Jul 16, 2009 11:50 pm US/Eastern
Money Saver: X-Mas Already Creeping Into Stores
Big-Time Retailers Offer Holiday Discounts, Deals Meant To Increase Sales During A Slow Summer Season
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
The holiday shopping season traditionally begins on the day after Thanksgiving, although in recent years some stores have salesup as early as Halloween.
Shop Smart Magazine's Lisa Freeman said the hottest shopping trend of 2009 is bringing Christmas to July.
"The Christmas creep is something that has been with us for decades, but this year it's getting bigger and bolder," Freeman said.
Sears effectively put all other Christmas Creepers to shame when it put up its "Holiday Lane" display at the beginning of the month. The store's manager, Harry Hariberfaud, feels the strategy will prove successful.
"I think it's a great idea," Hariberfaud said. "I'm sure when the customers find out they're going to come see it."
Freeman added that other stores, such as Kmart and Toys R Us, are also trying to move Christmas up five months earlier.
"Summer is a very slow time for a lot of retailers, and retailers are starting to panic," Freeman said.
Some retail analysts believe the Christmas in July idea might pay dividends in the long run, as it could get Americans more excited about shopping. The upcoming fall and winter months are crucial for the retail sector, as 2008 proved to be one of the weakest Christmas seasons in its history.
Greg Ahearn, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Toys R Us, said the chain's stores will begin offering major deals on some of their most sought-after items.
"$100 off on a Hannah Montana Malibu house, $90 off on Guitar Hero items and $50 off Star Wars items," Ahearn said.
Kmart is encouraging its customers to buy Christmas presents now, but pay later.
"When Kmart rolled out its layaway program, sales went up," Freeman said.
Tom Nolan, of Riverdale, believes the Christmas Creep is something that he and other consumers will see more of as the recession wears on.
"I think with the economy the way it is, they have to try anything," Nolan said.
Freeman was quick to point out that there could be some drawbacks to the strategy.
"There's no downfall for the consumer, but it's kind of obnoxious to go into a store and hear Christmas music in July," Freeman added.
But she also pointed out that hot items are more likely to be in stock during the slow summer months than in the heart of the holiday season.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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