Holiday Shopping Starts Early

Friday, October 26th 2007, 8:48 pm

By: News On 6

Itâ€™s proof that it is never too early to deck the halls. We haven't even celebrated Halloween yet, but stores are already starting the Christmas push. The News On 6â€™s Joshua Brakhage reports worries about this year's consumer spending have pushed the beginning of the holiday shopping season up earlier than ever.

The in-your-face assault of garland and elves may still be a month away, but predictions of the worst holiday shopping season in five years has retailers getting into the spirit early.

"I'm also hoping to spend less this year, maybe do some more sentimental things," said shopper Sharon Leighton.

Retailers are dealing with a debt-laden crowd, a soft economy and a season definitely lacking in the "it" gift department. The only standouts this season are electronics like the iPhone. That's why stores have already started the sales.

Wal-Mart has slashed prices on toys by 50% and plans more cuts every week through Christmas.

"Even high income shoppers with incomes over $100,000 were cutting, about 20% of them were cutting back," retail expert Wendy Liebmann said.

It's also a do or die time for retailers, since this is the time of year many stores make half the year's money.

"I see some stuff on sale so I'm thinking maybe I might get started a little earlier this year," said shopper Felicia Rennis.

That's on the retailerâ€™s wish list as they pull out all the stops to get you in the shopping spirit.

Experts say the average shopper will fork out more than $800 this year on gifts for family, friends, and themselves. That's just slightly more than the average spending last holiday season.