KALAMAZOO, Mich. - Many last-minute back to school shoppers are finding empty shelves instead of school supplies. Tuesday is the first day of school for public schools, but moms and dads we've spoken with are saying the supplies they need are no longer in stock.
Workers at the Target on W. Main Street in Kalamazoo tell FOX 17 they're running low on supplies after college students began shopping weeks ago.
"It's been kind of crazy, we're getting a little low, so we're at a first come, first serve threshold," said Andrew Russo, Target's executive team leader.
Russo understands local teachers and principals are buying thousands of notebooks and pencils at a time, which isn't helping parents.
Many, like Debbie Deboer, are finding stores with limited supplies and empty shelves. "Some things have been in stock, and some things have not," said Deboer. "I think that's what happens when you're waiting until the last day."
Limited supplies and empty bins are forcing parents to travel to multiple locations in search of the right supplies.
"They're dwindling, and we're trying to keep the shelves full for everyone," said Russo. "Once we're out, we're out."
