Teressa Martin, of Prospect Vale, knows only too well the start of the school year means expenditure on her two sons.

Shopping at Targetts Schoolwear and Footwear in Launceston this week, Mrs Martin said as Nick, 12, was starting year 7 at St Patrick's College he required a whole new uniform.

Younger brother James, 10, will return to Youngtown Primary School for year 5.

``It can be a very expensive time, especially when they're starting at a new school,'' Mrs Martin said.

``We've had to buy everything new for Nick but hopefully, if they don't change their uniform which they're talking about doing, James will be able to wear bits of it in a couple of years.''

She estimated she would spend about $700 on Nick and $200 on James with uniforms and books.

Targetts store manager Cheryl Catterall said although parents faced an outlay on shoes and uniforms, they could save money in the long run if they bought properly fitting clothing.

``We've been busy since the start of the year and we expect to be like this until the second week of February after all schools go back,'' Ms Catterall said.

``We have an extra six to seven staff just to cope with the number of people coming in.''

Ms Catterall said the store had been busier than normal in the past week as many families had taken advantage of fine weather and stayed away on holidays.