It is November 2, 2007, and already it’s starting.
Actually "it" started a few weeks ago.
You know what I’m talking about.
That holiday rush.
Christmas merchandise began edging out Halloween goodies just three weeks ago. And yesterday, when I turned on the radio, our local station was playing Christmas Carols. "Our gift to you," says the d.j.
Playing Christmas songs two months before Christmas is a gift?
Perhaps the gift of insanity.
My brother works at one of those big box stores whose initials are "Home Depot," and he freely admits that he feels like a Scrooge by the time Christmas arrives.
Home Depot has been setting out Christmas merchandise since well before Halloween, but those other big box stores like Menards and WalMart were ahead of Home Depot in that area. October 1? Time for Christmas! Bring on the red and green! Bring on the lighted Christmas trees! Set out the wrapping paper!
My brother’s store plays Christmas carols round the clock. Customers think this is wonderful, to hear holiday music all day long. Not so, says this employee, not when it’s all Kathy Lee. He’d much rather listen to Bob Rivers’ "Twisted Christmas" (available at amazon.com), which spoofs such holiday hits as "White Christmas" and "God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen." Unfortunately, my brother is not allowed access to the office where the holiday music is set to get shoppers in the spending mood.
My brother is so sick of decorated everything, holiday music, and tool and gadget gift sets by the time Christmas arrives, he doesn’t even bother with a Christmas tree at home. Why, when he can enjoy one at his workplace and everywhere else by the time November 1 rolls around?
I noticed while at a department store yesterday that winter outerwear is marked down 20%. That means by the end of December, winter coats, boots, and snow pants will be extinct, being overrun by ubiquitous bathing suits and spring line of clothing.
Just one more thing that contributes to the rushed feeling shoppers have every season. Shoppers must rush to get their shopping done before the merchandise is completely gone and gift givers are left empty-handed.
Instead of starting Christmas in October, or July, or, Heaven forbid, in December which is the month Christmas should be celebrated, perhaps retailers should just set aside two aisles in their stores for holiday merchandise. Two aisles for Christmas, two aisles for Halloween, two for Thanksgiving, two for Valentine’s day, etc. Then, customers could shop year-round for holiday goods and not feel crazed when certain items pop up out of season. This way, holiday goods would always be in season. Soap-on-a-rope could be had for Independence Day festivities, instead of just on Father’s Day and Christmas.
I think it’s a fine idea.
But just hold the Christmas music until December.
