts because she says teachers seem to always tell students they will need additional items for the year.

But when it comes to clothing, Shakini says she knows she has to buy often and early.              

Especially sneakers.

"Shoes. Oh my Gosh, shoes are a disaster. They hardly last for a week or two. The kids play tennis and I don't know what they do at school but they always come back with a big mouth on the open end."