had the same problem with my son, it lasted a couple of years. i found ear defenders worked well, it was the noise when it was busy that freaked him out. Also have walked out half way round abandoning the trolley as could not get him to calm down and didnt really get to the bottom of what was going on in his head bless him. Found that if we went shopping late at night, usually when he wasnt sleeping so it got him used to the shop and was also quiet and he usually fell asleep on the way home. There is also a lot to be said for internet shopping!!! George is 10 now, and loves going shopping, he pushes the trolley and helps get the stuff. I give him a list of things (he cant read) but he feels important. Trouble is he gets the old dears on the back of their heels with the trolley!! Serve them right for stopping right in front of us right in the middle of the aisle!!! Shoe shopping another story, know where you are coming from. Still have trouble, cant go anywhere except clarks to get shoes as he has 'funny feet'. always a nightmare, but i always wait until after the kids have gone back to school to get his shoes. have done the queuing with everyone else and watched him melt down while waiting and the looks of horror from the other mums faces. Priceless!!!!