Christmas Hits the Stores Early

It's the most wonderful time of the year- well, not yet. But with Christmas decorations and talk of Black Friday sales popping up earlier everywhere, retailers seem to think so.

Does this add holiday pressure onto shoppers? Will the early bargains help the looming economy?

According to the Maryland Retailers Association (MRA), there is a strong consumer demand for holiday items and retailers are cautiously optimistic on 2010 holiday sales with sales increases of 1 to 2 percent.

"Retailers are guardedly optimistic that the economy has finally turned the corner to recovery," noted MRA President Patrick Donoho. "There is pent up consumer demand and improving economic conditions are major reasons for the retail forecast."

Pat's Hallmark in Gambrills sees the consumer demand for Christmas gifts and decorations on a daily basis. Co-owner, Pat Sharpe, said the holiday hassle is a win-win situation for both the retailer and the consumer.

"Christmas is a very big holiday for consumers and retailers are taking advantage of the demand," Sharpe said.  "People want to get a head start. I have had customers who've said that they buy Christmas cards and address them at the beach during Labor Day."

Sharpe said her employees began stocking store shelves with Christmas items in early October.

"We recently had our ornament debut. We introduced 150 new ornaments and people rush out and buy them because they like to collect them," Sharpe said. "We start putting our items out early because if we waited until December, we would not get all the items up in time. We understand that people are pressed for time."

Kmart in Crofton has also started their Christmas displays and Bowie Town Center put the finishing touches on their  Christmas tree  and holiday decorations early this week.

Local resident Denise Wilson said she has not felt any pressure from the early holiday decorations or sales.

"I always like to stay ahead of the curve," Wilson said.  "I like to get my shopping done early and with all the early Christmas sales around, I can save money and get all of my shopping out of the way. I'm helping myself and the economy at the same time."

Donaho also pointed out the sales will not disappoint and will greatly benefit shoppers.

"Our members know that price matters in these tough economic times and will aggressively compete for consumers' business," he said. The MRA hopes that Maryland shoppers will support their local economy by shopping Maryland retailers.

"With increased competition from a variety of sources such as neighboring states without sales tax or lower sales taxes to internet sales, shopping local retailers will not only help the communities of Maryland but the state budget as well with increased sales tax revenue that would be lost to internet sales or neighboring states," he said.