The zombies haven’t even crawled back to their graves yet and already Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations are displayed in stores. Why is it that stores feel the need to set up their displays and advertise in newspapers, on TV and on websites months before a holiday?
I understand that window displays are part of what entices the customer and draws shoppers into the depths of the store to spend money, but why do Christmas decorations have to be set up in October? What happened to being in the moment and celebrating the holiday of today instead of two months from now?
Maybe the fast-paced society of today has a hand in it. In the age of instant gratification, when we want something, we want it yesterday. Sure, some people like to shop early and get things crossed off of a to-do list, but most people in today’s world are last-minute doers. So then why all the fuss to rush the chocolate off the shelves and replace it with candy canes?
This commercial first aired on Oct. 29, 2010.
The race to set up the fake snow, tinsel, and plastic trees could have a connection to the sluggish economy. Stores could be using windows, pamphlets, and commercials in an effort to drag their revenues up. The promotions might entice shoppers to purchase more while in the store, or they often offer discounts on future purchases, ensuring the customer returns. But I think it’s something else entirely.
Competition. Shopping, in a way, is a sport. It’s competitive, cut-throat, and strategic. And the store who has the best revenue or the most customers, wins. Some stores play on tradition, dredging up memories or tugging at heart strings. Other stores shove promotions at any and everyone. And others yet, bring in celebrity guests to promote a certain theme.
Instead of the holiday season being about spending time with family and friends or relaxing for a couple days in today’s rat race, it has become about which chain store can drag the holiday out for the longest period of time. At this rate, Christmas really will be in July.
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