the fashion market.

Girls are choosing high-heeled platform shoes while the gentlemen are taking their chances with athletic shoes.

In the carry-all category, girls are choosing fashionable bags that are easily thrown over their shoulders instead of the regular knapsacks which are carried on the back.

The guys seem to be going in the opposite direction, choosing Five Star backpacks that, according to the Phoenix Centre in Hamilton, are in big demand.

Also in the Phoenix Store, all Mead stationary products seem to be the students' choice for style.

Mead folders and other products have design graphics for all sorts of people.

Animal lovers have their pick while all those into computer designs won't be left out either.

A.F. Smith is having a blow out sale -- due to the fact that they are moving location -- and is reporting heavy student traffic all week.

Boyles on Queen Street has sold the majority of their school shoes, the cheapest shoe being $55 and the most expensive coming in around the $90 range.

School clothing essentials can be found at the English Sports Shop on Front Street. Sales staff report they are well stocked for all schools. Trousers for boys and girls can run anywhere from $38 to $45 while shorts are $30.

The price of skirts depends on the size you buy -- they can run $32 or up to $37.

Socks and shirts are next on the list. Two pairs of socks could cost up to $10.50 and shirts for boys and girls range from $10.95 to $16.95.

Knick-Knack on Reid Street has just recently put their school supplies out with fashionable (and the unfashionable) bags costing between $10.50 and $30.

According to most local stores, demand for school supplies is hot, and stock is flying off the shelves.