Fall is a dreadful time for many parents-the time when navigating the school supplies aisle is like driving in downtown Chicago.

Stores such as Wal-Mart, 2300 Sycamore Road, and Target, 2555 Sycamore Road, are hot spots for many parents. They can become crowded very quickly.

“I don’t look forward to [back to school shopping],” said Sycamore resident Richard Gauthier, “There’s just too many people in the stores.”

Sycamore resident Stacie Mendel said the large crowds in the stores make shopping harder.

Mendel starts shopping a month in advance to beat the crowds and look for sales.

Apart from worrying about the rush hour-like traffic, parents are concerned about the rising cost of school supplies.

Gauthier said parents are buying more stuff instead of schools supplying it. He spends at least $60 on school supplies.

Also schools are now requiring some brand-name supplies, which increases the cost of school supplies.

Sycamore resident Maggie Peck said the lists are more specific, with brands like Elmer’s and Crayola.

Mendel said school supplies lists have grown longer over the years and it is sometimes difficult to find the specific brand names teachers ask for.

Like many other parents, she said she is usually scrambling in the stores for some last-minute shopping.

Peck said she usually finishes shopping for school supplies in two weeks. Her secret is to organize her list ahead of time.