Shopping with three boys

How hard is it to shop with three kids, especially boys and not rely on the crutch of food or soft drink to get through it! Somehow we bought three pairs of shoes, three school bags and only three finger buns (none for me). It took all my will power not to calm the nerves with the aid of food. So many innocent bypasses hit with the westfield balloon or rammed by the trolley guided by out of control kids. Whoops sorry all.

Have you any hints for shopping with kids? 

ps school shoe shopping means back to school soon ; ) might progress on the study again