WILMINGTON — Shoppers were out in full force Sunday with one thing on their mind, going back to school.

The last-minute customers purchased what they needed before the first ringing of the bell on Monday. With the start of school this week, North Carolina's students are headed back into the classroom.

While she may not be too happy about summer ending, eighth-grader Caitlin Cox is excited about new school supplies. Caitlin and her mother Cathy are among many who waited to the last minute to get their back to school shopping done.

"[We purchased] a journal, some school supplies, and we spent a lot of money,” said shopper Cathy Cox.

A Target representative said shopping usually picks up between the tax-free weekend and the start of school. However there is always a rush in the days leading up to the first day of school.