Too early for Christmas decorations?

Christmas season is underway. Lights, ribbon and wreaths decorate shops but why so soon?

By Victoria Sanchez
The Tori Times Online

Is it too early to have decorations up? This year store are getting a head start on the holiday season. Photo: Cupid Prancer
Shops at malls want consumers to know that they're there and ready for business even before shoppers are ready to buy. Photo: Moni Baggs

When most people start taking down their Halloween decorations, stores around Los Angeles put up garland and wreaths. But this jump start on the holiday doesn't sit well with all consumers or even business owners.

Decorations are put up early for a reason; and that's to get those holiday shoppers started early.

"Stores want you to buy more stuff. Eventurally you buy it," Kristin Diehl, Professor of Marketing at the University of Southern California said.

That's why "The Wrapper" Christmas shop at The Grove opened up even before the big candy night for kids. "You need to get yourself out there advertising wise even if people don't buy anything, they need to see it and get the idea and get them going on it," said Bethany Bowen, holiday shop manager.

But not all shop owners at The Grove shopping center in Los Angeles enjoy the early festivites. Monica Thee, a bakery shop owner said that she has no choice when it comes to putting up the decorations because shoppers expect to see them up early.

"I don't like the Christmas decorations up. You're already expecting Christmas and Thanksgivng is not even over," Thee said. "It's not even here yet!"