It's Christmas Time in the Stores already

[wincrasher]

Wow,

Went out last night to pick up a few things - all the stores had their Christmas stuff out already!

I guess we can all be greatful they at least waited until after Halloween.

[disneysteve]

Yes, we were in Target and Walgreen's the day after Halloween and Christmas stuff was going out. Of course, the Hallmark stores have had Christmas stuff out since late summer. That's when the annual ornaments come out.

I've also started seeing the Christmas commercials on TV and the stores are playing Christmas songs on the PA system.

The one good thing is that the sales that typically don't happen until later in the year are starting now, too, so if you are in the market for any big ticket item like a TV, computer, etc., now would be a good time to start looking.

[wincrasher]

I'm pretty much in the mode of shopping early this year and having selection. What I don't get online, I'll shop for on evenings during the work week.

I just love the Costco. They always have something different and you are pretty much assured it's at a good price.

I'm not fighting the "black friday" type crowds for the maximum deals.
I want good value, but I'm not giving up my dignity to get the crazy deals.

[creditcardfree]

Hobby Lobby had Christmas items out in June!!

There are definitely some good deals to be had this year...if you have the cash and it is something you will need and use.

[disneysteve]

Hobby Lobby had Christmas items out in June!!

That's always an exception. Craft stores, fabric and needlework shops are always about 6 months ahead. Anyone doing crafts for the holiday needs to start months in advance.

[stressedmama]

The Walmart by our house had their outdoor wreaths hanging up two days before Halloween and had Christmas candy out on the shelves too!

[disneysteve]

The candy always amuses me. The day after Easter or Valentine's Day or Halloween or Christmas, the candy all goes on sale for 50% off at the same time they are stocking the shelves with the same exact candy labeled for the next big holiday selling at full price. I say you should give out half-price Valentine's candy for Easter, half-price Easter candy for Halloween, etc.

[wincrasher]

What kind of sick and twisted world you live in, Steve!

Handing out chocolate easter bunnies on Halloween. The horror!

[disneysteve]

What kind of sick and twisted world you live in, Steve!

Handing out chocolate easter bunnies on Halloween. The horror!

LOL!

Of course, the candy companies could just sell the same stuff all year long without changing the labels all the time. Then the stores wouldn't need the 50% off sales.

[rob62521]

I didn't notice any of you stating you were tempted to start your major shopping...you Scrooges! :-) I'm sure the businesses are disappointed you didn't feel ready to splurge.

[cschin4]

I love Christmas so I don't mind seeing the stuff out. And, it is Nov. As for shopping, my kids have been so innudated with stuff over the years that there really isn't anything that they want! They do have a couple of "would be nice to have" things, but nothing that they really, really want. They already have all the gadgets, video games, etc (a big thanks to Grandma!) so they lack for nothing! A good year to buy them clothes.

[wincrasher]

I just thought it odd to have the stuff out already on Halloween.

I'm perplexed by retailer's mentality this year. All the talk in the media is that it's going to be the worst Christmas of all time - even worse than last year.

So instead of hunkering down, scaling it back, the retailers are going whole hog, pushing harder than ever, getting inventory, advertising, etc.

You know all that costs money.

So is it a desperate, futile push to fight over fewer shopper dollars? Are they digging their hole deeper? I don't get it.

What I do get is that come January, there will be bigger than ever clearance and bankruptcies.

[bjl584]

I work part time at Kmart, and we put all of the Christmas decorations out the day after Halloween.