As an attempt to provide a public service, Maplewood-Brentwood Patch shopped the Maplewood Richmond Heights 8th grade school supply list at the Maplewood Commons Walmart and the Brentwood Promenade Target.

It's complicated, of course, because of the vast array of options in every category. At both stores, supplies can be found in office supply and special school supply areas.

I looked for the most economical options, keeping in mind what is on the school list. You might make different choices from what I found, for instance, you might want to buy a box of 50 colored pencils, or 10.

In other words, take this research with a grain of salt.

Target has supplies compartmentalized with signage above each category in the school supplies area. Both stores had plenty of helpful employees.

Walmart vs. Target school supply prices