...It isn't even October 1st, but today in Kohls, as I stepped off of the elevator, I hear Christmas music...and as I entered the floor what do I see but an entire area adorned with Christmas trees and ornaments. This was a first for me. Have any of you seen Christmas on display?
On a side note, I did really well with shopping. Got a few nice slacks, tops, Vera Wang robe and Vera Wang bag to use for my school books. I also got a few things that the guys needed. Everything was on sale and I got an additional 15% off. Now I've got to go and sort it all out, clean out my closet and make a bag or two for donations.
Posted by: jinx Date posted: Wed Oct 1 23:54:56 2008
Message: Craft stores always put out seasonal stuff early because crafters want to get started. I can understand that, but it's the department stores that seem to push it earlier every year. They can say it's for the convenience of shoppers, but the bottom line is that they're trying to separate you from your money. By November they'll be whining that retail sales are down. Even our local TV reporters are already talking about holiday shopping and the hottest toys. In this economy, do they really think people are going to rush out and start spending?
Posted by: Regina Date posted: Wed Oct 1 1:08:51 2008
Message: I was in Jo-ann Fabrics week before last and I was LOOKING for Christmas stuff. I have a craft show that I am doing in November and I needed doo-dads and such. They didn't have any!
We have a story called Hobby Lobby...and in JUNE they had rack after rack of ornaments..lights trees, the works. The manager of the store is a friend of mine...so I asked her why so early with the Christmas decor. Evidenly they believe that because of the way things stand, how the economy is affecting people the shoppers have more time to buy decor if put on display for 6 months instead the normal 2 months. They figure that people will pick up a box of lights...or ornaments every time they come into the store, instead of trying to get what they want in a matter of a month or two. Suppose to make it easier on the customers....lol
The Christmas season is make or break time for retail stores. This year is going to be especially hard on them and many will go under.
I personally don't like Christmas before Halloween, but I was in retailing for many years and I know how important those Christmas figures are. I think Christmas sales are going to be way down and more people will be waiting until the last minute hoping to benefit from big markdowns. That is great for the customer but not for the business. I expect a lot of independent stores and smaller chains will go out of business after the first of the year. The "bailout' will not help them and "trickle" down just does not work. It will be too little and too late for a lot of small businesses.
Posted by: Sapphire Date posted: Tue Sep 30 16:33:05 2008
Message: Since you brought up Kohl's......... I saw the flyer they had in the newspaper here today. Don't know if everyone gets the same one. Oh my. One of the girls on it would have made me run. lol Sorta looked like something from the Addams Family. The pose was just crazy. Scary face and her hand bent up from the elbow. Don't remember if she had a purse on it. Reminded me of the Carol Burnett skits of Gloria Swanson and Bette Davis. And, no it wasn't a Halloween ad.
Izi, you should be here.....there have been Christmas ornaments, decorations, trees, etc for sale here at the Dollar Store, Dollar General, Lowes and Walmart for almost the past 2 weeks! I can't believe it! It really does get earlier and earlier every year. Before long, the Christmas stuff will be out by July 4th! LOL
I think it is terrible.......they should at least wait until closer to Thanksgiving.....now they are even overlooking Halloween! yeesch.........
~Ally & Ashleys Mom
Posted by: DixuhsBaybuh Date posted: Tue Sep 30 16:07:44 2008
Message: Say it aint so.......I'd complain
NO!!! TOO SOON! Not that I'm surprised that Christmas stuff is up, but I have to say it every year. :)