Marketing and all things related

Marketing Blurb does not shop much, so we are relieved that we did not encounter Christmas displays and merchandise on sale at Costco, TJMaxx and Marshalls the third week of August. But according to a National Retail Federation survey, about 21% of shoppers begin purchasing Christmas items before the end of September. (This sounds like a chicken versus egg deal to us.) But without Christmas shopping our economy will go down the tubes. Last year, holiday sales grew about 6.1% over the prior year to reach about $ 435 billion. Retail pundits including the Nation Retail Federation have not yet released a projection for holiday 2006, but word on street says analysis expect less than last year’s growth rate. So it only makes sense for retailers to try and goose the season somewhat early. However, early holiday merchandise only conditions shoppers to play the waiting game for markdowns. We are not ready for holiday shopping until we finish mowing the grass. Talk to us again in a month or two. USA Today can sell you more, if necessary.