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Sonny Hedgecock / AP
Kmart's holiday decorations were on sale by early October.
Christmas decorations hit some store shelves while many people were still wearing shorts, and hot holiday toy lists came out just as many families were crossing off the final items from their back-to-school shopping lists.
Now there’s news that Black Friday, that national frenzy of holiday shopping, is going to be starting as early as Thanksgiving evening, with big store chains like Wal-Mart and Toys 'R' Us opening their doors even as many families are still finishing their pie and coffee.
The widening of the holiday shopping season, sometimes referred to as “Christmas creep,” may leave some people grumbling, but don’t expect it to go away anytime soon.
“Until there are really people outside stores picketing I don’t think the trend will abate, and I don’t think there’s a whole lot of downside for the retailers,” said Ted Marzilli, global managing director of BrandIndex, which tracks the public perception of brands.
Retailers are so desperate for your holiday shopping dollars after years of economic woes that they’ll try just about anything to get a bigger chunk of your limited budget, Marzilli and other analysts say. Offering deals earlier and earlier just may give some of those retailers a leg up on the competition.
“Is it really working? Too soon to tell. Can it work? The answer is clearly yes,” said Marshal Cohen, retail analyst with NPD Group.
Many shoppers already are on the lookout for deals.
A survey done in late October by YouGov BrandIndex found that nearly one-third of shoppers had already started shopping for holiday gifts. Nearly half expected to start before Thanksgiving, according to the survey, to be released this week.
That’s similar to results BrandIndex got in 2008, the last time the firm asked the question, Marzilli said.
Retailers aren’t necessarily going to squeeze much more money out of consumers by trying to get them to buy holiday gifts along with Halloween candy. Amid a weak economy and a high unemployment rate, the National Retail Federation is expecting holiday sales to increase a modest 2.8 percent this year over year-ago levels.
Retailers are hoping an early jump on promotions will allow them to steal some business from competitors who aren’t yet offering similar deals or at least snag some of their holiday shopping dollars earlier in the season, experts say.
“If the retailer can get some people thinking about Christmas sooner than they otherwise would … then (they’ve) locked up the $10 or $20 or $50 or $100 that the consumer was going to spend,” Marzilli said.
That’s one reason Black Friday has gradually expanded, with holiday-themed deals starting days or even weeks before the day after Thanksgiving.
Call all diehard Black Friday shoppers!
C. Britt Beemer, head of the consumer research firm America’s Research Group, said early Black Friday-type promotions also may be aimed at people who want a good deal but don’t want to endure the ever-earlier wake-up call for Black Friday (so named because retailers can get into the black with strong sales).
Shoppers who go to Walmart for one of its pre-holiday Super Saturday deals may pay slightly more for a flat-screen TV, Beemer said, “but they didn’t have to get up at 3 a.m.”
Still, Beemer is predicting that this year’s Black Friday will be bigger than ever.
To some Americans, getting up at dawn on Friday to go shopping is bad enough, but going shopping on Thanksgiving night is inexcusable. The activist group change.org has even started a petition to try to force retailer Target to change its plans to open at midnight on Thanksgiving rather than a few hours later early Friday.
A Target spokeswoman told msnbc.com the company still plans to open at midnight.
Cohen said the advent of social media could get the backlash effort some attention, but he doesn’t expect complaints about Christmas creep to have much effect on retailers’ plans.
“Right now we’re more concerned about getting the (European) debt crisis resolved and getting a jobs bill,” he said. “There’s so much more for people to be worried about than opening a store.”
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Christmas Creep. So that's what they are calling it. Christmas items were on display in Target before Halloween, Food Lion had an entire section devoted to Christmas/holiday candy today and one of our neighbors is already in full Griswold mode.
Tis the season already...
I don't care what stores do, I will never buy anything for Christmans until after Thanksgiving. It does annoy me. Obviously, it works or it wouldn't be done, but really, I find that most people think Christmas is about getting and giving merchandise, so is it really a surprise?
Honestly, what really is missing is the point of the holiday. Not realing in the creep.
It only works on those who are easily manipulated to shop and what to shop for whenever the retailers tell them to.
People who buy all their gifts and x-mas items prior to Thanksgiving are simply giving outdated gifts and don't have that spirit that x-mas is suppose to offer. I love the busy stores and the fun of finding deals and great gifts that just come out. My friendss and family always love and appreciate my gifts. And I love the smile is see when they open them. That warm happy feeling is priceless.
I've been seeing Christmas displays since about Labor Day. They don't induce me to do any shopping any earlier. It's easy to just walk past that section of the store.
Now, if they'd just quit putting out that vile clove-oil scented stuff..... I don't go near any of the craft stores from about mid-October til after New Year, because it's so sickening.
Where my fellow Jews at?
I think one of the issues with Christmas creep is that the entire Christmas season no longer represents a time to celebrate its original message but is instead more geared towards forced spending. It is the commercialization of Christmas that makes the creep distasteful. I will not be giving gifts due to lack of income, but I will enjoy the Christmas spirit, the wonderful music, the many gatherings, and the hope of better things to come. I think I can do pretty well without presents and condemning myself and others to a new year of debt, by enjoying the people around me and the message that Christmas was once known for.
Jeff: Chanukah shopping as soon as the turkey is finished.
@AP-1414066
The way it should be, isn't Chanukah earlier this year? don't quite remember. Checking the calendar now.
Jeff, Hanukkah surrounds xmas this year. Isn't it nice to be Jewish at this time of year. I see all the stuff they are trying to push and instead of being stressed out by xmas like so many people are, I can just walk and by and think "whew, glad this has nothing to do with me!" and get on with my shopping like any other time of year :)
Except you can't, because roads, walkways, sidewalks, parking lots, checkout lines, etc are all mobbed by lunatics. I really, really, really hate what Christmas turns people into.
Jeff: right you are..starts the 20th I think?
I don't agree with you Blake. I shop early and I don't suffer from lack of Christmas spirit, nor are my gifts outdated. In fact, my being finished early allows me to enjoy the holidays stress-free. I am, after-all, Santa Claus.
I pay attention throughout the year to the likes and dislikes of my family. I make a list. After my children's birthdays in August, I cross out any gifts they had just received and see if there is anything new they are hoping for, then I start shopping online. A bit here, a chunk there and voila. Done. All that's left now are stocking stuffers. Now I can sit back and drink cocoa. And as for Black Friday shopping, I still participate, but mostly for me.
Bah Humbug!
No one is tied up, shackled and forced to shop on Black Friday if they don't want to. You can plan your other shopping so that you don't even have to go out that day at all unless you happen to work in retail. Why is everyone complaining so much as if someone is forcing them to shop? I avoid that day altogether and eat leftovers. Also, it's not like simply seeing a Christmas display is forcing you to worship something or do something against your belief system OR even buy anything. I just walk by if I don't want to buy anything. No one is jumping on you or tying you up or stealing your wallet in the name of Christmas. JUST SAY NO! I agree that it can be really tacky, but a whole lot of things are tacky. You still have your freedom along with your responsibility.
There is nothing wrong with stores putting their Christmas merchandise out early. Stores have been doing this since the 1970s. I used to run a variety store and we always had stuff out by late august.
Stores get better prices when they buy in the summer. This is crucial. Wrapping paper takes up sooo much space that you have to do something with it, and after you clear out summer lawn and garden (even considering you have to devote some space for Halloween stuff) you have shelves that you either have to stock with stuff that takes up space (paper towels or rubbermaid stuff) or you can stock it with giftwrap and Christmas lights.
What stores have found is that Christmas stuff sells, and has a better profit through the early fall than other merchendise because it isn't marked down or on sale yet. People shop early and pick up the "good stuff" or the "trendy stuff". It's great.
I say, to those who want Christmas merchandise to magically appear on store shelves the day after Thanksgiving, that they have no business sense at all and that some of us like shopping earlier for stuff.
Gregorovich:
You're right...retail is always at least a season ahead...if they're not then they're behind. Plus those displays that you all like to see takes a heap of time to set up. Merry Christmas to all!
I would definitely classify Walmart as a Christmas creep...
Wal Mart is ghetto and smells like the Grinches' Cave.
lol...so sad so true
I do all my shopping online, beats being around stinky people and crying babies.
I classify my neighbor who dances around in a Santa suit just to get kids to sit on his lap a Christmas Creep.
There you have it. The economic [and true] meaning of Thanksgiving and Christmas spirit is retail spending... Shaking the "coin" out of your pocket.
I'm an advocate of the "Taking the Christ out of Christmas" movement. Lets face it, he is really curtailing sales. I mean I know the Jews have Hanukkah, but a Christless holiday would certainly increase spending by that group. And what about the Athiests, the Muslims, Budissts, and all the other religions. Just think of the increased sales if we get everyone involved! We will call it Buymas, or maybe Spendmas.
I buy everone a gilf card so they wont take it back after Christmas because most have more junk than they will ever use or play with. My shopping is over with in 30 mins and ever one is happy.
A "gilf" card. Is that like a "milf" card?? I've been naughty; can I have one? :-D
Gift cards are so impersonal, like you're saying you don't know them well enough to get them something appropriate.
Why does Christmas have to be a spending spree anyway? Just because you're related to someone doesn't mean you have to buy them a tie they don't want. Only buy gifts for the kids and those few special someones. Talk to your relatives. I bet they feel the same way and would be happy to skip all the obligatory gift-giving.
I think it depends entirely on the gift card. An open VISA type gift card can be a boone for someone. I know family members that don't need another piece of Chinese crap, but a gift card to a decent restaurant and a visa gift card says "Here, have a night out on me, or put gas in the car, or pay a bill, or buy something that you need."
It doesn't mean you don't know them any less, it just means you want them to get exactly what they need/want. I might know my mom needs a new pair of shoes, but buying her a gift card to a shoe store allows her to pick what is right for her.
Gift cards may be impersonal, but when you have family members who are NEVER happy with anything they're bought, it's an acceptable option. They ask specifically for an item, but return it anyway. They deserve a small piece of plastic for a gift after you spend your time and effort the year before finding something they actually wanted and/or needed. Pff.
Oomp, Great post, LMAO. I personally love gift cards. Go for it.
I'm with Zero on this. My mother is the biggest pain in the arse to buy for. We've stopped doing it. She hates gift cards too. This year, I took photos of her grandkids and framed them. Photo mug as well and she has nothing to complain about. And for family members in tight financial times, a Visa card is a godsend. It says, "I know you so well that I know there isn't another polo shirt on this earth that would make you as happy as an influx of cash."
What I do for friends with a new baby...A package of diapers. I guarantee you they don't need anymore cute onsies.
Lola, forget the gift cards. Too many are a rip off with fees and trying to use the whole amout. If you're going to give the gift of money, Say it with cash. One size fits all and there is never any returns.
With all the griping about Corporate America and jobs going overseas, how about a gift certificate to a local (non chain) restaurant? Or for a day spa, or towards a gym membership. How about having a local cleaning service go to a friend or family members house for an After Holiday sprucing up? There are many local businesses that are crying for business. I don't know anyone who needs another cell phone or wide screen TV.
I like gift cards, they make Christmas SOOOOOOOOOO much easier for hard to buy fors. Mom in law and others.
I'm not opposed to the Christmas stuff being out on the shelves etc. say in October or so, but I am definitely opposed to "Black Friday" starting on Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a day for family and friends to come together to celebrate what they are thankful for. If you are looking forward to giving up your day to spend hours in lines to shop for the 12 TV's at Best Buy, that's fine for you, however, what about all the employees of these stores that are forced to give up their day with their family and friends? We will not be in those lines. I will also miss our family's tradition of the girls getting up early and hitting the stores while the guys sit at home watching football etc. This year I think we will boycott the big stores and hit the little town up the road that has all the art galleries and boutiques instead. Sounds less stressful anyway.
I agree.
I am also against hearing Christmas Music before black friday. For the love of all that is good in the world, I don't want to hear the same dozen or so christmas songs repeated ad nauseum just by different artists.
The employees at the stores don't want to hear it either. Jingle Bells and the like for hours on end for more than a month is mind melting.
There's a local radio station that starts the Christmas music on November 1st and that's all they play until the day after Christmas.
::shudder::
When I worked in stores working on Thanksgiving was a huge payday. I got time and half (holiday overtime) plus 8 hrs holiday pay. Working on a holiday was always a choice, you were never forced to work those days if you did not want to.
So I missed the Macy T-day parade, so what. I was always home in time for dinner with the family.
I was forced to work on thanksgiving,(busy time of the year) so when Christmas Eve came around I asked for the day off and my employer said no... so I quit.
I worked in healthcare. We always had to work some holidays because the patients still needed care, and I almost always worked Thanksgiving. I usually had to cook the whole dinner as well. I normally worked New Year's Day, also. We had a Jehovah's Witness who always worked on Christmas Day-if she didn't, our Jewish employees always volunteered so that the Christians could celebrate with their families. When I was in college and worked at an amusement park, the big day was the Fourth of July; and EVERYONE worked that day, extended hours. Sometimes it's just part of the job description. At the hospital I knew I would be working at least three of the six major holidays-usually Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and New Year's Day. In return, I always got Christmas off and long weekends for the other holidays.
adamantus-
Many people (policemen, nurses, waitresses, etc) have always worked holidays. It is part of the job description.
I have a hard time feeling sorry for you. You come across as having a very poor work ethic and attitude.
Tina-293371
FYI, I was 16 and it was a part time job. If I work one Holiday I believe I am entitled to the other one off. I have family who are in the Medical practice and they allow their employees to take turns to chose what Holidays to trade off. So I am not asking anyone to feel sorry for me, just stating a point that some employers do not care about employees only the $$$. So they rather have a underpaid person working than someone who has seniority that is paid more.
Yeah, it's ridiculous how soon stuff goes out. I'd say Halloween would be a reasonable cutoff for Christmas stuff. Earlier than than, come on.
As far as stores being open or closed on Thansgiving...
...if we're going to ask Target to close on Thanksgiving, can we get my hospital to close, too? I really don't feel like working that day, either, and I think if you surveyed my coworkers from physicians on down to housekeeping staff, they feel the same.
Wait...nobody forced me to go into a field where I'd have to work weekends and holidays. I chose to do that. Just like the people working at Target chose to go into retail.
Really? I for one am convinced that GREED is the driving force. Halloween should start on Oct 1st, Thanksgiving on Nov 1st, and Christmas on Dec 1st. The meanings behind these events have been pirated by GREED. To actually feel the spirit of the seasons there has to be restrictions. This may be a win win for GREED and the citizenry.
oh yes, those greedy greedy merchants trying to sell stuff...for heaven's sake...can't you just walk on by?
It is what it is... And it is different around the world. I am American and live in the Philippines. The Christmas season is what they call the "Ber Months" - September, October, November, December.
And the Christmas music starts playing in the malls September first. It is quite normal here. I believe the issue with the states is we do not keep the season constant. It keeps changing earlier and earlier.
The more they push Cristmas, the less commercial I am going to make it. Church, a nice meal, family and a few toys for the kids. Thats it.
All that Black Friday causes is riots. Every year, people are trampled. maimed or killed by desperate shoppers trying to get a deal. Some people would spend $20 in gas to drive to the next state to save $10. The best deals are online anyway. No frostbite or hair pulling needed! Go to www.shopping-idiot.com for more details on how to get prepared for Black Friday. Note: if you clicked on the link above, then you must be the one who is going to camp out on Best Buy's puke covered sidewalk just to save $5. Make sure your Wills and Life Insurance are up to date! Happy Hanukah, Merry Christmas, Kwanzaa or whatever you are going to hang on your artificial tree this year! Let the evil reinder games begin!!
I don't run around buying stuff. We have a Pollyanna at work and for years my (now adult) son's favorite gift has been the donation of a food basket to a Native American reservation in his name. Since my (also now adult and with her own children) godchild had never acknowledged any gift I sent her - when she hit her late teens I started making donations in her name to different charities and have continued this with her own children, contributing to Heifer International. Also send to the troops and give homemade gifts. Very little is storebought and if it is, it's something that I've picked out for an individual and purchased throughout the year.
Bravo Janet, Heifer International is the best, most effective charity!
I just tend to ignore the Christmas stuff til about November.
The push to buy buy buy is disgusting. I especially hate the concept of "stocking stuffers", which translated means "you'll feel guilty if you don't buy this cheap crap that no one will ever use."
I especially hate it when the "success" of the Christmas season is gauged by how well the retailers do.
What's next? YEAR-ROUND Christmas decorations and paraphenilia? Pretty stupid if you asked me. Ridiculous. I, and most people I know, care MORE about dinners and family get-togethers than actual gifts.
What, are you some kind of Commie? What, do you hate your country? We need your cash (and a small percentage for the government that loves you.) C'mon spend you tightwad! How can you show your love for your family? The only way is with a dollar sign. Your kids and Grandkids won't love you if they don't get that new game console! Your spouse will leave you if you don't get that perct (expensive) gift.
I'd much rather they start Christmas sales the weekend BEFORE Thanksgiving, so people who want to wait in line in the dark can do so without it interfering with Thanksgiving itself. I want my family to enjoy a peaceful, loving Thanksgiving, enjoy each other's company, and relax after the meal, not plan their shopping strategies. Thanksgiving loses ALL its meaning if it's just a prelude to shopping. As it is, I try to ignore Black Friday, even if family members don't.
"Retailers are so desperate for your holiday shopping dollars"
Are you kidding me? Middle class/Working Americans have been raped by the Corporate greed aimed to destroy us. We have bailed out the banksters while they play cat & mouse with their daily Wall Street booms and busts, jeopardizing the retirements of those few who have anything left that can be called 'retirement' funds. People are struggling to eat and pay the rent and MSNBC joins right in to the practice by telling us, "it woks".
They throw these commercials on showing the joy of gifting to make us feel guilty if we cannot pile tons of fun and games onto our kids. They are standing by for parents to rack up more CC debt.
It is atrocious.
Maybe it's time to go back to making things with love for each other.
Walmart sucks.
Fox lies.
human: you do know you can shop somewhere besides walmart?
This is a comment line. I commented.
We agree on that. I refuse to spend one red cent there. They have probably eliminated more small businesses in this country than any other entity.
If I go into a store once before Thanksgiving and they are already playing Christmas music, I will NOT go back again until after Thanksgiving. They put the Christmas stuff out in the grocery store before Halloween!! I don't go down that aisle. I will start to decorate after Thanksgiving. My son's birthday is Dec 8th. When he was a child, I wouldn't start to decorate until after his birthday. If stores have good pricing all throughout the year, they shouldn't need to continue to over-secularize what is supposed to be a religious holiday to make their bottom line. It's getting worse and worse each year.
The whole "doorbuster" thing should have been banned after that poor worker was crushed to death when the glass door caved in on him and instead of helping, the shameless, greedy crowd just stepped over him and ran inside. What a horrible, hellish death - imagine his final thoughts before he died. All for a few cheap dvds and a stupid TV.
I think we should exchange currency; you give me $20, I give you $20, and the holiday season doesn't leave either of us in debt.
Logic has no place in a discussion about shopping, Ken ;-)
well whata couple of jolly ranchers you two would be to have around the tree...
Cause it's the thought that counts.
Perhaps retailers will leave a portion of their stores in "come buy our junk" Christmas mode 365 days a year and kill the holiday completely rather than a version of death by a thousand price cuts.
It works because we LET it work. Certainly not how it was done in the "olden days", right?
NO, it absolutely wasn't done in the "OLDEN" days
Re: the "Olden" days. Oh, yes it was. LOL