It's the most wonderful time of year. Already?

 

It's not even Halloween yet and the Halloween candy has been exiled to the clearance section at the grocery story. The aisles are now full of candy canes, tinsel and other red and green treats. Can't we enjoy one holiday before moving onto another? Every year, the Christmas season seems to come upon us earlier. Before we know it, holiday ads will start running in August. According to a recent New York Times story, retailers say the have a good excuse for rushing the holiday season this year - the economy.  

By pushing the holidays early, retailers are hoping that cash-strapped consumers will have more time to spread out their purchases, make decisions and ultimately purchase products. With this extra time retailers are hoping to avoid the National Retail Federation's predicted 1 percent decline in sales this season versus last.

Not only are shoppers getting extra time to bask in the holiday spirit, but they can expect to see ads that appeal to the emotional side of the holiday season with themes of family, friends and giving. Like everything else this year, holiday ads will also be focusing on celebrating on budget emphasizing discounts and sales.

Will the extra time to think about your holiday shopping and emphasis on the emotional side of the holidays drive sales? Only time will tell but from my perspective as one consumer, I will spend money either way. Let us enjoy our candy corn and turkey before we see candy canes grace the grocery store shelves and holiday ads running on TV.

- Shannon