Our school's shopping list is also long. Many items for school uniforms and sports jerseys. But we only need a pair of black shoes. I originally booked the school shop a week before school starts (Sep 3). But just received letter from housemaster inviting us to meet him personally on Sep 1 or 2. In such case, I might need to reschedule the school shop visit to Sep 1 or 2 as I don't want to go back and forth to school for 3 days! (I will stay in my friend's home which is 2 hours away from school!). I also have the concern as you whether it's enough time to buy the uniforms, wash them and put the name tags!