Sep 29, 2010

Christmas Shopping Season Already Under WayBy TheIndyChannel.com

Indianapolis, IN — Halloween isn’t even here yet but shoppers in central Indiana are more likely to find snowmen and Santas than ghosts and ghouls on store shelves.

Since mid-September, many retailers have been stocking up on winter holiday items, 6News’ Stacia Matthews reported.

The gift shops in Cracker Barrel Old Country Store and Restaurants got a head start, putting up Christmas displays in July, in an effort to meet customer demand.

“Ornaments have been going. Tree toppers have been going,” said Tonya Chiado, retail manager at the Fishers store. “The thing they know about is, if you see it, better get it now, because it doesn’t last long.”

Some shoppers said they appreciate the chance to buy gifts before the frenzy of the Christmas shopping season.

“I like to shop early and get it done and not wait until the last minute,” said Rosa Simmons. “You spend more money when you shop at the last minute.”

But Ball State University marketing professor Susan Powell Mantel said retailers have been expanding the holiday shopping season for the exact opposite reason.

Read complete article.