We've got to begin the annual War on Christmas already?

[IDemo]

Christmas in July? Retailers banking on it

Sears, Toys R Us emphasizing holidays in the middle of summer

CHICAGO - With only 160 shopping days left, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in some stores.

After U.S. retailers posted 10 straight months of sales declines, some chains are trying to bring holiday spirit — and revenue — to the summer with "Christmas in July" promotions.

Both Sears Holdings Corp and privately held Toys R Us are holding wintry holiday-themed events this summer ahead of their back-to-school promotions, which usually start around the end of July.

-snip-
"Everyone needs a little Christmas, right this very minute," the company said in a release last week.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31967206/ns/business-retail/

[Kievan Rus]

1. Christmas creep is always the worst

I've always felt it ridiculous that they advertise Easter in the middle of February, summer in the middle of March, and for back-to-school stuff only a few days after the Fourth of July.

But the Christmas season takes the cake. It's not uncommon to see Christmas ads when the World Series is on...a full two months or more before the holiday, and it's kind of weird considering that baseball is our country's primary summer sport. But, no kidding, I've seen Christmas decorations in stores as early the week after Labor Day.

[DJ13]

2. 5 years ago Xmas displays went up a week before Thanksgiving

Every year since its come earlier and earlier.

Last year Xmas was crowding out the space normally used for Halloween displays.

This is getting ridiculous.

[dana_b]

3. it's going to be worse than last year for retailers

so I almost don't begrudge them but damn... it's 105 degrees today and I am in no mood to shop for stocking stuffers!

[Arkana]

4. Lewis Black was right--we are fucking it up.

Maybe we should just hand the Christmas holiday over to the Jews and let them take care of it for us.

[imdjh]

5. "Christmas in July" is pathetic, even for Sears.

There are some bars who do Christmas In July, and I always think, "You deserve to go out of business. This is the tiredest (yes, I know) promotion in the history of the world."

[sam sarrha]

6. well we do if you dont want to see the Baby Jesus in an F'n War Zone..!!

[Neecy]

7. damn!

I had all of these plans for the summer that are totally shot now because I'll have to get busy with my War on Christmas activities so early this year.

[bumblebee1]

8. Went to one of our local craft stores the other day.

I saw all kinds of fall and Halloween merchandise on display. I understand that people who are crafters want a jump on crafting for the season/holiday. I haven't saeen any Christmas merchandise yet. Personally, I don't see the appeal of Christmas in July. I personally am not thinking about Christmas until around the October/November time frame. I can't wait to see the Hallmark Christmas decorations.

[Berry Cool]

10. If you want to see the Hallmark Christmas orrnaments, go to the Hallmark store now.

They're ALWAYS out in July.

[bumblebee1]

11. Did that this evening, Berry Cool.

I collect them. i saw a few that I intend on getting, especially the sports oriented ones.

[eilen]

9. I think the economy is the best weapon against Christmas aka "giftday" nt