IN light of the opening of most schools today for the new academic year, there was a last-chance shopping rush at Giftland Mall at Pattensen, Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara, where scores of parents, with children in tow, made their purchases of school supplies.The Mall was a hive of activity, as school-age children were taking their pick of backpacks, lunch kits, water bottles, shoes and stationery.

Some were choosy, while others obviously knew what they wanted as they made their way to the various aisles and sections of the large shopping complex.

Several children, who were shopping with their parents and guardians, told this newspaper that the day was eventful, and they had a wide variety of things to choose from. The shopping experience at Giftland’s was delightful, they all agreed.

Parents were queued up, awaiting their turn at the cashiers with trolleys of items, including school supplies.

Meanwhile, downtown yesterday along Regent Street during the afternoon hours, most stores were closed but a handful of pavement vendors were out with school uniforms, shoes, books and pencils, among others supplies, but few customers.

The vendors said they had a poor sales day and were hoping to see an improvement later even though it was Sunday. And in other wards in the city it was quiet since most people had already made their purchases for their children’s back-to-school today.

By Michel Outridge